I’ve been using natural deodorant for about six weeks now. I wanted to share my personal experience. There’s a LOT of information (and misinformation) out there, so I recommend doing your own thorough research, speaking with your doctor or dermatologist, and ultimately figuring out what works for you. This is what I’ve done, and why I’ve done it.
So I’ve read countless articles about the dangers of aluminum in antiperspirant. If you read the back of your label, you’ll probably see something like 20% aluminum. TWENTY PERCENT. There are mixed opinions on whether or not aluminum is actually that bad for you. My opinion is that it doesn’t hurt to opt out. There are chemicals everywhere; you couldn’t remove all exposure to chemicals, even if you moved to some remote island. I wear makeup on my skin that has chemicals. My sunscreen has chemicals. I swim in pools with chemicals. I drive a gas powered car. I use laundry detergent with chemicals. The list goes on and on. To get rid of all chemicals would require a complete lifestyle change. And, frankly, I’m not ready for it.
I might not be able to do a complete 180 with my lifestyle, I can start making small baby step changes. My first step? Natural deodorant.
I jumped on the natural deodorant train after visiting Follain on Nantucket. They exclusively carry natural products. I tried a few different beauty products, but ultimately was most excited about trying the deodorant. It was perfect timing too, because I had just run out of my favorite deodorant and was going to have to make some kind of purchase that day, whether it was a repurchase at the grocery store or a natural deodorant at Follain.
The store manager walked me through the different options and I went with Meow Meow Tweet’s Grapefruit one. Now I’m using Tom’s Long-Lasting Wild Lavender Deodorant. Both are great options and good starting points. I kind of want to keep trying different ones too just to see if there are any better options out there… so let me know if you have a favorite.
This is likely going to be a disorganized brain dump. I have been taking mental notes of everything I wanted to share about my experience, so here we go.
1. Starting in summer is probably not a good time to start. I had this specific thought about ten times a day. Summer is HOT. We’ve had so many excruciatingly hot days and it made me miss my regular aluminum-ridden deodorant.
2. Sweating is a weird sensation. Deodorant is NOT an antiperspirant. It eliminates odors, but it doesn’t stop the sweating. (That’s what the aluminum does!) Honestly, I had gotten so used to wearing antiperspirant, that I don’t really know what the sweating felt like anymore. It’s weird when you’re not used to it. But sweating is a totally normal biological reaction to heat. I do have to be more conscientious about what shirts/tops I’m wearing because sweating can lead to sweat marks.
3. I’m paranoid about smelling bad. The absolute WORST part of the transition is being paranoid about smelling bad. I kept asking my boyfriend and my friends if I smelled. I made everyone SWEAR that they would tell me if I ever smelled. I don’t know if I’ve ever been more paranoid about something, in my life. (When I went down to Charleston and it was 100 degrees with 100 percent humidity, I was freaking out about how I smelled the entire time. Everyone promised that I didn’t though… so I had no choice but to believe them.)
4. It wasn’t as bad of a transition as everyone led me to believe. When I first made the decision to try it out, everyone freaked me out. I heard a variation of every horror story between what I read on the internet and what people were DMing me. People warned me about a transition period where I’d be fine for two weeks and then the smelliest person on earth overnight. I heard that I needed to detox my pits. I heard about rashes and allergic reactions and random bumps. People said that nothing worked for them.
It was definitely weird at first to be doing something different, and to be paranoid, and to learn how to be okay with sweating… but it wasn’t that bad.
The only time my sweat seems to smell is after I get nervous. I think nervous sweat must be some kind of different hormone or something. And I still get paranoid, so I just reapply whenever I get the chance. I want to find some kind of travel/tiny deodorant to keep in my purse just in case I ever get paranoid during the day!
5. I don’t think I can ever go back. The more I think about it, the less inclined I am to put aluminum on some of the thinnest skin on my body, right where a cluster of lymph nodes are located. I seriously wanted to go back to my regular deodorant after a super hot day when my paranoia was through the roof. And then that feeling passed and I came to the realization that I’d rather be safe than sorry. Even if I’m not ready to change my entire lifestyle, this is one easy thing I can do.
