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,
You are just the cutest thing ever! I love your energy 🙂 Thanks for sharing!!!!
I use and LOVE Primal Pit Paste
I’ve used a few natural deodorants and I have to say that not many neutralize the odor of bacteria. I used Tom’s Lavender and the apricot and neither one protected for long, I switched to Coastal Classic Creations “Wave Crest Deodorant” which is a baking soda powder deodorant, but it burned my armpits. I then switched to Fig + Yarrow’s underarm lotion, which I liked, but I would still get the bacterial odor after x amount of hours. I am currently using “Crystal Essence Roll On, Lavender and White Tea,” so far this one is the winner. I am sure the two previous ones work well, but on other people with different body chemistry.
i use OBVITA for men-herbal formula-smells fresh and though i still sweat,it isn’t stinky.
The best ‘organic for real’ deodorant is Terressentials brand. I even did a review on my blog ‘The Queens Table’ on blogspot. The EWG rating is 0! You can eat Terressential products they are so pure.
I have used the crystal rock for 30+ years and it has always done the job of keeping odor at bay. In tense situations, I tend to perspire quite a bit and the rock is the best in my opinion.
Hi Kris,
After having tried several natural deodorants over the last few years, I finally found one just before this last summer and it truly worked for me, even in the 100+ degree weather! Even more pleasing is that it is all natural and organic. It is a roll-on made by Real Purity http://www.realpurity.com/deodorant.html. I’ve never cared for roll-on deodorants, however, this one works so well I decided to keep using it. Once it dries it is not sticky whatsoever, and I have not experienced any odor AT ALL since I started using it, even on days that I don’t apply it. Several of my friends have also tried it and say that it is the best natural deodorant they have used!
Give it a try- you might be pleasantly surprised! 🙂
Oooh Carolyn! I’m gonna try that one out! Thank for the tip 🙂
Love,
Ronja
Hey, I found out something really cool about using Magnesium oil. It makes my pits not smell at all. Magnesium is one of the minerals we most need to supplement. You can find it online and at most natural health and organic food stores. You can also make your own with magnesium flakes and distilled or purified water. (This is not the same magnesium as in Epsom salts.) You can find the recipe online for that too. All the info for this is at http://www.foodrenegad.com. Look for the article, “How I Quit Using Deodorant with Magnesium. I don’t know how it works but I tried it and it works.
Sorry, correction. Look for “How to Make Magnesium Oil” @ www,foodrenegade.com. The article “How I Quit Using Deodorant with Magnesium” is at http://www.cheeseslave.com
Sorry, correction to my post about Magnesium oil. Look for “How to Make Magnesium Oil” @ www,foodrenegade.com. The article “How I Quit Using Deodorant with Magnesium” is at http://www.cheeseslave.com
Nice to know we are on the same wavelength! I am just getting ready to write a blog post on this very subject because I finally found a deodorant to rave about. Herbalix Restoratives is the brand (www.herbalix.com) and they make regular deodorant that I use in the mornings, but also a special detoxifying deodorant to use at night before bed. It is supposed to help detoxify all the leftover gunk in that very delicate area near lymph nodes, breast tissue, etc. Although totally off-topic, they also make a fabulous shampoo!
I love the Toms of Maine deodorant. I used Secret since I was a child and just felt like it left too much gunk under my arms. I have been reading alot about the products we put on our bodies and the chemicals they contain, so I decided it was time for a change. Its been great and I workout and run too and it has excellent protection.
I use Neurotically Natural on Etsy!
Hi Kris,
After having tried several natural deodorants over the last few years, I finally found one just before this last summer and it truly worked for me, even in the 100+ degree weather! Even more pleasing is that it is all natural and organic, and it also has a very low rating of “1” by the EWG. It is a roll-on made by Real Purity http://www.realpurity.com/deodorant.html. I’ve never cared for roll-on deodorants, however, this one works so well I decided to keep using it. Once it dries it is not sticky whatsoever, and I have not experienced any odor AT ALL since I started using it, even on days that I don’t apply it. Several of my friends have also tried it and say that it is the best natural deodorant they have used!
