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Deodorant Round Up

Deodorant Round Up

crystal deodorant
There answer’s no if it means putting aluminum and other harsh chemicals under my arms (and next to delicate lymph nodes.)  But in a society that favors fragrant, false, cleanly smells—what options are left for naturalistas who want to smell nice?  Fortunately the YDT team has been experimenting with wholesome deodorants for a few years to share the best of what we’ve discovered.  *If you need more assurance as to why you should explore natural deodorants and chemicals to avoid check out this detailed post from Daily Green.

The Crystal: The Crystal is in fact a crystal of mineral salts, also called alum. The company is a member of the campaign for safe cosmetics.  The Crystal does not use harmful aluminum or parabens.  Overall—a positive experience.

•   Pros: Available at most drugs stores, eliminates most odors, sweat, fragrance-free and seems to be a popular choice for men (my dad has used it for 15 years and swears by it).  Plus it receives the lowest score of 0 on EWG’s scale.
•    Cons: Personally, while it did eliminate odors and sweat, I found it irritated my skin and made me itchy if I applied it after shaving.  Others polled found that it only worked for a few weeks.

Terra Naturals
Terra Naturals: This company is chemical, petroleum, and GMO free in addition to being vegan.  It also uses some ingredients that are proven immune boosters.   After a six-year quest, Green Living Contributor Danielle Davis has found this line to work best for her and her honey (so it’s great for men too).

•   Pros: Great for people with chemical sensitivities and vegans; the company is also currently in the process of switching to organic ingredients.  Personally, Danielle enjoys the lavender.
•    Cons: It doesn’t totally eliminate underarm odor, but at least she smells natural–and feels healthy and sweet. Terra naturals is currently not listed in the EWG database.

tomsofmaine
Tom’s of Maine: We love the Tom’s of Maine Company!  Its deodorants are lead, aluminum and are paraben free.  Some of the natural scents such as lavender are pleasant too. However, when it comes to performance—we found it did not ace the test.

•    Pros: Readily available at drugstores and health food stores.  Chemical, paraben and aluminum free—plus its website lists every single ingredient used.  The lavender deodorant received a low score of 2 on the EWG scale.
•    Cons: Both Wellness Contributor Jaclyn Mullen and I found that Tom’s did not work for us.  We both ended up sweaty, sticky and smelly by midday.

earthscienceliken
Earth Science: A semi-local company based out of Santa Barbara CA creates a line of aluminum and chemical-free deodorants in a variety of scents and sensitivity levels.  I sampled the Liken Plant version.

•    Pros: Smells great, rolls on easy and doesn’t leave chalky deodorant stains on your clothes. By the end of an active day, I didn’t smell bad or feel sweaty at all. Now I use it regularly for almost all activities (including exercise). It also scored a low 2 on the EWG scale.  Out of all the natural deodorants I tried, this was my favorite.
•    Cons: Some of the scented versions contain fragrance (parfum) which isn’t natural* CORRECTIONEarth Scienc INCI labeling standard (a Canadian Standard that is stricter than US standards).  This allows Earth Science to have FULL DISCLOSURE.  Earth Science also uses a natural proprietary herbal fragrance blend, which is listed as fragrance (parfum) on their ingredient list.  It is not artificial or synthetic . This brand is also a bit harder to find (I’ve only found it at Whole Foods and other health stores) and more on the pricey side (closer to $6 or $7).

:  Kiss My Face has a line of Active Enzyme deodorants that, in addition to being chemical, aluminum and paraben free, use natural clay and baking soda.  “Active Enzyme Peaceful Patchouli” stick deodorant is a favorite of YDT co-founder Lauren Johanson.

•    Pros: Scented with essential oils, not fragrance/parfums.   Works well for most occasions.
•    Cons: Harder to find (look for in Whole Foods and some drugstores.)  Doesn’t work well enough for Lauren to wear out on a night she goes dancing or on a hot date.  Plus it gets a 4 on the EWG scale.

The main two things we learned from our quest are

That when it comes to deodorant, every BODY is different—the best thing to do is get out of your comfort zone and explore.

It’s not natural to smell like fake popery all the time.  Perhaps when taking that into consideration, it’s okay to reek of fake floral scents all the time and embrace just a little bit more of your “natural” self.

YDT FREEBIE: Earth Science (who makes my favorite natural deodorant) are giving away a four pack  for you to try that includes

  • Liken Herbal Scent Deodorant
  • Liken Unscented Deodorant
  • Tea Tree/Lavender Deodorant
  • Rosemary Mint Deodorant

To enter tell us why you made the switch or want to make the switch to natural deodorant.

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Comments

Amy

I love the Tom’s of Main one though I do agree that sometimes it’s not quite strong enough. But the apricot scent is great!

Maria

I started making the switch to organic/natural everything about two years ago when my mom started noticing that her makeup and other products were giving her face a hard time. (Also in this time period I’ve become really interested in sustainability and the environment.) So far I haven’t really found a deodorant I like (I try a new one every time my current one runs out), so I really appreciate this article! My current stick will be done in about a week and I will definitely try one of the ones on your list. Thanks!