THE DEODORANTS:
I’d recommend these two deodorants. Both are great, albeit different.
The Meow Meow Tweet is a cream in a tub. At first, I thought this would be a hurdle for me as I have an aversion to having dirty hands. Instead, it’s great to have a cream that you can apply and spread versus swiping a stick. I felt like I had so much more control of where the deodorant went. The grapefruit smell is pleasant, but I didn’t really smell it at all after initial application. I’d consider it more neutral-smelling than any other kind of fragrance. Again, not a bad thing when you’re going the natural route and it didn’t affect how I smelled, which is all I really care about! My only “con” for this is that the tin isn’t as easy to travel with as a stick. My recent travel spree is why I decided to try the Tom’s actually.
Tom’s Long-Lasting Wild Lavender Deodorant is more like a traditional stick that you’re used to. It definitely looks natural though. Almost clear and a little greasier than the smooth opaque stick I had been using. I LOVE the way it smells though. Having a stronger scent helped relieve some of my paranoia around smelling. I can actually smell the lavender throughout the day and it’s so pleasant. If you don’t want to deviate too far from what you’re used to, this is a good product to take the first step with.
Because both are natural, they don’t have certain stabilizers that keep the shape. Both of mine have melted while traveling and then you kind of have to mix it back together and wait for it to “set” again. To be honest, as annoying as that is, it just reaffirms my desire to avoid the chemicals.
I had no clue at all that there was 20% of aluminum in deodorant! I think I might start down the road of using a natural deodorant too!
Lauren,
http://www.atouchofsoutherngrace.com
Oh, I’m actually trying to make the move from regular to natural deodorant right now, but it makes sense when you say that summer isn’t the right time to start. That said, I don’t sweat or get hot much, so maybe it’ll be more acceptable for me! Thanks for the tips! 🙂
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
http://charmainenyw.com
I have tried so many natural deodorants (Tom’s, Native, a charcoal one I can’t remember, and a handmade one from a small boutique) and NOTHING compares to Kopari deodorant! It’s amazing and smells like coconut – so tropical but not overpowering. It works incredibly well, I don’t have to reapply even in the summer, and I don’t think the price is too bad. I agree on the aluminum scaries, natural is the way to go for such a delicate area. Cheers!
Hi Carly, I do know what you mean about nervous sweat. It definitely smells different! I love Lavanilla deodorant and also Schmidt’s. I go back and forth between natural and antiperspirant, as some days I feel I need the extra security. I work on the basis that less aluminium (yes, I’m British) must be a good thing.
The dress is wonderful!
xx from Bavaria/Germany, Rena
http://www.dressedwithsoul.com
I definitely get paranoid about smelling bad with natural deoderants but they actually work so well on my skin!
Abigail Alice x
I have recently embarked on the natural deodorant train too! I buy Native Deoderant and they have travel sizes so I throw one of them in my purse for really got potential smelly days! Absolutely love their lavender &rose and coconut vanilla and lilac! 🙂
I use Native too! I am currently trying the Hibiscus Mint, which I love! And I have a tiny travel-sized Strawberry Rhubarb, which smells amazing.
I use Native deodorant as well, and like it a lot so far! The coconut vanilla smells so good and they send you a free, tiny deodorant that you can stick in your purse with your first order. Live in DC where it’s hot and humid, and have not had problems with it yet!
Awesome! It’s all about the baby steps. I was a senior in college when I started switching to more “natural” beauty and household products. I remember thinking, no way am I ever going to stop wearing makeup and using hair products. Never gonna happen. So instead I just started making swaps with more natural brands and it was an awesome and pretty easy transition. Over 6 years later and I’ve never been tempted to go back. There are so many great options out there for more natural makeup, hair products, laundry detergent, dishwasher detergent, etc. And there are more and more hitting the market every day! Anyway, I never try to be preachy about it, but when people indicate an interest in making that switch, I get so excited and want to reassure them that you don’t have to sacrifice effectiveness!!
Also, I would highly recommend Alvera Aloe & Almonds deodorant!
