Hiya Gorgeous,
Let’s talk B.O.!
Do natural deodorants really work? Why should we use them? Which ones are best?
As per usual, there’s more here than meets the nose! In this video and blog, I’m giving you the down and stinky scoop on deodorants and antiperspirants. Like many of you, I’ve been on the hunt for natural products that work for years, and now I’m gettin’ down and dirty to find the best natural deodorant. I finally tested over a dozen products and included the results in this (hilarious) video and awesome infographic below.
Pssst! Make sure you watch the entire video. You don’t want to miss my surprise guest—A GRIZZLY BEAR!
Your skin is your body’s largest organ and it’s really good at absorbing what you put on it.
Think about it like this: when smokers want to quit, they slap on a patch that delivers nicotine right to their bloodstream via their skin, same deal with the birth control patch. There are even vitamin B12 patches! With your spongy epidermis in mind, it’s important we do our best to reduce our chemical exposure. Which includes what we put on our pits. I can’t wait to discuss this all with you. Let’s dive in!
To clear up our stinkin’ thinkin’ about, well, stinkin’, here are a few starting points about deodorants, antiperspirants and good ole sweat:
- Why do we sweat? Sweating is our body’s cooling mechanism. We sweat when it’s hot out, when we’ve been exercising, when we have a fever or when we’re anxious and stressed.
- Why does it smell bad? Actually, sweat itself doesn’t smell. That signature sweaty odor comes from the meeting of the bacteria living on our skin with the sweat escaping from our sweat glands.
- What are antiperspirants? Some people try to prevent body odor by using an antiperspirant to stop their bodies from sweating (yikes!). Unfortunately, it’s unlikely that you’ll ever find a truly non-toxic anti-perspirant because of the harsh ingredients necessary to prevent sweating—more on this in a moment.
- What are deodorants? Unlike an antiperspirant, a deodorant works on top of the skin, killing off the bacteria with an antiseptic ingredient, then covering any leftover odors with a scent. As with all personal products, it’s important to be an informed consumer to select a safe natural deodorant. The good news is that it’s possible!
Conventional Deodorants & Antiperspirants
What should you be looking for when you check the ingredients on your next stick? Here are a few of the potentially harmful things found in regular deodorants and antiperspirants. These are the guys you want to avoid. Take note: Some of these ingredients will be spelled out right on the label, and some won’t be, so you might have to sleuth a little further.
Talc
What does it do? Absorbent and colorant.
Why should you avoid it? It is considered a carcinogen if it contains asbesiform fibers. But there’s no way to know if the talc in your product contains asbestos. So stay away—better safe than sorry.
Triclosan
What does it do? Kills bacteria.
Why should you avoid it? Triclosan disrupts the endocrine and immune systems, can cause allergic reactions and can also build up in your tissues.
BHT
What does it do? Acts as a preservative.
Why should you avoid it? BHT can cause allergic reactions and has also been linked to cancer.
Propylene glycol
What does it do? Keep things from drying out. Propylene glycol is used in cars as an anti-freeze and in airplanes as a de-icer.
Why should you avoid it? It can irritate your skin (and gosh knows what else).
Parabens
What do they do? Used as a preservative, containing antibacterial and antifungal properties.
Why should you avoid them? Many parabens mimic estrogen in the body, and have been found inside breast cancer tumors. The widespread use of parabens in personal care products makes their potential link to cancer especially concerning. Most experts call for more research.
Fragrance
What does it do? This one is pretty straight forward: the synthetic chemicals listed as “fragrance” are included in products to mask body odor.
Why should you avoid it? There are an alarming number of chemicals (over 3100!) that fall into the fragrance category. According to the Environmental Working Group: “The average fragrance product tested contained 14 secret chemicals not listed on the label. Among them are chemicals associated with hormone disruption and allergic reactions, and many substances that have not been assessed for safety in personal care products.”
Phthalates
What do they do? These chemicals are called plasticizers—they make products more spreadable.
Why should you avoid them? Phthalates have been found to be endocrine disruptors (chemicals that can affect your hormones).
Aluminum Chlorohydrate
What does it do? Aluminum chlorohydrate is a salt that prevents wetness, which makes it a very popular ingredient in antiperspirants.
Why should you avoid it? The continued use of aluminum chlorohydrate adds to the number of chemicals your body must eliminate and to your overall body burden (see more below).
How do these chemicals impact your health?
As our friend Heather White, the Executive Director of Environmental Working Group, put it so clearly during our Chat & Chew, we just don’t know what the long term effects of the buildup of these chemicals are, and the things we do know are pretty alarming. When EWG studied body burden, (the amount of chemicals stored in our bodies), they found the average person has nearly 300 different chemicals in their system, including PCBs and DDT, which were banned over 30 YEARS AGO in the US.
Natural Deodorant
But there’s good news! Lucky for us, there are natural ingredients that can be used in place of the chemicals. Remember that we all have different body chemistry. That’s why your best friend might swear by a certain brand, but that same formula might leave you wanting (and wafting). What works magic for me may or may not work for you.
Disclaimer: Read your labels tootsies! When you test your own deodorants, keep in mind that not all natural deodorants are created equal. And just because a product says “natural” on the package doesn’t mean it’s all good in the hood. If you can find products that are certified organic (not always possible), that may be the best way to go, since the labeling has a more stringent standard than “natural.”