Miranda

I’ve used aluminium free underarm for well over 10 years now, ever since I read an article about breast cancer and lymph nodes proximity to your pits…nice. Have tried many and mostly used Tom’s but am currently using LAVanila from Sephora lavender stick and love it – seems to keep you dry and nicely-smelling!

Katie Wade

I am currently undergoing the change from highly chemical to all natural products. It is so hard for me because I have been used to the chemical products FOREVER! I know the chemical free stuff is so much better for me inside and out so I am committed to this process. So I am loving this article – that’s a little less research that I have to do!!

Alex

I’ve used all but the Earth Sciences brand and so would love to try them! as I’ve found each of the products listed have issues and am still searching for something that makes me totally happy. You’ve also gotta put Nature’s Gate on your radar as they have a lot of products that are biodegradable, vegan, natural, Paraben Free, and can be inexpensive.:

http://www.natures-gate.com/index.asp

I made the switch to natural deodorants a few years back after reading an article on the possible connection between breast cancer and aluminum. Here’s another good one:

http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/risk/ap-deo

Although inconclusive, I think this is just another case where trying to live the natural way is the healthiest way.

jenna

I have been a vegan (for both the animals and the enviro) and using natural deo for over 20 years. Our skin is the biggest organ on the human body so why would anyone want to slather on chemicals? The only problem is, it is so difficult to find a deo that works for me! I have tried so many in the past and had so many of the natural ones actually make me smell worse! Including the really expensive one from Origins! I am always searching for a better deo and was thrilled to read your reviews. I am excited to try the liken plant since I haven’t tried that one yet! :)

RON AGCAOILI

I JUST WANTED TO CHANGE FROM ALL THE BAD CHEMICALS THAT I PUT UNDER MY ARMS AND START USING SOMETHING THAT’S NATURAL, WON’T HARM ME, IS BETTER FOR AND WON’T HARM THIS ENVIRONMENT ANYMORE. WE SHALL ALL CARE NOW.

Mona

while I’ve made the switch to using the Crystal deodorant in liquid form (which is less irritating on the skin), it doesn’t work super well. Therefore, I use it on stay at home days or when I’m not attending functions. Would love to find one that works for everything.

emily

I’ve tried Crystal but it doesn’t entirely work for me. My boyfriend, who has sensitive skin, uses Crystal and it helps, but he still gets rashes at times. Thanks for the other suggestions.

christina

I’ve tried the crystal and tom’s of maine and i hate to admit that both of them do not control my odor. i really wanted them both to work. i am interested in the brand you favor and am hoping that this will finally do the trick!

Jessica

I have always been really sensitive to scented deodorants. Not skin reaction-wise, but all the perfume gives me an instant headache. It’s hard enough to find an unscented conventional deodorant, and most of the time they don’t work at all. I’ve tried the all natural Trader Joe’s brand but find it kind of goopy. Yuck! All my friends say that Tom’s doesn’t work either. Would love to try one that works but doesn’t knock me over with fake baby powder smell or coat me with chemicals daily.

Shannon

To be frank: I am afraid of parabens and have been paraben/aluminum free for years. I am now trying to find some new options/products for my brother who has developed an allergy and wants to make the switch!

Alliosn

I have been on the ‘natural’ deodorant search for years. I have tried just about everyone in Whole Foods and have read every article about natural deodorants and consumer reports! I sweat and stink – the mellow, gentle ones do not work for me. The crystal doesn’t do a thing. Tom’s of Maine – nothing. I have just started using Aubrey’s pine spray for men. I really like it though it too seems to wear off after a while. I am still on the search for a natural, STRONG and effective deodorant. Although I love and prefer natural products in general – my biggest concern with deodorant is that I don’t want chemicals seeping into my skin and lymph nodes and I don’t want to prevent my skin from sweating.

m

Aubrey’s E Plus High C deodorant works well for me but it’s really expensive. Home Health’s Jasmine deodorant works almost as well but is less expensive, plus it smells like real jasmine flowers!

How to Make Homemade Deodorant, DIY Deodorant, Natural Deodorant | Your Daily Thread – YDT

[...] individually. But hey, why not give it a try. If all else fails you can grab something from our  natural deodorant that actually works round up.  Smell [...]

Dr. Anne Dunev

Aluminum destroys the protective sheath around nerve cells (called the phospho-lipid sheath). Thus it impairs the ability of the cell to protect itself and interferes with cellular function and that is how it prevents sweating. So, you can see the aluminum connection to Alzheimers. Brain cells are nerve cells. All antiperspirant products contain aluminum. Switching to natural deodorants is not just healthy for now–it may mean avoiding the epidemic of Alzheimers. Avoiding excess alcohol and drug (prescription and recreational) seems to help, too

Alison

I tried the crystal for a while. At first I thought it was great, then I got a rash. I stopped using it and tried again after the rash had cleared and it came back. My doctor advised me not to use it again.

I too found Tom’s of Maine sticky…

I make my own deodorant now & love it! On some hot, humid summer days, I may have to wash at noon & re-apply but that doesn’t happen often.

exiesdaughter

I prefer the “natural” deodorants but can only use them in the summer.
Once the cold weather hits in the mid Atlantic states and heavier clothes come into play, “natural” doesn’t cut it. I don’t mind smelling a bit musky,
but funky… “uh, uhh!”

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