I’ve been using LAVANILA luxe sport for over a year now. The only down side is not being able to just buy it at the grocery store, but they do have mini travel sized version. I absolutely LOVE it and everyone that I’ve suggested it to feels the same. https://www.sephora.com/product/sport-luxe-deodorant-P397885
This was so interesting to read Carly, I had no idea about the aluminum! I’m usually a deodorant wearer, this was so interesting!
I hope you’re having a wonderful Wednesday!
Michael
https://www.mileinmyglasses.com
Schmidt’s is my favorite. Love the lime & bergamot and charcoal magnesium versions.
I’m a big fan of Kiss My Face stick deodorant. I’ve tried Tom’s and Schmidt’s, but found Tom’s doesn’t work well for me and Schmidt’s is a crumbly mess. I get the fragrance-free Kiss My Face deodorant, but it also comes in a variety of scents. My Whole Foods has just started carrying the fragrance-free one (along with scented ones), though you can also find it on Amazon. Looking through Amazon’s choices now, though, it looks like Kiss My Face has added a lot more deodorant options since I’ve needed to repurchase!
I loved Schmidt’s but I ended up getting a rash after a few weeks of use. Now I’ve switched to Native and so far so good! Surprisingly, I feel like natural deoderant keeps me smelling fresh longer than my old regular deoderant 🤷🏻♀️
I am going through the same trial and error process with natural deodorants… only I started months ago and have tried literally 20 brands (or more!). I found winter to be even worse. I never realized it, but wearing sweaters, jeans, and boots… really make you sweat, naturally. Like you said, I had not been sweating naturally for such a long time because I have used products with aluminum them. It is really tough getting use to sweating again. Just like you I am constantly wondering if I smell bad, but no one has complained yet, ha! I still haven’t been able to kick using aluminum antiperspirant on vacation though. When I am walking around outside all day on trips and can’t “freshen up”, a.k.a. put on more natural deodorant, I still use the dreaded aluminum. If you find a miracle natural deodorant let me know! I was going to write up a blog post when I found the holy grail of natural deodorants, unbeknownst to me, I would never find one! I do really like the one I am using now, but I still find that I need to put it on at least twice a day, especially, oddly, in the winter. So frustrating!
I absolutely understand you, I mean, I live in hot and humid city.. I feel very uncomfortable at the thought of transpiring and smelling.. I’ve been using Dove antiperspirant for years and at night a cream version of Rexona that my dermatologist recommended me to use. I’m thinking about changing to the brand Simple since it must have less chemicals as the name says..
What do you think? Have you tried the Simple deodorant?
xoxo,
Jessica – whattostyle.blogspot.com
I did my switch back in the winter and honestly I think that is worse than the summer- you are constantly wearing warm, long sleeve clothing so during the transition, when you’re warm in your coat or sweater, you don’t have the chance to air your armpits out! My wool sweaters and work blazers felt wet 99% of the time, they got super smelly and I had to give it up after a month 🙁 That said, I started back up again in May and haven’t looked back. It’s strange- my body didn’t react that go-round at all. I just didn’t smell and had light sweat, even on some of the hottest summer days we have had. I use Native and love it, and they have small travel sized options to throw in your gym bag or purse!
OMG I hadn’t thought of that!
I started using Primally Pure a few months ago and love it! It’s a stick and it goes on pretty well without leaving white marks. I bought the lemongrass scent and am obsessed! It smells so clean and lasts through the sweatiest days. They have a charcoal mint that I want to try next.
I adore Primally Pure! I used the lemongrass for a while and recently switched to charcoal. Obsessed. And the cherry on top is that it doesn’t cause discoloration of my shirts like traditional deodorant did (apparently aluminium really does a number on fabrics, especially whites…)
I’ve had a subscription to Native deodorant for a couple of years and I absolutely love it! They have sample packs of 5 smaller bars that you can use to try out scents. I just have mine on a shipping schedule so I never run out (lavender for me)!
Try Primally Pure or Native! They are the BEST in my opinion 🙂
Carly, you have to try Dr. Bronners soaps if you want to knock another chemical product off your list. I swear by the peppermint bar soap, but my BF uses the citrus liquid concentrate soap. I used to hate bar soap because of the tight feeling it left on my skin, but Dr. bronners actually makes me feel moisturized! They have it at target and BB&B now as well as Trader Joe’s. Try it!
