I don't use regular antiperspirant/deodorant anymore
Like most of you, I'd heard for years that regular deodorant/antiperspirant is possibly not the most healthy thing to be putting on my armpits. But I felt rather stuck because heaven knows I am a sweaty person.
Even WITH regular deodorant.
So, I couldn't imagine what I'd be like without it.
I'd tried some natural deodorants before (Primal Pit Paste, to name one!) and my experience was...stinky. Bleah.
My friend Beth encouraged me to try an Arm and Hammer deodorant that was more natural, and she said if I stuck it out through an adjustment period of a couple of weeks, things would get better.
I did, and she was right! I feel like the stink got worse for a while, but then it improved and I felt pretty pleased with the results. It wasn't perfect, but I was certainly no more sweaty than I was with regular deodorant/antiperspirant.
(A doctor quoted in this Real Simple article says you need to allow a 3-4 week adjustment period.)
It's been four years now since I've switched, and I have fewer sweat issues than I did before I switched. I don't think I'll ever go back to regular antiperspirant!
How does natural deodorant work?
Underarm sweat does not actually smell bad on its own; the stink comes from bacteria on the surface of the skin.
Underarm skin contains apocrine sweat glands, which generally don't begin secreting sweat until puberty. According to my Anatomy and Physiology textbook, this particular sweat provides food for the bacteria in the underarm area, and that bacteria is what causes the underarm funk.
(What a mercy that we don't have these particular sweat glands all over our bodies. Imagine if our forearms had the potential to smell as bad as our underarms!)
Bacteria love to be warm and wet, of course, so natural deodorants usually include ingredients that are meant to keep you dry (like baking soda) and also fight the bacteria (for instance, coconut oil is antibacterial).
Antiperspirants actually block the sweat ducts, whereas deodorants work only on the surface of the skin.
Pros of natural deodorant
It's safe for my body. I'm not artificially preventing the release of sweat, and I'm not putting potentially harmful substances on my skin.
My shirt armpits are cleaner. I didn't realize that a lot of the residue and buildup on my shirts was actually deodorant, not sweat! Also, the yellow stains that white shirts get? Apparently, those are from deodorant too!
It's easier to wash my armpits. Regular solid deodorant is a little hard to scrub off, even on skin. But the natural stuff comes right off.
Overall, my armpits are drier. My traditional antiperspirant wasn't really keeping me very dry! Ever since I got past the adjustment period, I have found that I am dealing with less armpit sweat than I ever was before.
Cons of natural deodorant
Nothing is perfect. 😉 So...
It doesn't last as long. I sometimes need to reapply later in the day if it's been a particularly hot one.
It doesn't hold up to workouts quite as well. This doesn't bother me a ton because I work out at home mostly. No one else has to smell me!
It's more expensive up-front. The Arm and Hammer stuff isn't pricey, but brands like Soapwall and Native do cost way more than regular deodorant.
Some brands leave oil stains on shirts. This effect is pretty faint, and it can be removed during laundering, but I still thought it should be mentioned.
It can irritate your skin. A lot of natural products use baking powder, and that can irritate some people's skin.
Reviews of the deodorants I've tried
I've given a whole variety of deodorants a try, so I figured a run-down would be helpful.
Primal Pit Paste
This stuff did not work for me at all; I felt greasy and sweaty, and I threw my container away. Thumbs down.
Schmidt's
I wanted to like this one; it smelled good, it came in a handy dispenser, and I'd heard good things about it.
But nope; it doesn't do a great job for me, and the texture of it is a little too soft. It made for a messy application experience.
Arm and Hammer Naturals
This does not contain antiperspirants, but it does have a few ingredients that are not considered to be 100% natural.
However, it's inexpensive, easy to apply, and maybe a good thing to first try as you move away from antiperspirant deodorant.
Soapwalla
This comes in a little jar and you apply it with your fingertips.
It works great, is made of completely safe ingredients, and lasts forever (which makes it quite affordable).
However, it can get a little annoying to keep applying deodorant with your fingers.
And it contains baking soda, which can be a problem for sensitive skin.
Meow Meow Tweet
This is a super cute deodorant with a super cute name, and it smells great!
It's free of baking soda, and I think it works as well as the Soapwalla deodorant. Definitely a good option if you have sensitive skin.