Give it a try- you might be pleasantly surprised! 🙂
WHEN CHOOSING A DEODORANT MAKE SURE YOU CHECK INGREDIENTS. EVEN IF IT SAYS ITS PROPELENE GLYCOL FREE DOUBLE CHECK. IF IT HAS PROPANDOIL ITS NOT PROPELENE GLYCOL FREE THATS ANOTHER NAME FOR PROPELENE GLYCOL
I love the Thai crystal and have used it for years. It has no scent and while I feel it works great, I like a little wiff of fresh smelling something so I top it with Nature’s Gate Herbal Blend Deodorant in Tea Tree & Blue Cypress which is a very smooth gliding stick. It says it also has baking soda and veggie enzymes and is certified organic, cruelity free and vegan. Seems to cover all bases and lasts a long time!
I have used the Thai Crystal Deodorant Stone for years and love it. I put it on when I am still wet from the shower. I bath with a Norwex body cloth, which eliminates the need for soap and I don’t have any problems with body odor.
I’m surprised Life Stinks didn’t make the cut. After much trial and error I found something that actually worked! I’d tried both natural and common deodorants and non were effective, my body chemistry would somehow mix with the chemicals of the deodorant and leave me with a funky smell. Now we can’t live without this stuff. And the story behind it is nice too.
Try Primal Pit Paste! We really like it! (I like the jar though, the stick is too hard and gritty to rub on).
I discovered Ava Anderson Non Toxic products a year ago and loved them so much I became a consultant. Shortly after joining their team to spread the non toxic message they came out with an amazing deodorant, which rates a 0 on the ewg scale and smells amazing! I sweat a lot and have always had problems finding a deodorant that works. This is it! It cuts down on the sweating and after a long day I still don’t stink! You have to try it!
Another one for Ava Anderson! Question, does it leave any kind of mark, oil or stain on your clothing??? Thanks!
Every other message is from Ava Anderson. I have a feeling many of them are from the company.
Hi! This is Kim, Ava’s mom and president of Ava Anderson Non Toxic – just wanted to jump in here … All of these testimonials are from customers and consultants – we have thousands of Ava Consultants across the country – and deodorant is one of our bestsellers. We supported Ava in her business to help share this information in every American home. So many just are not aware of the chemicals in products they use on their bodies and in their personal air space. As an aside – we do not share this important message of toxins in products to sell products, we created the products to share the message. http://www.avaandersonnontoxic.com https://www.facebook.com/AvaAndersonNonToxic
I just joined Ava – and I cannot wait to try the products!!! I have full confidence that I have joined an AMAZING team – that shares an AMAZING message!
I agree. I think the company is using this comment section to advertise their products.
Hi there,
I tried a few “natural” and found out they were not safe at all. I use Ava Anderson Non Toxic, works great, smells great and is safe for everyone.
Hmm, a lot of people seem to like Ava Anderson. I wonder, with the oils, does it come off on your clothing? I tried soaking a white tshirt today with hydrogen peroxide and it would barely soak in because of the deodorant. The pit stain didn’t come off in the wash either. Guess I should’ve soaked it longer.
Can’t wait to detox and stop using commercial deodorant! thank you Kris, and thanks to everyone who left a comment.
Herban Cowboy’s deodorant contains Propanediol (which on EWG’s website is basically Propylene Glycol although on the lid of the deodorant there is a sticker that says No Propylene Glycol). On the back of the deodorant stick is the ingredient list and Propanediol is the first ingredient,..yet there’s also a cross symbol denoting it is “Natural/Sustainable”…yeah, right. A big lie. Definitely not a “natural” product. I won’t be purchasing anymore of their products.
Thanks for letting us know about this. I’ve noticed a lot of natural deodorants have iffy ingredients. So Herban Cowboy and Crystal Essence are now off my list. I hep Kris is reading this!!!