My friend swears by it– when I run out of my current body wash, I may try it!
I’ve been using some kind of charcoal deodorant from the brand Alaffia and have absolutely loved it so far (is that weird to say about a natural deodorant?) I think everyone’s body probably responds differently to this stuff, but I didn’t have any irritation or reaction and it works pretty well to guard against odor. Usually by the end of the evening (8:00ish) I start to notice a little odor, but my husband doesn’t notice (so he says).
Same here! I appreciate your thoughts on this. I’m loving Tom’s of Maine right now. I had a pretty bad reaction to Schmidt’s. Sweating is so strange! Logically I know it’s a natural function, but it just feels weird! I’m with you, trying to go more natural seems the way the world is going. It’s just going to be a process.
I’ve been loving the Lavanila deodorants. They’re definitely the best smelling and long-lasting ones I’ve found. Not going to lie, my transition period was pretty smelly but I still don’t regret going natural.
briana | youngsophisticate.com
Hi Carly,
I was using Native deodorant for about a year and just recently made the switch to Primally Pure and I love it so much more! I’ve used the Charcoal one (love it!) and am now trying out the Lavender and so far so good!
I really like native brand. The vanilla is subtle but nice. I am super paranoid about smelling and this brand works well!
As someone who works in science, I really appreciate how carefully you worded your second paragraph. Thank you for not using some vague “studies show” or “toxins” language, and for pointing out that chemicals are everywhere. You can’t imagine how happy this makes me. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
Yes! I felt the same way!
Making better choices for your body/the environment are wonderful, but they don’t need to come because of vague fear-mongering and hype (:
And thanks for the recommendations to try Carly! Like you said, there’s SO much information out there & so many transition horror stories,bits nice to hear a positive and realistic experience
I have nothing but amazing things to say about Norwex Natural Deodorant Stick! I had a not so great reaction to Tom’s deodorant in the past which put me off other natural deodorants for a while but this one has been gentle and strong enough to make me comfortable!
I am a huge fan of Soapwalla thanks to the friendly folks at Follain. It’s a cream, so it can seem a little funny at first to apply it with your fingers, but 3 years later I swear by it. It does have baking soda so reactions can occur, but making sure it is mixed well, shaving in the evening, and shaving with a really clean soap like Dr. Bronners totally solved that problem for me. I am trying Schmidt’s right now since I think it will be a little easier for traveling, but Soapwalla has been a game-changer for me.
I love Native brand. They have three pack for each season that always have great scents. Highly recommend.
I love Native deodorant! Plus, they have a small travel size option that’s perfect for on-the-go.
I love Schmidt’s deodorant! The Rose + Vanilla scent and the Bergamot + Lime scent are my favorites.
Carly-I started using natural deodorant a little over a month ago. I have used Kopari and Native and love them both. I am so happy I made the switch and wish I would have done it long ago. I used the coconut scent with both brands, but will try a new scent with my next order. Diane, xoxo
I made the switch to natural deodorant a few months ago. I too heard all these horror stories about the “detox” but I guess it never came for me! *knock on wood* I’ve tried quite a few but the one I’m sticking to is Schmidt’s Natural Deodorant! I get the sensitive skin one in Jasmine Tea, though I’ve heard the other scents are incredible also. I’d highly recommend it next time you run out!
I’m trying Lavanilla… I’ve tried the sport and non sport version. Both have given me a rash, but the non sport one is fine most of the time. Please keep us updated on your natural deodorant journey!! And any other natural products you start to introduce. Thanks for sharing!
Awesome post, Carly! I’ve been using natural deodorant basically my entire life (mom’s kind of a freak about chemicals hehe) and my fave has always been the Thai Salt Crystal deodorant. It’s basically a rounded chunk of salt that you wet and then apply and it works like a CHARM! Definitely look it up! 🙂
I love Native deodorant! I have the Rose & Lavender scent and love it. I am not a naturally very sweaty person but I do work out and have been fine. I will never go back. It does go on white so it’s better to put on after you put on your shirt or dress.
