Guide to Natural Deodorants
Hey, by now we’ve all heard about how conventional deodorants are on a mission to kill us all and take over the world one stick of teen spirit at a time. If you haven’t here’s the short version: conventional deodorants are super toxic, they contain ingredients that have been linked to health issues and using aluminum-based antiperspirant can clog your pores.
Let’s face it sis, you are going to sweat! Its a part of being a human on this earth. However, not everyone sweats the same which is why a deodorant that works for you might not work for me. Here’s the catch, the quest for a good natural deodorant that actually works and can stand the test of time can take a long time. Trust me when I say I’ve had my fair share of embarrassing moments thanks to natural alternatives. Being from an hot island and living in hot Atlanta I dont trust “homemade” deodorant recipes because most dont work after 5 minutes.
Here are some of my hits and misses!
the oh no-no’s
Tom’s of Maine – Long Lasting Deodorant
Toms deodorant is meant to be a long-lasting, aluminum-free, natural and cruelty free deodorant. They are very common and are available in most supermarkets. It was the first natural deodorant I used.
Cost: $4.80
Why it didn’t work for me: Like many people out there, Toms did not work at all and after a little while I developed a severe skin irritation. Many will tell you that your arm pits are “detoxing” but thats absolute nonsense. If a product says that you have to go through a “detox” period, that causes your body to have a bad reaction when you start using it, thats literally NOT true!
Schmidt's Natural Deodorant Jar
Schmidts natural deodorant main ingredients are shea butter, arrowroot and baking soda enhanced with essential oils. Its free aluminum, parabens & phthalates which is great. I tried the Bergamot + Lime scent, it does smell incredible but it does NOT last all day (especially not a hot day in Georgia).
Cost: $6.99
Why it didn’t work for me: The thing that absolutely did not work for me is that to get the product out of the jar it requires a tiny spatula or scrapping it with your finger nails to put it on your armpits. Also just like Toms, my skin developed an allergic reaction.
Lush cosmetics The Greeench
The greench powder deodorant is unlike any other deodorant I have ever used. It contains tea tree oil, rosemary and thyme that together are supposed to shield everyone from your body aromas. This product is vegan, cruelty-free and of course, aluminum free.
Cost: $10.95
Why it didn’t work for me: Let me start out by saying, I love Lush but this deodorant was an Oh no no for me mostly bc of packaging. First of all, this bottle doesnt lend itself to ease the application of a powder on your armpits. its messy as hell. Second, the smell of tea tree oil is SO strong I couldnt stand myself.
Others natural deodorants that are not long lasting: Crystal body deodorants, primal pit paste, Meow Meow Tweet Grapefruit Citrus Baking Soda Free Deodorant Stick and Kopari Beauty Coconut Beach Deodorant.
The hell yeah’s
Native Deodorant
Native Deodorants mission is to use natural, simple ingredients that work and they def work for me. Their main ingredients are Coconut Oil, Tapioca starch and Baking soda (which can be an irritant but they have a sensitive skin line too) Its obvi aluminum free!
Cost: $12.00
Why I love it: After a year or so of using this deodorant, I can for sure say this is the best deodorant I have ever used. Its survived hot ass georgia summers, workouts AND hot af trips to puerto rico. It contains baking soda which is an irritant to a lot of people but it works like magic to me.
However: I do wish the packaging wasn’t plastic :(
Lush cosmetics aromaco
The greench powder deodorant is unlike any other deodorant I have ever used. It contains tea tree oil, rosemary and thyme that together are supposed to shield everyone from your body aromas. This product is vegan, cruelty-free and of course, aluminum free.
Cost: $6.95
Why i love it: Let me start out by saying, I love Lush but this deodorant was an Oh no no for me mostly bc of packaging. First of all, this bottle doesnt lend itself to ease the application of a powder on your armpits. its messy as hell. Second, the smell of tea tree oil is SO strong I couldnt stand myself.
However: Because its package-free it can dry out quickly and get dirty if you leave it out.
Lafe's deodorant Unscented
Lafe's deodorant is made with natural, cruelty free vegan ingredients. Its free of aluminum, SLS, mineral oil and dyes.
Cost: $6.99
Why I love it: I found this one on a trip to tj maxx and was curious but i ended up liking it a lot. It really doesnt smell like anything but it does the job on a light, chill day at the office.
However: Again its packaging is plastic so boo!