I bought the glass container, which you apply with your fingertips. But I see you can now get this brand in a stick deodorant too, which is handy.
Native Deodorant
I ordered some of this after getting an in-the-mail coupon, and I have to say, I love it.
It's as natural as can be, it works great for me, and it comes in a traditional deodorant dispenser, which I love!
Native makes several varieties of deodorant without baking soda, so check those out if you are sensitive.
Dr. Teals (2023 addition)
I tried this on a reader suggestion. It is quite affordable as natural deodorants go, and it works fine.
But the texture is so hard! I struggled to apply it, even in the summer, unless my armpit skin was wet from a shower.
In conclusion...
- Give yourself some adjustment time before you give up on natural deodorant
- Try a bunch of different types; what works for you might be different than what works for me
- I give Meow Meow Tweet, Soapwalla, and Native the highest marks
Have you tried natural deodorant? I'd love to hear about your experience!
P.S. For the record, I think deodorant choice is not a matter of high importance, healthwise. My guess is that many other things, such as sleep, physical activity, and a balanced diet, have a much bigger impact on a person's overall well-being and health. Deodorant is pretty minor, and I don't think anyone should feel terribly stressed if natural deodorant is a no-go for them!
I switched to natural deodorants maybe 10 years ago. After making my own homemade concoction (fail), I've tried a few, and over time I've learned that I cannot use any that contain baking soda. I used Schmidt's (sensitive formula) for a while, but then I found the Arm & Hammer Essentials at Dollar Tree and have been using that for a while. I'll add Native and Meow Meow Tweet to my to-try list!
@Brooke, soapwalla also has a sensitive skin version with no baking soda!
@kristina, Thanks, I'll add it to my list to try 🙂
@Brooke, you may want to try arrow root powder or corn starch as a substitute for the baking soda. I used to make homemade deodorant as well and was sensitive to baking soda but was fine with arrow root powder or corn starch (non gmo if you can find it). I now use MoM from Peoples Pharmacy.
I switched about 3-4 years ago and was also amazed that after the initial adjustment that I seemed to sweat way less than before! Hooray! I like the feel of natural deodorant better. I’m allergic to a lot of artificial fragrance, so the natural deodorants smell better to me too.
I use Schmidt and the Arm and Hammer brands. Bonus points for both of them because my Target sells them. I like Native, but it is so expensive. I’ll have to try your other top picks.
I’ve tried to convince my family and friends about this for a while but no one seems to believe me. I also stopped using shampoo and only washing my hair every 5-6 days. It saves time and money. 🙂
I love reading your comments sections, when I have time, because there seem to be so many kind and like minded people!
Just a heads up, our local Target had several Native brand items on clearance, including the deodorant! I realize that clearance varies by location, but it may be worth checking the clearance end cap in the body care isle of your local Target the next time you go. I was there for normal shopping but am duty-bound to check the clearance spots. The Native deal stuck out to me precisely because of yesterday’s FFT!
@N, aisle, not isle, autocorrect!!!
@N, it would be really nice if there was an "isle" in all of our Targets.
About two weeks ago I started using apple cider vinegar (just dab it on) and have had no adjustment period! After using Secret or Suave for decades. It's too soon to tell for sure but so far I love it. No waste and super frugal, obviously. Some people say to mix it 50/50 with water especially I'd you have sensitive skin but I've been ok with it straight. It doesn't smell after it dries. I reapplied in the afternoon at first because I was worried it might not work but have stopped doing even that. 10 out of 10 recommend!
@Caroline,
I have to try this! What I specially like is that I can by organic apple cider for very little money and it comes in glass bottles. Whenever possible I try to avoid plastic. For years now I have been making my own concoction with coconut oil, starch, baking soda and a bit of beeswax. It works beautifully, I am not sensitive to it and I keep it in a little tin box. I spent maybe 5 €/year for a very environmental friendly and highly effective deodorant.
But the apple cider is worth a try! Thank you for the suggestion.
@Lea, I am working toward cutting down on plastics/waste, too, which is what led to this discovery! Hope it works for you.