I have been using natural deodorant forever! I never noticed the difference. Granted, I’m genetically less prone to body odor. Glad you’re liking natural deodorants too!
Jihyun Unni | Korean Lifestyle Blog
I recently made the switch to natural deodorant and I use Native. It is AMAZING. It smells wonderful, and I honestly feel like I sweat less (not sure how that is possible in this Texas heat). I use the coconut vanilla, and it seriously works wonders. It is super affordable too. Definitely would highly recommend you try it next! 🙂 Thanks for all your thoughts as you make the switch! It’s so nice to see what someone else is thinking while on the same journey.
I just wanted to share with you my journey from transitioning to a more natural, aluminum free, cruelty free deodorant. Over the past 2 years I have tried 32! Primal Pit Paste, I prefer the jar, and Native deodorants are incredible! I never smell! Ever! The only tip I can give, is I have a reaction to baking soda which often comes in natural deodorant. You usually get red, itchy pits from the baking soda. However, both companies make a sensitive, baking soda free version, that work perfectly! I highly recommend either company. Native has great scents, in both versions and both companies are great! I hope this helps anyone thinking of transitioning from aluminum, chemically ridden antiperspirant.
I switched from traditional to natural deodorant in the fall/winter of last year (I’m in Houston, TX so it was still warm some of the time) and have no desire to go back. I started with Lavanila, which did not work for me at all. I then tried Native and can’t say enough great things about it. They have a great range of scents and very quick shipping. I didn’t experience a purging, smelly, or other type of transition period but I did switch from the original formulation to the sensitive formulation because the amount of baking soda in the original caused a bit of skin discoloration. After switching, this cleared up in a few days.
I changed deos last spring and it was a great decision. I now use LaVanilla Lab deodorant and love it. I find it’s the most effective of the natural options I’ve tried. (I didn’t love Tom’s personally) I’ll have to test out the other brand you mentioned… the jar container sounds more environmentally friendly, rather than the typical plastic dispensers deodorants are usually packaged in. Thanks for sharing!!
I’m loving the Schmidt’s Rose Vanilla right now. It smells gorgeous!
I recently made the switch to natural deodorant (and makeup, sunscreen, face wash, face moisturizer, lotion) and have found Primally Pure’s natural deodorant line to be awesome! Yes, I still sweat and sometimes I have to reapply because I feel a little stinky (they have a 2oz travel sized deodorant that is easy to carry around) but I don’t think I will ever go back to aluminum based (and artificially fragranced) products!
I’ve been using natural deodarant for several years now, and I agree, I don’t think I would ever go back to aluminum ridden deodarant. I’m a big fan of Schmidt’s natural deodrant. I love their lavendar and vanilla one, but for the past few months I’ve been using the unscented one and I love it! Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
I have been using a natural salt deodorant for over 20 years, and it works great. I am a runner and often do errands after my runs. It definitely works.
https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B001ET764E/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Hey Carly!
Thanks for the post! I am definitely going to try your recommendations for natural deodorants. I’ve tried at LEAST 10 different ones and I have broken out/gotten a rash with every. single. one. It’s been miserable…but one thing I found interesting, if you ever go back to regular deodorant, most men’s deodorants don’t actually have any aluminum in them! I use men’s old spice in the solid, blue gel formula…and it doesn’t have a “guy” smell or anything and it doesn’t have aluminum in it!
Thanks,
Lauren
I love the Exhale Spa deodorant–all-natural, spray, very effective, and great unisex scent for both me and my boyfriend.
10/10 would recommend Routine (https://www.routinecream.com/) They have regular, sensitive skin, and vegan options. You do have reapply sometimes on hot days, but they also sell lil’ minis to take on the go. (Only downside is more laundry, because of the sweat.)
I went natural with deodorant and could never go back! My favorite is the Ursa Major Hoppin Fresh deodorant but they also have one that is “No BS!” which just means no baking soda which some people have skin sensitivities to. They have these really adorable travel sized deodorants as well! Really love all Ursa Major products and they are a Vermont company so thats a plus!
