I have found that I am one huge contradiction when it comes to my interests. Despite countless classes and seminars on nutrition and clean living, I was still using chemical-filled beauty products. Still, after all those classes, I still found myself asking “What deodorant should I use?”
If you're in the market for a new deodorant, you already know it's tough to determine what kind of deodorant to buy. While I am nowhere near ready stop using something to manage sweat and odor, I’ve learned that some in the medical community see synthetic deodorant as harmful. It can seep chemicals like aluminum and parabens into your lymph system, and on top of that, it can aggravate underarm issues by killing good bacteria that keep odor-causing bacteria at bay. This information led me to read the label of the synthetic deodorant I’d been using for years; it said, “May cause kidney failure,” which already runs in my family. Pretty terrifying.
That being said, having a guide to picking the right deodorant might help those interested in trying natural deodorants determine which one's best for them. I did some deep digging on deodorants that address everything from overactive sweat-glands to odor. They’re all entirely natural, totally organic, and actually work. Check out these common mistakes to see where your old deodorant is falling short, so you can feel refreshed without worrying.
Instead of Using Aluminum To Block Sweat, Let Lavender Absorb It
Primal Pit Paste Natural Deodorant, $11, Amazon
Antiperspirants usually use aluminum to block the pores, stopping sweat from pouring through. However, it can be harmful for you, as it's essentially blocking a natural detoxification process. This Primal Pit Paste natural deodorant is both a deodorant and an antiperspirant, as it uses ultra-absorbent arrowroot powder and non-aluminum baking soda to absorb sweat, keeping you feeling dry and fresh all day long without any parabens, chemicals, or GMOs. It also contains odor- and bacteria-neutralizing coconut oil and lavender essential oil, and it works for both men and women alike.
If You're Wary of Applying Chemicals Right After A Shower, Go Natural
North Coast Organics Naked Deodorant, $15, Amazon
For best results, you’re supposed to apply deodorant right after a shower. However, pores are wide open because of heat and moisture, and especially for those who have sensitive skin or break out after shaving, you might prefer something that’s extra gentle, like this natural deodorant from North Coast Organics. It’s formulated with four simple, natural ingredients that are gentle and nourishing, and while it has no synthetic fragrances that will cause you to break out, it still keeps you feeling especially fresh. One reviewer said, “I used ‘Naked’ at night after a shower, and I was completely fresh into noon the next day. It was amazing.”
Steer Clear Of Unhealthy Chemicals With Fresh Essential Oils
Organic Deodorant Spray, $8, Amazon
This organic deodorant spray contains absolutely no parabens, aluminum salts, or synthetic fragrances — just a blend of essential oils like lavender and hybrida to neutralize odors from bacteria. It’s also great for on-the-go because it comes in an easy spray bottle, and while other deodorants only work when applied right after the shower, this one can be reapplied throughout the day as needed. One reviewer says she’s used loads of natural brands, but this one’s by far the best for her, saying, “I'm just so amazed that something so simple can work so effectively — I've been dry and fresh all day after using this!”
If Your Deodorant Stains Clothes, Turn To Baking Soda & Lemon
Organic Litsea Lemon Detox Deodorant, $4, Amazon
Compared to beauty products containing unnatural chemicals, this deodorizing option is a breath of fresh air. It contains organic ingredients like coconut oil, shea butter, beeswax, lemon essential oil, arrowroot starch, vitamins E and C, and baking soda to cleanse your pores and lymph system while it deodorizes and dries. Because it’s a solid bar that’s easy to apply, reviewers love how convenient it is, along with the fact that it’s non-staining, smells great, and does the job.
Is Your Deodorant Not Living Up To Its Name? Heavy Duty Tea Tree Oil & Green Tea Actually Work
Kelly Teegarden Organics Finally Deodorant, $11, Amazon
This Kelly Teegarden deodorant is likely called “Finally” because finally, there is a concentrated, healthy, organic and natural deodorant on the market that actually works. It’s formulated with the usuals like coconut oil and corn starch to neutralize and dry, but it also has heavy-hitting natural ingredients like tea tree oil and green tea plant stem cells to keep you feeling fresh, even during your most intense work-outs. This along with a great smell, no irritation, and non-staining formula is why this deodorant has five stars.
Instead of Settling for Short-Term Deodorant, Consider Longwear Probiotics
Organic Island Probiotic Deodorant, $12, Amazon
If you feel less fresh the longer you use your deodorant, it could be because your supply of beneficial skin flora (the ones that keep skin healthy and feed off odor-causing bacteria) is all wiped out. This organic deodorant with probiotics contains no parabens, alcohol, or aluminum, but it's infused with shelf-stable probiotics that repopulate your underarms with microorganisms that eat and control the bacteria that wreaks havoc. It also helps keep skin healthy with nourishing ingredients like coconut oil, jojoba, and wild crafted Candelilla wax, and because the probiotics continue working long after application, this one keeps you fresh for hours.
If Same-Old Methods Aren't Delivering What You Want, Consider Alternative Solutions
Crystal Body Deodorant, $8, Amazon
This body deodorant is one of the more interesting solutions that I’ve seen, but people totally swear by it. It’s made from 100 percent natural and hypoallergenic mineral salts, which work to eliminate odor-causing bacteria on any area of the body. Instead of masking the bacteria's odor, it tackles it without any sticky residue or white stains, and it also comes with a white dish included to turn your full-body rock deodorant into an interesting countertop decoration.
And Don't Forget to Consider Your Soap — Seaweed With Probiotics Could Help Eliminate Odor-Causing Bacteria
Dr. Ohhira's Probiotic Kampuku Bar Soap, $12, Amazon
Sometimes your soap's harsh ingredients strip beneficial bacteria that balance out the ones that cause odors. Without them, bacteria gets completely out of control, and that’s when the odor bacteria produces might be more pronounced. To fix the problem at its source, this Kampuku bar soap uses a unique probiotic blend that replenishes all of those good strands of bacteria, which keep skin healthy and feeling fresh. It also contains healing ingredients like seaweed, caramel, and wild-growing herbs, and while most reviewers use it on their feet or underarms, some say it does wonders for facial acne, too.
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Images: Unsplash/Pixabay; Amazon (8)