@Lea, I meant to say your recipe sounds great, too--I just know I needed the lazy woman's method. 😉
I made my own deodorant for awhile, about 10 years ago. I used baking soda and coconut oil. Unfortunately after several months of use, it started making my armpits rash up. DH had the same problem. I could not find a natural option that worked but didn’t contain baking soda. So we quit and went back to conventional antiperspirant. Over the pandemic, DH and I stopped wearing any at all. We figured, hey, this’ll help reinforce social distancing right? Plus the masks help mitigate the smell… Anyhow, now that society has mostly turned back on, we wear it only if we are going somewhere like church or work where we will be in close proximity to innocent people.
Since I’m already airing my stinky secrets, I will also confess that I stopped shaving my armpits during the pandemic. I always got razor burn, now I don’t have to deal with it anymore. This is weird, but I think I’m sweating less? Maybe armpit hair is functional? I don’t know. I still shave my legs, that doesn’t bother me.
@Tarynkay,
I never shave my armpit hair, as I always wear long sleeves, and notice I have less sweat than the few times I have shaved to wear a swimsuit. Interesting!
@Tarynkay, I had exactly the same reaction with homemade deodorant containing coconut oil and baking soda. Yuck!
@Tarynkay, I quit shaving anything several years ago, and wear tank tops, swimsuits, dresses etc without shame. My body wants hair there, I'm letting there be hair there! I actually enjoy having hair, and also not shaving! It's so weird that body hair became gendered, and I've been happy with my choice (and of course happy to let anyone do anything they want with theirs!).
At one point I did have my grandma tell me that women having armpit hair was 'dirty' and I asked her if she could tell me how men's armpits are magically cleaner as to not be, lol. No answers there 😉
I recently tried Lume and I have mixed feelings about it. One the one hand, the scents are great, and I love that you can use it on any part of your body that you have odor. However, its messy to apply - even the stick container which is just holes in the top of the container for cream deodorant to move through - you still have to spread it around with your fingers. Also, there is a slight initial funk smell that does dissipate, but why it is there to begin with? No clue, but it must be one of the ingredients. I am 100% around other people all day (in a hospital, so I cannot smell like funk) and always moving and I have to have both odor control AND sweat control. So it's Secret Lavender solid antiperspirant for me 5 days a week.
@gina, Lume, the funk!!!! Oh my yes! But it never went away for me. I really wanted to love it but I just couldn't. It was expensive too. I had several containers of it and gave them to two friends who wanted to try it. They also could not get over the lingering funk smell. I really like Life Doesnt Stink natural deodorant. I like the one with tea tree oil in it.
@Suzanne, $15 bucks for it seemed excessive! But their advertising hooked me - its quite clever.
I have not tried natural deodorants, but Native has been advertising on the MLB channel, so I wanted to read up on it. Thanks for sharing!
I went through some similar trials when I made the switch. The adjustment phase was a slightly embarrassing couple of weeks, but it was short-lived. I tried a myriad of brands and a homemade product, and I discovered that my skin is too sensitive for baking soda and some brands just didn’t keep the stink away. I especially had a problem finding one that could address the postpartum hormone sweats and their accompanying stink. But I finally tried the Hey Humans brand from Target (it’s 6.99 for 2 oz but you can find it on sale and stock up) and I love it! It comes in a little cylindrical cardboard tube (recyclable!) that works like a push pop. The scents are great and neutral (my favorite is banana aloe), and it works well for me and doesn’t irritate my skin. Would recommend to anyone who is switching!
@Kyndra, I love the Hey Humans brand! I've tried that and Toms because I like that they don't come in plastic packaging, but I think the Hey Humans is my favorite.
I cannot get through any necessary *adjustment period* to determine if I CAN like these products. lol
Arm and Hammer- oh so sticky... I don't do gel deodorant/antiperspirant products and this was horrible for me. I tried it for a few days but between the sticky feeling and the *stink* I bailed .
Native and Schmidts- wanted to love the fragrances but could not get over the stink I felt. My daughter felt she was getting *burned* by these natural products and also struggled with the odor issue.
(I am also the person who gets 12-18 hours post shampoo and has limp greasy hair.. genetics)
@jes, for decades now I have been reading other women's tips to wash your hair less often. They swear it will reduce your need to wash it. I don't think a lot of people realize that there are vastly different types of hair. Some have coarse, dry hair and this might work for them. But for those of us with skinny, fine hair and scalps that produce mega amounts of oil, it simply doesn't work.