Quick recommendation — I LOVE Lavanila! I’m allergic to nickel and extremely sensitive to antiperspirant, and it is by far one of my favorite natural deodorants out of the many many I have tried. I use Sport Luxe when I know I’m going to be sweating quite a bit.
Your timing is just about the same as mine! I started out just before it started to get hot out and was like hey, this is easy! Then the Houston humid summer hit and it wasn’t working to keep the smell away anymore (Alaffia). Desperate to find another alternative, I tried Birchbox’s arrow. Still didn’t keep me fresh all day. Then I tried Le Crystal rock. A little bit better. I think… Then, a friend who used to do a three step process for her natural deodorant, tried Schmidts and said one step, no stink, even absorbs some of the sweat thanks to the baking powder in there. I gave it a try and OMG zero stink (even though my husband SWORE I didn’t stink before every time I asked… but I could smell something I felt just wasn’t fresh). So I think the moral of the story is 1. try Schmidts if nothing else is working for you! and 2. I think every person’s body is different, so one deodorant may be gold for you while it doesn’t work at all for someone else.
Also, I did do pit detox mask with indian healing clay I had leftover from a purchase many years ago (dirt can’t expire haha). I don’t know if this helped ultimately by the time I started using Le Crystal and then Schmidts, but do think it helped a little bit. And if not with smell, at least with pulling that nasty aluminum out of the pores!!
Next step…. getting my husband to make the switch. He said ABSOLUTELY not in the summer in Houston lol. But maybe this winter I can find a way to convince him.
In going to search for a Schmidts scent for my husband, I realized they sell this travel size stick kit – might be a good time to try it out AND find your favorite scent AND have a go-to travel deodorant 🙂
I just started my natural deodorant journey! I’m focusing on cutting out chemicals where I can and deodorant was at the top of my list. I’m using Native and I really like it. It’s a little spendy, but I think it works really well. I do reapply a few times throughout the day, but hoping it gets better as time goes on. They also sell travel sized sticks! The scents are fantastic too.
I also am a big proponent of the LaVanila deodorant – but it has to be the Sport Luxe one, not any of the other scents!
In the future, would it be possible to link some of the articles that influence your decision making for things like this? As you mentioned, there is a lot of misinformation out there and I think linking at least a few of the articles you read could be useful to your readers.
As a scientist and medical student, it’s really important to me that people are exposed to good information and learn how to discern what makes something reliable versus unreliable. I feel there’s generally a lot of misinformation out there when it comes to “chemicals” and people being afraid of them (whether it’s unfounded or not). I just think it would have been useful to mention why there is controversy surrounding aluminum. Hopefully, this post inspired people to go out and research for themselves (which I know you suggested people do)!
I love your blog and your content, but would would appreciate more sources for posts like these (mainly because I’m a nerd!).
That’s actually the reason why I DON’T share specific articles. It’s a damned if I do, damned if I don’t situation so I just prefer to let everyone do their own research
I was using Native for over a year and recently switched back to antiperspirant. The Native caused horrible discoloration! Thanks to the comments I will try some of the other natural deodorants mentioned😊 I just have to be careful of baking soda, as that’s what caused the discoloration.
My favourite natural deodorant is by Organic Inspirations. Works all day even through stress sweat and comes in a convenient stick format. http://Www.organicinspirations.ca
I am definitely going to look into this. Thanks for all your insight on it!
My natural deodorant journey started around last September, so it was still very hot outside in the Midwest.
I had previously been using clinical strength deodorant and still had breakthrough funk…and the stains and odor in my clothes would not wash out. I started with using Tom’s in AM & Arm & Hammer Essentials at night…but still was not satisfied with the results.
One of my friends had told me about Native brand, so I decided to jump in & buy a 3 pack for $30 online. I did not like one of the scents (rose & something), but loved the unscented and one with coconut scent. Those two stick lasted 6 months & I fell in love with the odor protection. I rarely sweat through it & it was only after a long day when it did happen. I would definitely recommend trying Native, only available to purchase on their website.
