Deodorant
When I found out a close friend of mine was using a deodorant with aluminum in it (technically an antiperspirant), I realized that some of you may be as well. Less-toxic deodorant is the first thing I encourage everyone to switch to when they are looking at their body products. Why you ask?
1. deodorant is likely applied once a day, if not more
2. the skin in our underarms is close to breast tissue and lymph nodes, is very porous, and absorbs what is put on it...shaving creates micro-cuts and comprises our first layer of defense
3. sweating is our body's natural detox mechanism...we sweat out heavy metals and pesticides!
4. antiperspirants stop the natural sweating and lead to clogged pores with trapped toxins
5. a lot of deodorants have ingredients I advice avoiding
The most concerning ingredients being:
*ALUMINUM: a metal that makes deodorant antiperspirants so you don't sweat as much. Aluminum concentrations have been found higher in the tissues closest to the underarm and some scientists hypothesize it is linked to breast cancer.
*PARABENS: I've touched on this before, but parabens are a family of preservatives used in many cosmetics. They are also known endocrine disruptors, that are not currently regulated by the FDA. Meaning they can mimic estrogen and disrupt normal hormonal pathways and reproductive toxicity. According to the National Cancer Institute, excess estrogen plays a role in promoting growth of cancer cells.
*FRAGRANCE: this term could be up to any of 3,000 ingredients, including phthalates. There is NO regulation for the ingredient "fragrance or perfume". Phthalates are plasticising chemicals that help scents last longer, but have been linked to cancer, endocrine disruption, suppressed thyroid function, early puberty, and birth defects.
*TRICOLSAN: this is an antibacterial agent and is registered as a pesticide with the FDA!! Although triclosan was banned from hand soaps and sanitizers, it is still found in some deodorants.
The bottom line is check out your ingredient labels! Go to the company's website and do some investigation or see if the EWG website or Healthy Living App has any information on the deodorant you are using.
Making the Switch
Switching to natural deodorant from an antiperspirant will likely cause more sweating as your body adjusts and detoxes. The excess sweating usually only lasts 2-4 weeks as your body rids itself of toxins. In the process your odor will become less funky as toxins are finally released. Sweat is actually odorless and only takes on a smell when it mixes with the natural bacteria that’s on your skin. A healthy diet with lots of probiotics and fermented foods can help balance that bacterial flora. This transition period is necessary and you just need to push through, but what better time than winter in the middle of a pandemic to transition :)
If you have a skin reaction, like itchiness or redness consider not wearing deodorant for a few days and then try again. If it persists, your skin may not like baking soda (a common ingredient in natural deodorants) or certain essential oils used. There are a few brands that don't use baking soda or a lesser amount. In addition, consider an unscented version that won't have any essential oils.
Recommended Brands ~
Since I've been using natural deodorant for over 5 years now, I've tried my fair share of brands and have learned a few things about each I'd like to share. Please note that I have by no means tried all the safe brands (some of which are listed) and EVERY person has unique skin and sweat glands so my personal experience is just that, personal :) I am not a huge sweater so take that into consideration as well. Although you may find you sweat less a year after making the switch to natural deodorant.
Primally Pure: This has been my favorite for a few years now! It is made with a few simple organic ingredients. No aluminum, parabens, fragrance, triclosan, talc, propylene glycol, or anything artificial. I love how it applies, it lasts me a while, and the scent is subtle which I appreciate. It has never stained my clothes. The texture is a bit softer than a traditional deodorant. I love the blue tansy scent, but have also used the charcoal one and recommend this version if you tend to sweat more heavily. Men especially like the charcoal one! If you are interested in trying Primally Pure you can save 10% using my code: hitenutrition10.
Beautycounter: This is newer to me, but I have tried it now for 4 months and really like it. The application is more like a typical deodorant in that it is a bit more sturdy. The smell lingers more throughout the day so if you like to "smell your pits" this may be a good choice for you. I've been told it does wonders for heavy sweaters by many people (no dripping or making them sweat more during workouts). There are 3 scents: coconut, lavender, and rose. Beautycounter is the first company I am aware of to make a refillable deodorant, making it better for the environment and your wallet! If you'd like to try this deodorant, I'd love to offer you free shipping (please reply to this email or message me on Instagram so we can connect)!
Schmidt's: I used this brand a long time ago, so my memory is a bit vague but I think it was decent and may definitely be worth a try. If anything the application may have made me feel a little more wet? The upside is that it is very reasonably priced, is available in some stores, and rates as a 1 on the EWG app. There are some good scents for men as well!
Humble:I personally haven't used this brand, but another great price point. It rates as a 1 on EWG as well.
Just Ingredients: Again, I personally haven't used this brand, but the woman behind this company knows her stuff and has special formulated her products to be super safe! Another deodorant with minimal ingredients.
American Provenance: This is one of the first brands I used and I liked it enough to use for over a year. It's made local to me here in Wisconsin, which I love supporting local and I could easily find it at HyVee grocery store. It's now available on Amazon and they have some awesome unique scents great for men and women. Super simple ingredients, nothing to hide!
Native: I personally haven't used this brand; mainly because when I first started my natural deodorant journey there were enough negative reviews to steer me a way. But it appears they may have improved their formula as the reviews look better. Native is available at most stores, but it rates as a 3 on EWG mainly because some of the scents simply list "fragrance". The company doesn't list out what ingredients are used to make the fragrance on their website either. My advice if you like Native is to get a scent that doesn't list "fragrance" as there are a few or get the unscented one. In addition, if you find out you are sensitive to baking soda (a typical ingredient in most natural deodorants), Native makes two that do not container baking soda: Coconut & Vanilla or Cotton & Lily.
Freedom: Again, I personally haven't used this brand, but it has the EWG certification which means it is super safe! It's available on Amazon or their website. They also have two scents that are baking soda free: Coco Van or Jasmine Orange Blossom. They also have a sensitive unscented version.
Each & Every: Again, I personally haven't used this brand, but it has the EWG certification which means it is super safe! It's available on Amazon or their website. They use magnesium hydroxide (dead sea salt), which works very similarly to baking soda, creating a high pH environment that is hostile for bacteria growth. They have some great scents for men and women!
Pretty Frank: I used this brand a LONG time ago when it was called Primal Pit Paste, there has since been a name change. I honestly can't remember if there was anything I didn't like. They now have two versions with multiple scents available: one formula with baking soda and one without. It rates as a 1 on EWG so definitely worth a try.
*Now I’d love to know are you using a natural deodorant that I didn’t name above and you think should be on this list?? Please comment below!