Switching to Natural Deodorant
11:00 AM Posted by Mommy Is Green
I chose move away from traditional deodorant and went the more natural route starting a year and a half ago. My first run with organic deodorant didn't turn out so hot. Then again, I was going through deodorant detox. After my initial try failed, I found a crystal spray deodorant. It worked well for several months. Then I found out that crystal rock deodorants contain aluminum (an ingredient I was trying to avoid) just like antiperspirants do. So yet another switch had to be made.
Deodorants aren't antiperspirants, so they don't stop you from sweating. That's part of the problem when switching over. It takes some getting used to and some dedication. I have found two very natural deodorants that work well on odor in addition to helping some with the wetness factor. They are Soapwalla's Deodorant Cream and Weleda's Citrus Deodorant Spray.
Soapwalla Deodorant Cream - has a frosting like texture and helps to absorb some wetness through clays and superfine vegetable powders. It also uses lavender, tea tree and peppermint oils to help with odor protection. A lot of people really like this deodorant. Personally, I think it's great too!
Weleda Citrus Deodorant Spray - contains organic alcohol. This helps with odor as well as evaporating some wetness. If you've seen the EWG Skin Deep rating of 7, I believe this is an error. The fragrance is from essential oils. And even though the ingredient list contains essential oil components such as limonene and linalool, they shouldn't be harmful on a non-synthetic level if they haven't been oxidized (Stephanie from Bubble and Bee answered my question about limonene and linalool). Not all companies disclose these naturally occurring components, so of course their product rating may be lower due to this. It doesn't mean their essential oils don't contain them though. I've always only used the Skin Deep Database as a guide. I combine it with my own knowledge to make the right decisions for myself. I feel this deodorant deserves a lower rating and is right for me.
As a backup, baking soda is my friend. If you're weary about trying a natural deodorant for the first time, carry a small amount of baking soda with you. If you notice odor you can do a quick fix by patting some under your arms. It's instant magic but it's not something that should be used by itself everyday. It can really start to irritate your skin because it's a bit abrasive. That's why it's better to pat on than to rub in. Even if you mix it with another powder it can still be irritating on a daily basis. So just take caution with that.
Since wetness can still occur it's best to wear a black shirt if you're going somewhere important. In my experience, I've found that wearing light gray (especially) or colors makes wetness more noticeable. On some days I'm lucky and I don't sweat that much, but on others I'm not so fortunate.
I have to be honest that making the switch to natural deodorant has been one of my biggest struggles in going green. Since making the change I've never looked back though. The underarm wetness can be a problem for me sometimes, but I cringe at the thought of putting parabens, phthalates, or glycols on my skin. So I march on and deal.
**Update** I want to add a DIY recipe:
Deodorant Spray by Johanna of Jo's Health Corner
I haven't tried this recipe yet but it looks good!
I also want to state that I've heard DIY recipes containing baking soda/coconut oil/cornstarch or arrowroot powder work very well too. Like I said with the baking soda though, they can be irritating for some. If you have sensitive skin take caution. If you have any kind of yeast issue avoid the cornstarch.
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March 11, 2011 12:27 PM
I came across the crystal one and the aluminium hold me from ordering it online.. I used a powder one and gave me a horrible rash, the funny part was that my sister and my mom both used it as well and nothing happened to them. Currently I'm using the unscented one from Toms of Maine but I want to go with a more natural one. It's takes a lot of research to find them so thanks for sharing this with us.. I would love to try the soapwalla deodorant Cream..
March 11, 2011 4:45 PM
I will try these. I've tried others and they worked horribly on me!!!
March 11, 2011 8:54 PM
My daughter did this for quite some time because she is very environmentally committed, but she ended up giving up the fight after a while. At first she didn't mind the wetness, but when she graduated college and went to work, it just wasn't comfortable for her.
March 12, 2011 10:47 AM
I didn't know that the crystal rock deodorants contain aluminum. I think I bought it once, but now I make my own quick deodorant.
Thanks for sharing your experience.
When it comes to linalool Robert Tisserand, a famous authority in aromatherapy says:
"I support Personal Care Truth because I’m tired of seeing legislation being passed that unfairly discriminates against natural essential oils, the evidence being twisted to suit an agenda. I’m tired of hearing that linalool (a major constituent of many essential oils) is a skin allergen and a neurotoxin, as the Environmental Working Group would have us believe."
March 12, 2011 5:43 PM
thanks for this post! sometimes i forget i use bad for you deodarant and then I read this and think: why don't i try this!!! I have an autoimmune disease too so i think it is even MORE important that i stay free of all the aluminum in products!
SOOOO, i went right off your link and bought me some soapwalla!!!! so excited to get it in the mail, thank you!
March 16, 2011 4:50 PM
I don't think I read a single post of yours that doesn't impress me, Victoria. You're always doing such an amazing job staying committed! Mommy sure is Green! :)
March 17, 2011 4:15 PM
such funky issue - I appreciate your candor and sharing your finds. Currently I use Hugo's deodorant.
March 18, 2011 3:38 PM
I've never heard of Soapwalla's Deodorant Cream before, may have to give it a try. I've used the citrus scented Toms of Maine, but it didn't work for me and don't care much for a sweaty citrus smell either.
I love how you keep trying.
March 22, 2011 11:26 PM
I just placed an order for the Soapwalla Deodorant Cream!!! I really wanted to try it and since what I'm using now will ran out soon I thought it was the right time to get it.. Thank you! =)
April 8, 2011 7:31 PM
I agree with you that deodorant is the hardest change when going green. I tried several before settling on one from Miessence. It's scentless, which I like. Simply keeps odor at bay, but doesn't leave me all flowery smelling. There's a cool one by a brand called Face Naturals, too. It is scented, but it smells like lemons and cloves. Rather nice. The Bert's Bees one was just awful on me. I smelled like Italian herbs and funk! Not good.
April 9, 2011 10:14 AM
@Todra I have been wanting to try Miessence deodorant too. I'm so glad you like it! :)
April 13, 2011 8:14 PM
I use the Weleda lavender/rosemary deodorant spray and really like it. I haven't tried any other natural deodorant's because this one has worked so well for me - and I think it's rated lower than the other scent. But, I am wanting to try to make my own so I'll give a look at the link you posted.
April 15, 2011 1:27 AM
hi there!
Just wanted to let you know that i really have been liking the soapwalla. It seems to work all day for me. I do wish i didn't have to touch it so much before i put it on, i.e. stirring with finger, cuz the chalkiness kind of sticks to my hands until i wash them, but that is my only complaint. wish it could be in stick format. I like the smell and i feel like it has been working. it makes me feel good to wear for sure. I would absolutely buy again.
June 21, 2011 5:09 PM
I heared of people who use just plain coconut oil