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,
Hi Kris, I love it when a women uses words like “my stank” (lol). I just ordered the Herban Cowboy unscented stick online. I want to tell you that I appreciate your down to earth honesty and no pulling punches in all your videos. Please continue on with your kind of humor that I totally relate with and your home style integrity of putting the truth on from your experience. You are may new and most favorite person! (the wife is getting jealous). BTW, you have the greatest smile! :@) Sincerely, a new bud, Dave.
I sweat like crazy, and the Thai Crystal Stone has worked wonderfully! Every other ‘natural’ deodorant I tried did nothing to mask my sweaty stinkiness. I’m extremely happy with the stone.
My grandmother used to use a cream deodorant and a liquid that was in a bottle like perfume (maybe it was!) back in the 70’s. They came from AVON. Thanks for that memory. I have used the stone, personally, and did find it worked well. Lately I have been using Tom’s, but it only works for a short time (less than 2 hours) and I have to re-apply. 🙁
Thank you for searching through and putting these to the test for us!!! You are SO brave to put these to such a test. That grizzly looks so rough. 😉 Have a great day!
–Janice
I have tried all the natural deodorants, the only one that passes the test for me is Alvera aloe roll on, it works great. better than crystal or any of them. I have also noticed it takes a few months for your armpits to detox from store junk. Mine would smell, but I did not give up! now I have no odor. oh yeah, and I also wipe myself with seventh generation baby wipes before I put my Alvera on every morning. I only recomend seventh generation because they are truly natural.
Thanks for this post! I have just been using Toms because it’s been the easiest and most convenient for me to get. Most days, I typically do not wear deodorant (because I forget). I have found that the Toms does wear off and I typically have to reapply, especially before my evening gym session. So thanks. Now I know some other brands to search for.
I have tried numerous natural and organic deodorant’s. Contrary to your evaluation Kris….and I am a sweater, Toms of Maine was the best to date. Having said that, you are partially correct, in that, you must ensure you purchase only deodorant that indicates “24 hour odor protection” on the label, otherwise it does not last long. BTW, my fav fragrance is Calendula as well!
In addition, I would suggest due diligence before using crystal deodorant’s if you are worried about sodium intake. I believe most of them are ‘salts’?
Keep up the great work!
Thanks,
Rick
Oh my gosh, I was JUST about to make my own! Thank I might try these instead!
After years of trying a large variety of products (and spending much too much at Whole Foods for the ‘good stuff’), I’ve been successfully using baking soda for over a year and a half now. You don’t need a huge quantity and (for me) it lasts a long time. My friends no longer avoid standing close, and my wife is content…enough that she uses it too!
Thanks for the entertaining and informative video…but until the baking soda stops working, I’ll stick with it! Keep up the great work.
BTW, love CSK recipes.
just wanted to make sure you use aluminum free baking soda like bob’s redmill. Regular baking soda (arm & hammer) has aluminum in it. Did not know if you knew that. Wanted to make sure you were aware of that. I use bob’s redmill soda in everything.
Hi Kris!
I found the perfect deodorant. It’s called Power Prism made by a herbalist. You can purchase it from Wellinhand on line. They have a crystal rock that, well…rocks! Works better than anything I’ve tried.
I enjoy your serious and yet light hearted approach to wellness.
Big love!
Lisa
I SOOO wanted Soapwalla to work! Small company; woman owned great reviews……..it makes my pits develop a HORRID rash…….every time 🙁 So – no go.
EWG rating of 3 THREE is too high! Yikes! Wild greens stick is next I guess.
What you describe is most likely a reaction to the pH change from baking soda. I have been handcrafting GREENBODY pure on purpose natural deodorant since 2009 and have been developing an innovative ADVANCED formula that is effective without baking soda, and is also a detoxing & anti-aging powerhouse.
Primal pit paste it the bomb!!
Hi there cutie! Have your tried Dirty Girl Farm? We have lots and lots of happy customers who have tried many natural deodorants that DONT work and then found ours and voila! worked the first time. Our customers also say that it stays with them for days and most people skip a day or two in between applications. Our deodorants ( and all of our products) are made with only vegan, gluten free and organic ingredients. I would love to send you some to try. Our newest, Shea Butter Formula is my fav. It’s scented with a blend of frankincense, lime and lavender which are also natural deodorizers. It is…heavenly and ultra moisturizing! Heather
Hi Kris!
