I made the switch to natural deodorant about two years ago and didn’t looked back. Since then, I’ve received a lot of questions about why I made the switch and which brands I’ve liked the best.
So, let’s get started!!
Why I Switched to Natural Deodorant
In general, deodorants have come a long way in the last few years as people have become more aware of their body health. But, I’ve always been concerned about some of the ingredients in deodorant and the difference between deodorant and antiperspirant. In short, deodorants protect against odour and antiperspirant prevents sweat and odour.
Antiperspirants however contain aluminum and rumours have linked aluminum to breast cancer and Alzheimer’s disease. I can’t stress enough that this has not been scientifically proven. While I’m not one to jump on rumours and innuendo, considering the delicate skin we put these products on, I’ve chosen to go with my gut. Some antiperspirants also have other chemicals like parabens that can be concerning. You can read more about on this subject here.
Are Antiperspirants Better Than Deodorants?
That’s not an easy question to answer and ultimately is a personal choice. Clearly, antiperspirants are stronger and you can even get a prescription if the over-the-counter brands don’t work for you. But, the question is… do you really need an antiperspirant?
For some people who suffer from excessive sweating or hyperhidroesis, the answer may be yes. For those who don’t, you should consider what exactly you’re trying to cover up and why. If you’re worried about sweat stains on your clothing, there are a number of solutions including dress shields, wearing darker colours, using absorbent powder or even dietary changes.
If you’re worried about smell, deodorants may be all you need.
Is There A Difference Between Natural Deodorant and Traditional Deodorant?
Yes. Typically, natural deodorant does not contain synthetic ingredients in their products and usually only control odour. Traditional deodorant tends to be a deodorant/antiperspirant mix for both odour and sweat. The reason natural deodorant works to help mask odour is because they contain scents for smell and some type of absorbent like corn starch.
Again, there is no hard evidence that a traditional deodorant and antiperspirant mix is necessarily bad for you so you need to make the decision based on your body and your needs. Everything is made with chemicals and not all chemicals are harmful. Both deodorants and antiperspirants are regulated as a cosmetic product.
Natural Deodorant Brands I’ve Liked to Use
There are a few brands I’ve used mostly to great success. In conversations I’ve had with others, the trick to using a natural deodorant is finding one that works best with your body. This can take time and some trial-and-error.
Here are some of the ones I’ve liked best after product testing.
I Luv It
The I Luv It Natural Deodorant is my favourite. This product is handmade and only has six clean, pure and all-natural ingredients including coconut oil, arrowroot powder, magnesium hydroxide, beeswax, 100% natural extract and Melaleuca alternifolia. That’s it….and it really works!!
The scent is really mild and having used a few, I can’t really say I notice them, which is a good thing. With this deodorant, you use your fingers to apply and that irked me at first but I’ve grown to like having that much control on the amount I use and it doesn’t leave a sticky feeling. Of all the brands, I find this one controls wetness the best. I have found that the consistency changes in hotter weather and the deodorant seems to “melt” and not be as firm but this doesn’t change the effectiveness of the product.
You can find lines for both men and women as well as some 1oz sample tins that are great for travelling or sampling different scents.
Live Clean
Live Clean Deodorant is probably the easiest to find at your local pharmacy. I’ve used the Coconut Lemongrass scent and again have not been bothered by the scent, it’s hardly noticeable. This deodorant is 99% plant and naturally derived ingredients. No hard chemicals, yeah!! It’s aluminum and paraben-free, and never tested on animals.
There is a fragrance free option available as well as a men’s line. I found that the product goes on creamy white and does show on my skin and sometimes clothing. But it fades to clear immediately and I haven’t noticed any staining. For me, it controlled odour more than wetness.
Clean Kiss Deodorant
Clean Kiss Deodorant is the newest on the market and has some great qualities and selection. Like I Luv It, you use your fingers to put on just the right amount, but the consistency is much smoother. It also comes in some amazing fragrances that do add a subtle but really nice scent. Lavender Peppermint is my personal favourite!
This product comes in a baking-soda free variety as well as having options for teens. They also have small 15g containers readily available on the website to purchase, which is fantastic for throwing in your purse if you need a top-up.
I had the opportunity to conduct an interview with Jodie Pappas, Founder of Clean Kiss for our Canadian Showcase series. Her whole business model is fabulous and you can usually find a deodorant in one of their subscription boxes!
Native Deodorant
If deodorant was a pop star, Native Deodorant would be a headliner. I’m not saying this makes them the best, just the most popular. The packaging and consistency is the most like traditional deodorant. In terms of effectiveness, I personally found – and others have shared similar reaction – that certain scents work better than others. I found the Coconut & Vanilla worked great but I didn’t have as much luck with other scents. For the price point, that turned me off.
You’ll certainly find some unique scents here to experiment with! This brand also offers variety packs for extra savings, travel sizes and they have a line for sensitive skin.
Have you tried a different brand you’d like to share? If so, please tell us about it in the comments below! In the meantime, if you’re looking for more beauty-related posts, you may enjoy this article 5 Beauty Tips for Beauties over 40.
Thanks for reading!
