Searching for a Safe, Effective, Natural Deodorant



If I smell it's not my fault. Not really. I've been trying out new deodorants and it's been...well, it's been a somewhat stinky process.

My old deodorant, the brand I had used forever, was working just fine. The only problem was my old, have used it forever deodorant contained potentially toxic ingredients like aluminum, parabens, propylene glycol, triclosan, and phtalates. What are those you ask? Well...

  • Aluminum is linked to breast cancer in women, prostate cancer, and an increased risk of Alzheimer's disease
  • Parabens can disrupt our hormonal balance, which can lead to things like early puberty in children and an increased risk of certain cancers. It is also linked to birth defects and organ toxicity.
  • Propylene Glycol can cause damage to the central nervous system, liver, and heart.
  • Triclosan is classified as a pesticide by the FDA as a probable carcinogen by the EPA.
  • Phtalates are linked to a higher risk of birth defects, may disrupt hormone receptors, and increase the likelihood of cell mutation.

I started searching for a deodorant for myself and my family that had none of the above. A deodorant that was both safe and effective. It hasn't been the easiest switch I've made when it comes to safer beauty. There's definitely been some trial and error. Here are five deodorants that I've tried so far. I broke my critique down into simple pros and cons for you. Please note: I am not a health care or natural deodorant specialist. These are my personal experiences with each of these deodorants. You might have totally different experience so take all of my opinions as they are and be sure to try them all for yourself.



Pros: I liked the smell of this one and it kept my B.O. at bay. Liked that it was a roll on. It is also gluten-free, certified vegan and cruelty-free. Antiperspirant. Made in the U.S.A.

Cons: It was difficult to put on. It was so dry that it crumbled when I drug across my skin. On the packaging It does recommend holding it "momentarily to skin to soften on contact with body heat." 

Notes: Schmidt's has several scents made with natural essential oils. Also comes unscented. They have jars if you prefer that to roll ons. Bought this one for my husband (who has sensitive pits like I do) in the Cedarwood + Juniper scent and he has liked it. Has continued to use it and wants me to order more. 



Pros: Chose to go with "unscented" for this one. Like the it was a stick/roll on. Also cruelty-free.

Cons: Contains baking soda which I have discovered irritates my skin and caused a little bit of a rash (which Beautycounter's Cleansing Balm helped clear up right away.) Was so drying that it made my arm pits itch. I woke myself up in the middle of the night scratching under my arms.

Note: Several friends on Facebook highly recommended this one but in the jar. Does come in several scents. 





Pros: Liked the citrus smell. Works well when working out. Don't feel the need to reapply during the day. Also cruelty-free.

Cons: A little on the pricey side. Have to use your finger to apply which took a little getting used to but really isn't that big of a deal. Irritated my skin on the days I shaved under my arms which is basically every day. I have found for me the key is to use less to make it less drying. 




Pros: Cheap and easy to make. Free of baking soda. Includes corn starch, coconut oil, and essential oils. Very hydrating thanks to the coconut oil. Soothing. Makes plenty, almost too much.

Cons: Keeps the stink away only part of the day. Would not recommend if you have major perspiration problems. Needs to be reapplied, especially on hot days or after activity where you've been sweating. I only use this if I'm staying home all day, sitting on the couch with a good book. 





Pros: Easy to spray on. Nice lavender vanilla scent. Didn't irritate my ski. Contains witch hazel and organic tea tree oil that conditions skin. Didn't make my pits itch which is always a good thing.

Cons: This is not an antiperspirant, so wouldn't work for heavy sweaters. If I've had an active day I have to reapply. Takes about 5-6 sprays to do the job. 


Even thought I had some success with each of these, my quest continues. There are other brands I want to try, other scents, etc. Stay tuned...just don't be surprised if I'm still a little stinky in the mean time. 


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