I loved this video…I made my 13 year old daughter watch it with me, and she was cracking up when you “licked” the stick deodorant. LOL.
I saw this essential oil deodorant recipe a few months ago, and I’ve been using it ever since. I love, love, LOVE it!! I use doTERRA essential oils, and I substitute their Zendocrine for the lemongrass called for in the recipe…mainly because I didn’t have lemongrass on hand.
http://www.hol-fit.com/2013/07/how-oily-is-your-life-diy-deodorant.html
Girrrrrrrllllll…my pits smell SO GOOD that I regularly make family members sniff them. 😀
Give it a try…the grizzly bear will LOVE it!
xo,
Heather
Hi Kris!
Great review! I noticed that you didn’t include the Miessence organic deodorants.
They are made in Australia and contain absolutely NO nasties!! They come in 2 aromas or aroma-free and YES – they actually work!! I would be happy to send you a sample in the mail if you would like to try it out yourself just let me know.
Hi there Sarah,
Whoops! Miessence has been added to Kris’ rankings chart. Thanks for noticing!
All the best,
Elizabeth, Managing Editor at KrisCarr.com
Love, love. love the video entertaining, informative and so funny. As a building biologist I always recommend to my clients, get rid of the toxic stuff we put on our bodies, if the body needs to sweat, why are we stopping this natural process to eliminate toxins. I’m a big fan of Soapwalla Deodorant Cream and I also like Meow Meow Tweet Deodorant Cream (yes, I know interesting name!!). I also like Moo Goo and Biologika.
Thanks Kris… Great topic!
Here in Australia, I use Mukti Organics roll on deodorant, which actually works! I’ve tested quite a few & finally found this one which is really good! and its from Australia which is even better :)www.muktiorganics.com
Now I need to find a nice organic chemical free perfume! I have tried so many over the last 2 years & they all smell horrid. I now just use essential oils or nothing at all, but would like to know if anyone has found a good one that actually smells nice?
Had to write on this because after having breast cancer I swore off all underarm products. Weary of even the good ones.
I was at a local farmers market and the vendor was selling fantastic natural soaps and I saw her deodorant – with a pink ribbon no less. Still skeptical. But after reading what was in it I actually bought it. Key ingredient is Frankincense which she states on her website “is under serious study for it’s cancer- fighting properties.”
I love it. I snicker a bit when first applied because it smells like high mass!
Re the Frankincense Deodorant which it is called. It is from Soap of the Earth. soap-of-the-earth.com
Crystal Essence Roll-on with the Lavender and White Tea scent is one that works best for me along with just a regular unscented salt crystal, but I like having a nice girly scent to go along with it. And it leaves no white residue!
I am curious about the creams though, I’ve never tried those.
This is awesome. And the funniest part is that as I am watching, I am like “oh ya, I know all this I switched to an AWESOME deodorant 9 years ago. But why isn’t Kris showing the deodorant that I use??”. Then I go to the bathroom and pull it out …reading the list of my awesome herbal deodorant…. propylene glycol!! Talc!!..I just didn’t know what that was before!! LOL Thank you so much…I had no idea I was putting crazy stuff on my pits. I thought I was aware and on it just cuz it didn’t have alumininum, it said Herbal, and it came from the health store. Love learning more. Thank you. I am off to find better***
I vote for Weleda, Sage or Rose. Well tested, I’ve used them for years. 🙂
It’s just a little funny when people compliment you on smelling so nice, and want to know what you’re wearing……..
Like a few others who commented, I use baking soda as a deodorant as well. I simply put a little baking soda at the bottom of small bottle with a narrow top add water and shake up. I keep the solution in my bathroom and just shake up the bottle and apply with fingertips to my underarms after showering.
I also use a baking soda and water solution as my shampoo. For me, I use one rounded kitchen tablespoon of baking soda to a 22 oz squeeze bottle, add water to fill the bottle, shake up and squeeze all over my wet hair. Rub in for several minutes and rinse thoroughly.
Also, sometimes this solution can make the hair rather dry. In that case I add one drop, at the most 2 drops of tolerated oil to the bottle before adding the water and shaking up. Helps condition the hair and keep the baking soda solution from drying it out.
After becoming allergic to almost every natural shampoo and deodorant out there, I had to find other solutions, and thankfully after a search on the internet, they were found right in my own kitchen.