My favorite natural deodorant
And now for something different :) If you read blogs, you’ve probably heard people talking about “natural” varieties of deodorant. And perhaps, like me, you’ve been curious. Though I do try to incorporate “natural” products into my toiletries where I can, I’m not obsessive about it, and as far as I can tell the jury is still out on whether the ingredients in conventional deodorant (namely, aluminum and parabens) are actually harmful. However, I generally think rubbing fewer metals on my body is a good thing, and besides, I have never in all my life found a deodorant I’ve been truly satisfied with, despite trying a plethora of Super Hardcore No Sweat Ever varieties over the years.
Inspired by this post from A Cup of Jo, I decided to try LaVanilla first. I expected a bit of an adjustment period (apparently, odor can get worse for a bit after you switch as your sweat glands detox/unplug), but after several weeks of no improvement and less than pleasant underarms, I ditched LaVanilla and went looking for another option.
The comments section of that same CoJ post seemed to coalesce positively around Schmidt’s, so I dove back in and ordered the lavender and sage jar. Almost immediately, I could tell a huge difference – this stuff actually works!!
Disclaimer: because it has no aluminum in it, it’s not technically an antiperspirant, and I do sweat when I wear it and it’s hot outside. But I also sweat when I wore the Super Hardcore No Sweat Ever varieties, so I don’t consider that a big negative. And, Schmidt’s does include “natural plant powders that absorb wetness,” which help keep you dry. In terms of deodorizing, though, this stuff is as good or better than any conventional deodorant I’ve ever tried.
The only annoying part is the application – you scoop out a small amount with a little spatula, warm it between your fingers, and then rub it in – which is kind of messy and takes a few seconds longer than you’re probably used to. I was excited when they came out with a stick version a few months ago and promptly ordered one, but haven’t found it to be as effective as the jar formula.
So there you have it! Enough about my underarms :) I would love to hear if you’ve ever been tempted to try natural deodorant, or if you currently use it! (And if so, what kind? Ever since I saw them on Shark Tank I’ve wanted to try PiperWai!)
When I started dating my now-husband, he had a rather unusual request for me – stop using antiperspirant deodorant. At the time, he was studying breast cancer in the lab and said that the link between aluminum in antiperspirants and breast cancer was too close for comfort, and wanted me to be safe.
With that said, it is so hard to find a woman’s deodorant that isn’t antiperspirant. For me, a lot of the natural ones stopped working after a few months, and so I started using men’s deodorant. Apparently it’s more manly for men to sweat than women! I try to find a “girly” scent (usually like an “ocean breeze” type), and it’s been working fine. It’s cheaper than the natural alternatives but still doesn’t have aluminum.
Yay for natural deodorant! I made the switch a few years ago and have since converted my husband, mom, stepdad, and brother. My mom and I use the Jason’s tea tree and the guys use the Every Man Jack. There was definitely an adjustment period (I was using the clinical strength dove), and it took my body about two weeks to adjust to the ability to sweat and regulate itself on its own. I think the main thing about natural deodorants — like you pointed out, is that it’s a deodorant. It helps you not be smelly when you do sweat, but your body is still able to sweat and get out all that yuck when needed.
I just recently made the switch to natural deodorant. I found out last year (the hard way) that my skin is way too sensitive for baking soda, so I have to use baking soda free varieties, which is even harder to find. I recently tried out Meow Meow Tweet’s Baking Soda Free grapefruit scented one and I am liking it so far. The cream is a lot softer than the Schmidt’s I think, so you might like trying out one of the baking soda ones. I actually find the arrowroot powder to do a pretty good job of absorbing sweat, if I sweat a lot the scent definitely kinda disappears. So I have been trying to reapply before working out or being outside or whatever. So far, I haven’t had any complaints about being stinky from my husband, so I will continue to use for now!
I want to try this! My little brother tends to have bad skin reactions to typical deodorants so he’s always trying something new. I don’t have a huge problem with typical deodorants, but I’d love a nice alternative. The only thing is, I sweat very easily so I don’t know if I’d be comfortable with that! I know sweating is good for you in the long run, though…
I am using the PiperWai one right now and I really like it! It requires the same process (scooping out and rubbing in) as the one you mention. The “base scent” is fairly unisex — a little like a charcoal mask. The good news is PiperWai is working on a stick deodorant version right now.
My nutritionist claims that your body absorbs the aluminium in things like deodorant, aluminum foil, etc. and it stays in your body and keeps you from being able to absorb other vital vitamins and minerals. I use Primal Pit Paste and have had great results: http://www.amazon.com/Primal-Pit-Paste-Fragrances-Creamsicle/dp/B00HUR3BDY/ref=pd_bia_nav_t_1?ie=UTF8&refRID=0DVFYYS85NEM2VJETG4K
Oh, I’m so glad you posted this! I’ve been so pleased with switching over to other natural beauty products and I feel like this has been the missing puzzle piece. Can’t wait to try, especially because it’s lavender. Thanks for the recommendation!
One time I tried making my own from natural ingredients, and I found it to be as effective as what you describe here, surprisingly. It was just coconut oil, baking soda and cornstarch – I think it was this recipe: http://wellnessmama.com/1523/natural-deodorant/
I never got around to making another batch when this ran out, but I did use the whole thing – so obviously I liked it! It felt nicer on my skin, and it also worked better than store-bought brands for me. Cheap, too! (you know, I think I’ll go whip up a batch now!)
I tried so many different natural deodorants and found that Ozene works the best. Technically, it is not a deodorant. It is a cream for “great skin.” You can use it on burns, scars, acne, underarms, etc. I bought it to try as a deodorant and after my body adjusted to it, I noticed that I stopped smelling and I don’t sweat as much (even though this is not an antiperspirant!). It smells weird out of the jar but after I put it and my clothes on, the smell is not noticeable at all. You can get it here: http://www.amazon.com/Ozene-Deodorant-Premier-Research-Labs/dp/B009VGNVL4
I have tried a lot and I’m currently using Dessert Essence. It’s fine, but I wouldn’t say great. I’ll have to try out your recommendation next!
Goodness, I know I am late to the game on this comment, but I have had such a hard time with natural deodorant! I did a few armpit detoxes (which were weird but awesome) used magnesium oil (which did not work even a little bit), tried two different kinds of primal pit paste, and then a dove one without aluminum. My husband and I are super healthy crunchy people who will try anything, but natural deodorant was our threshold of crunchiness- I was just stinky and miserable! I’m back on regular deodorant, but I am going to try this brand- would love it if you kept us updated as to whether it continues to work for you! Thanks for sharing your experience!