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“What’s a natural deodorant that actually works?” is the number 1 question people ask me.
I’ve been trying different natural products for years, and I’ve probably spent the most money on trying deodorants. After I couldn’t stand the smell of myself anymore, I’d throw one out and try the next one. That’s why I did a happy dance when I found not one, but two fabulous non-toxic deodorants that actually work.
Watch this video that I made on why it’s important to use non-toxic deodorant and learn about one of my favorites.
NOTE–Since I made the video, Piperwai improved the formula of their stick version so that it glides on more smoothly. Also, fate brought me into our new Whole Foods at the perfect time to meet the owner of American Provenance, which led me to another favorite deodorant.
So watch the video, and make sure to continue reading below.
Why is is important to use a non-toxic deodorant?
Our skin is our largest organ and it absorbs what we put on it.
Most people use as anti-persperant. They have gotten used to not sweating. Here’s what happens when you use one. The active ingredient in antiperspirants, usually aluminum, blocks our sweat glands. Sweating is how our bodies cool down and release toxins.
If we block the sweat glands, the toxins aren’t released. Aluminum is also a neurotoxin, endocrine disruptor and can irritate skin.
What about conventional deodorants?
There are many other ingredients that you need to watch out for:
Fragrances–These are complex chemical mixtures that manufacturers are not required to disclose. They are considered to be trade secrets. Let’s call them dirty little secrets. This can include chemicals that are allergens, hormone disrupters or linked to cancer and more.
What to look for: fragrance, parfum
Parabens–These are preservatives used to prevent the growth of microbes so that our products will last longer. They mimic estrogen and can act as potential hormone system disruptors. They have also been linked to cancer, developmental and reproductive toxicity.
What to look for: Ethylparaben, butylparaben, methylparaben, propylparaben, isobutylparaben, isopropylparaben, other ingredients ending in –paraben
Phthalates– These are a group of chemicals used to soften and increase the flexibility of plastics and PVC. In personal care products they are used to improve texture, increase spreadability, and enhance absorption. These chemicals are known for their “gender bending” effects on humans and animals. They have been linked to changes in genital formation, decreased birth rate of boys, early puberty, DNA damage to sperm, and decreased sperm counts, and the list goes on.
What to look for: fragrance, phthalate, DEP, DBP, DEHP
What to Look For in a Non-Toxic Deodorant
Remember, that just because a label says “aluminum-free” or “all-natural” does not mean it is a good choice. This is called greenwashing. Greenwashing is when a company deceptively promotes their products or company as environmentally friendly when they in fact are not.
The FDA does not regulate the use of words like “hypoallergenic”, “natural”, or “organic” to name a few. Some companies use these terms to market their products because they know that the eco movement is the fastest growing segment of the cosmetics industry.
NOTE– Everyone’s body chemistry is different so what works for me may not work for you. There are many non-toxic deodorants out there-yay! So just check the ingredients before you buy one.
I use EWG’s Skin Deep database to check the products that I use.
The Skin Deep Cosmetics Database lets you search more than 62,000 products and rates them based on the ingredients listed on the label. If your product hasn’t been reviewed you can also search by individual ingredients.
The EWG scores products on a scale of 1-10, with 1-2 being least hazardous. 3-6 being moderate hazard and 7-10 being high hazard.
An exciting new development from the EWG are their EWG Verified products. They are now putting a label, EWG Verified, on products that live up to certain standards. According to their website, they must be:
• Free of EWG’s ingredients of concern
• Fully disclose all ingredients
• Follow good manufacturing practices
The EWG also has a FREE Healthy Living app. Use this app to scan the barcode of or manually enter your beauty, cleaning and food products. They will show you the allergy concern, cancer concern, developmental concern and overall rating.
Now, For my two Favorite Deodorants:
PiperWai. Use this link to get 15% off. This comes in a jar or in a new and improved stick. I’m loving the stick version. It has a nice, clean scent. It’s easy to swipe on. This is rated 2 by EWG. This is great for men and women.
NOTE– This is made with activated charcoal. I have heard from a couple of people that they are sensitive to this and got a rash. I have sensitive skin and haven’t had any issues at all. However, I know it’s nice to try before you buy. Piperwai came out with a limited summer trial size. Grab it here.
American Provenance deodorant. They have fun scents such as Firepits & Flannels, Horeshoes & Hand Grenades, and Rosaries & Revolvers (which has a nice rose smell.)
This deodorant is made in small batches in Wisconsin (makes me love it even more!). The ingredients are clean. There is nothing harmful in this stuff. And it really works. I am loving the Lemongrass scent right now. The texture is a bit softer than conventional deodorant. I swipe a little on, and rub it around with my fingers if I get too much. Be careful not to leave this stuff in the heat. It is not yet rated by EWG.
Here’s to smelling good this summer!
With love + gratitude,
R
Do you have a natural deodorant that you love?
Please share what works for you in the comments below. Also, if you know of someone who’s looking for a natural deodorant, please share this post with them.
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