My Natural Deodorant Rankings
I hope you enjoy my video (watch above!) and rankings chart, which cover a slew of sticks (and rocks, and sprays, and creams—whew!). The natural deodorants I tested are all free of the harsh toxic chemicals and are cruelty-free. I ranked the deodorants a few ways: How well they worked for me, how enjoyable they were to use (sticky? chalky? silky?), and how they rated at EWG’s Skin Deep database. Though I tested over 15 products, I only included the top 9 because many of the others ranked too high at skindeep (over a 3 rating). Download my Natural Deodorant Rankings chart below!
Have I mentioned that there’s a bear in today’s video? Don’t miss it!
Your turn: Have you found a natural deodorant that works? Share your successes (and failures) in the comments below!
Peace & healthy pits,
Loved the video, it made me laugh. I have just recently tried Primal Pit stick, it’s working ok but it’s really hard to rub on. I am going to try some of your suggestions, thanks for posting.
fun video! i have been slowly changing all of my personal care items (almost two years…..) and literally just yesterday decided i needed to figure out what to replace my “Dove GoSleeveless” deodorant with …. thanks so much for saving me a whole lot of time and effort. i’m going to begin with trying the THAI crystal stone.
Hi Kris
I use Aloe Ever-Shield from forever living products
and it works great and its also made with aloe vera.
work amazing.
https://www.foreverliving.com/retail/shop/shopping.do?task=viewProductDetail&itemCode=067
I LOVE Simply Divine Botanicals product Keeping ABreast of It. It works so well AND encourages lymphatic circulation.
I never thought I would make my own deodorant, but after trying several of the natural kinds, I finally made it myself and it’s the best ever! I used this recipe from Mind Body Green and I really love it. No stink, less sweat, and I know what is in it!
http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-5970/A-Quick-Easy-Natural-Deodorant-Recipe.html
Benedetta is the very best for me, and I have tried many! http://www.benedetta.com/DEODORANT-SPRAY-100-Organic-p/r26deop.htm
LOVE AVA ANDERSON DEO….YOU MUST TRY IT!!! The ingredients are phenomenal!!!
Ava Anderson Non-Toxic Organic Deodorant is the ONLY Aluminum-free, Paraben-Free deodorant I have EVER used in my life that actually WORKED. Smells fantastic, too! Please consider trying and adding it to the list. Thank you!
Check out these deodorants
• NO Preservatives
• NO Heavy Metals
• NO Aluminium Salts
• NO Synthetics
I have been using one that I swear by…it’s called Primal Pit Paste and it works wonderfully! It has not make it onto the EWG database as of yet,, tho.
http://www.primalpitpaste.com/
I have tried a lot of natural deodorants, and some were really expensive ($18-20) and made out of coconut oil and other good things, the problem has been that they would leave horrendous marks on my and my Husband’s shirts that would take 3-4 soaking and washing cycles to remove. I really like baking soda, applied directly to the arm pit, very simple, inexpensive, can be reapplied as more needed and does the job pretty well. Tapioca starch works pretty well too. I do also use crystal deodorant on some days. I also have one “not natural” for very very rare occasions when I have a silk shirt/dress on and cannot have any stain on it at all.
I use the Crystal Essense it works and smells great too. I really like the chamomile one.
okay I have ordered 3 to try (Ava Anderson requires you to order 2 at a a time, so I am holding off for now): Soapwalla (pricey), Funk Butter, and Primal Pit to try.
I loved Primal Pit Paste – but after a short amount of time – I started breaking out into a terrible, terrible, rash. I was using only a pea sized amount -and the lite version, and it just did not matter. It was too painful to continue – to my sadness, because it DID work so very well! I did discover that Phillips Milk of Magnesia works great as a natural deo – but can be a pain at times to apply, dry, for me, needs to be on freshly clean armpits, etc. I still use it – but just signed up with Ava Anderson Non Toxic and am SO excited to try their deo – and REALLY hope it works for me!!!! I love Ava and stand behind her message and her products!
Arm & Hammer has a good deodorant, but contains Triclosan. Is there a way to ask them to remove it?
Thanks
Alicia
Hi, I’ve been using the Crystal Essence unscented roll on for years now and recently discovered the lavender & white tea which I love – was pleased to see that it is one of your faves!
Great explanation the dangers of conventional deodorants. I am just surprised you didn’t try Ava Anderson Deodorant! It is AMAZING! Incredibly effective and zero toxic ingredients. I hope you will give it a try and let all of us know how you like it! Thank you for all you do to help educate us about toxins.
Love you, your message, your books, videos, blogs – all things Unicorn.. I’ve introduced you to sooo many wonderful people. I personally, use Bumble & Bee Super or Orange Vanilla Pit Putty Cream – and follow it up 6 or 7 hours later with their Pit Putty Stick – Love it! (And, I am an active person!)
EWG is not the same as it once was. Although a product may have a low overall number, if you look at the individual ingredients within the product, you will see much higher numbers. Yes EWG is a good place to start, but you gotta look past the overall number and you gotta read your labels. Also check out Ava Anderson Non Toxic. They make GREAT products and a GREAT ORGANIC deodorant.
Alvera Aloe Almond is FANTASTIC. I used to work in a health food store, so tried lots of different ones. Alvera has worked for me for years, and w/out it I’m a stinky girl!!
Soapwalla! It’s been my new fav for about a year – the cream does seem weird at first, but it works amazing, smells great, and has a 0 rating on EWG.
I also find that when I’m eating clean and working out regularly my ‘stank’ is much less intense – thanks to my clean liver for getting those toxins out!
Thanks Kris.