At the end of those 2 sticks (I had given the 3rd to my sister), I had tried to go back to regular deodorant from the store & hated it. I broke down and ordered another 3 pack from Native. I do find it pretty high priced, but compared to the clinical strength, it lasts longer (works the entire day and each stick lasts longer), works better, and is better for my body. Good luck & I hope you find the best deodorant for you!
I forgot to add:
I just spent a week in Honduras for a missions trip, heat & humidity combined with hard work all day and my Native held up 100%.
I switched to a natural deodorant a number of years ago. I used to use Tom’s, but the unscented. Right now I’m using Arm & Hammer Essential Unscented Deodorant. I actually didn’t have any issues with switching. And three years ago, when I was diagnosed with breast cancer, it was recommended to me to switch to a natural deodorant instead of an antiperspirant, which just reaffirmed to me that I had made the right choice.
Hello
You should try Native deodorant. I have tried other brands of natural deodorants and in my opinion native is the best.
Carly! I was encouraged by a friend to make the transition about a year ago and I could not be happier! I stumbled upon a brand called Native and they are AMAZING. Not only are they all-natural and highly recommended, their scents are incredible! I use their lavender scent and have it on auto-ship so every two months they send me a new one! It’s so seamless and easy. The only thing I had to learn the hard way is that I have very sensitive skin, and as a result should not put the deodorant on immediately after shaving. I lotion my underarms first and try to wait until I leave the house to put it on. I stay stink-free, but it does need to be reapplied daily or again after a sweaty workout! Anyway, I highly recommend Native!
I’ve tried a few natural deodorants, and the brand that’s worked best for me is Young Living (the essential oil company). They have a few different scents, both of which are really fresh and kind of minty. I also struggle with sweating and these have helped more than any other brand I’ve tried.
Along your journey, try Native (Google to their website). I am a person who would struggle to find deodorants that work even with the aluminum option, and so far I am very impressed. I bought there multi-packs and all at once put my whole family on it including teenage boys. It somehow miraculously stops the issue of sweating as well despite not having the aluminum. Definitely worth a try!
try Schmidt’s – i love a LOT of their scents!
I was at a teeny tiny gift shop in – wait for it – Tulsa, OK, when I found THE BEST natural deodorant of my life. I’ve never found one that didn’t make me completely paranoid about smelling. I still occasionally get the nervous sweat smell you’re describing, but this stuff smells amazing and I think it actually makes me smell better than more neutral scents. Anyway, it’s called Sam’s DEO. I like the men’s scent “Oak Moss” and original, but they have women’s scents as well! https://www.samsnatural.com/collections/deodorant
I switched to natural deodorant last fall, and the first brand I tried did not work for me. I’ve been using Schmidt’s lavender scent since then, and it works well for me! I totally understand the part about sweat feeling weird though after being so used to antiperspirant for so long!
I’ve been on the look out for the perfect natural deodorant for about a year now. Still haven’t found one that I love, so I’ll definitely try The Meow Meow Tweet one! I tried a few different scents from Tom’s; however, I didn’t care for most of them. The apricot one worked well during the day, but it didn’t last long through workouts.
Your body works hard for you. When you sweat, your body is working hard to get rid of the toxins it does not need. When you stop that process, you are preventing your body from doing its natural work. Instead of stopping your body from its natural process, take a moment, THANK YOUR AMAZING BODY! It’s working overtime to keep you healthy.
So how can you support your body to help it complete its natural work? Give it natural deodorant rather than chemicals. Sure, we all want to smell awesome. But we also don’t want to get sick from chemicals. And think about this…if you’re in your late 20s or early 30’s, you’ve been putting aluminum and paraben into your armpits (near your breast tissue and lymph nodes) for TWENTY YEARS.
I tried natural deodorants for years, and Tom’s was by far my favorite (the arrowroot and baking soda in many of the others was too much for my sensitive skin).
Several months ago, I read a great article about using AHAs and BHAs to essentially kill the bad bacteria that cause BO. There are all the expensive brands out there, but I bought a cheap jar of Stridex pads at the drugstore, and OMG does it work like a charm! I swipe my pits once a day, let them dry, and that’s it – NO STINK. It also means that any sweat won’t cause stains on my clothes because the bad bacteria that causes it is gone.
One other product I love is the AO+ mist from Mother Dirt (actually all of their products). It’s designed to maintain a healthy biome by encouraging the good (and not stinky) bacteria. I use it on any potentially sweaty or stinky areas daily, and it is amazing stuff.
I switched to natural deodorant too. I started in the winter with toms which worked okay for me during the winter but I wanted to try different brands especially for summer. I am now using native deodorant and I like it. I got a travel size in addition to the normal size and keep the travel in my purse to reapply throughout the day (I usually just reapply in the afternoon). I feel like it works pretty well for me but I don’t do a lot of intense workouts so that probably helps. Once I finish this one though I’ll probably try some new ones. I want to try Schmidt’s deodorant because you can buy it at target.
I have tried a bunch and hands down Primally Pure is the best! It’s in a tube and does not have to be put on with your finger. The last natural deodorant I owned was a paste and had to be dabbed on with my finder. So that just took to long in the AM to wash my hands a million times. After using natural deodorant for years now…I can say you kind of just stop sweating or really don’t sweat as much. Of course when it’s a billion degrees outside or I work out, there’s just no helping it. BUT other than that on a normal day, I barely sweat and it doesn’t smell. I can’t believe so many people freaked you out but I’m glad you are giving it a go! I promise the more you use it, the better you will love it. On days where I have a wedding to attend or know I’ll be outside for very long, I’ll layer a natural and drugstore deo just to be safe and to keep extra dry. Other than that I never use drugstore deo at all!
Katie | http://www.sunshinestyleblog.com
Hey Carly, love your blog! Over the past year I have made the swap to more all natural beauty and cleaning products. I’m talking face wash, soap, laundry detergent, wipes, makeup, everything. I also first started with deoderant because I started to get huge lumps under my armpits that hurt. I also would have a hard time shaving my armpits because the skin was just different. Its hard to explain. I haven’t had any problems since! With makeup, I went for so long without wearing it because I lived overseas, that when I started wearing it again, it would literally make my face burn and sting! So I made that switch as well. There are so many harmful ingredients out there that are banned in most other countries. It really isn’t hard to find other brands and products because there are so many out there doing it right. Good luck Carly!
Check out L’ocittane’s deodorant. It actually keeps me from sweating bc of it’s liquid/gel like consistency, but it’s natural! I’m on my third roller.
Carly, I personally use the Takesumi Detox by Kaia Naturals. It is a charcoal-based deodorant and it is, by far, the most amazing natural deodorant I have ever tried. I am hooked on this thing. Once you go through the detox phase, I find that there is no body odor anymore, no matter how much you sweat that day. The color is a little strange (dark grey, almost black), but it doesn’t stain clothes. I don’t know whether this deodorant can be found in the US (I live in Canada), but it’s worth checking it out.
I totally respect your choice to use natural deodorant, but I personally have chosen to stick with regular antiperspirant/deodorant in the absence of any convincing scientific studies on the matter. You can read what the American Cancer Society had to say on the topic here: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/cancer-causes/antiperspirants-and-breast-cancer-risk.html. To me, it’s not worth sweating and smelling, which I find very unpleasant and uncomfortable especially when I’m around others, when there is no strong evidence that aluminum will give you cancer. It’s important to note that not all chemicals are unsafe, and at the same time not all natural things are automatically healthier or safe for human use. I’m much more concerned about the impacts on my body of inhaling polluted air/secondhand smoke or drinking too much alcohol. Those things have been shown in multiple studies over many years to be unhealthy. Ultimately, this is a personal choice, but I just wanted to chime in with an alternative position.
I really enjoyed this article, and it encouraged me to start doing my own research about natural deodorant. I now have some Native on the way! I am also a little nervous about the detox period, but like you, feel that it is a better safe than sorry scenario! Most of the natural brands seem to be cruelty-free as well which is also incredibly important to me!
Primal Pit Paste is the absolute cleanest, and in my oppinion most effective deoderand on the market. It works finominally, and for a person who gets paranoid with how they smell through out long days training and dancing. I love it and give it very high remarks.