For most of my life, I've felt this way too! I have lots of oil and not lots of hair.
But lately, I've been able to go a little longer between washings. I don't know if it's because I am getting older, or because I'm using sulfate-free shampoo, but I'm pretty happy to have less hair grease.
@Anne, HARD AGREE! I wake up looking like I've slept in an oil slick, and my head and hair feel so dirty if I don't wash daily that it's distracting (plus my scalp breaks out). I tried during pandemic work from home to wash less, but it just doesn't work for me!
@Andria, Same. I have thick freezy/curly dry hair and I can get away with not washing them for a week. My daughter with fine straight hair? After 2 days it looks dirty and oily.
@Anne,
THANK YOU! I have only met a few people who understand this.
@jes,
Daily hair washer here too. I would love to skip to save water/money, so I do sometimes on the weekends, but if I need to be fit for public consumption, I've got to wash my hair.
I use a deodorant crystal. When it's wet, it leaves a layer of mineral on the skin that prevents bacteria growth. It works for me and one "stick" lasts for years. Mine is getting small now and I recently realized that it is just made with magnesium salts. My kids did a science experiment to make magnesium crystals using magnesium salt and water, and when the water evaporated (took about 3 weeks) the two cups of magnesium salts had formed a crystal exactly like the deodorant crystal-just in the shape of the bottom of the container. We used their crystals in their bath, but this summer I'm going to make another one in a more deodorant-shaped container and see if it works as well as the store-bought kind. It will be very cheap if it works! I have also occasionally used Tom's of Maine in addition to the crystal if I want something nice-smelling (the crystal has no smell), but back when I was single and cared more about such things, I would use the crystal and then spray perfume on my underarms. When I was a teenager, I used secret antiperspirant and although it worked great, I got terribly painful inflamed lymph nodes from it. Once I put two and two together, I switched to natural deodorant in college and never went back. One time about fifteen years ago I had poison ivy on my wrist and on the advice of the internet I put secret deodorant on it to dry it out. It worked beautifully to dry out the poison ivy rash, but then I ended up with an inflamed lymph node in my armpit a couple days later and I didn't even use it there! So I avoid the aluminum in antiperspirants completely now since I'm clearly very sensitive to it. Now I use white toothpaste to dry out poison ivy rashes. Doesn't work as quickly, but no more lymph node problems. I've also discovered that if I notice an odor while I'm at work, like if it's been a particularly stressful day, using a bit of hand sanitizer helps kill some of the smellier bacteria and there's always hand sanitizer around these days.
I love all things natural, but I haven't been able to make the switch to natural deodorant! I always develop rashes with anything involving baking soda or coconut oil, and I find it gets expensive to keep experimenting with different brands so then I quit trying.
@Tammy, I had the same issues with everything I tried. I hear you, it gets expensive! I gave Schmidt’s Jasmine Tea one last try after I saw someone on YouTube using it and it ended up working for me. It’s for sensitive skin, it does not contain baking soda and that particular smell seems to work well for me. I’ve been using it for a couple of years now and I’ve been pretty happy with it.
@Tammy, I have had the same problem with coconut oil (horrible rashes) and baking soda (irritation). I have tried a Weleda, a citrusy roll on deodorant, that works great for me in non summer months. Bonus is that the scent helps me wake up. Recently I started using Dove 0% Aluminum Deodorant Stick in Pomegranate & Lemon Verbena. There were only 2 varieties of Dove's 0% aluminum line that I found without coconut oil. I like the pomegranate one, and it doesn't irritate my skin!
@Tammy, SAME. I use Every Man Jack! No aluminum, baking soda, or coconut oil!
@Kaitlin, Dove 0% Aluminum has become my favorite (loving the cucumber and green tea scent this summer). I tried some Love Beauty and Planet bars and wasn't overly impressed. I'm sticking with Dove 0%!
Oh yes... I've tried Tom's of Maine as well and liked them ok (in winter it was fine, when it got warm I'd have to reapply midday) until I tried the Dove 0% Aluminum. Now Dove wins.
What a timely post. My very few body products have already been reduced to seven--shampoo and conditioner bars, coconut oil+baking soda for my face, body wash (still working through a conventional bottle and will replace it with bar soap when it's done), a natural aloe-based gel for my hair styling, and occasional deodorant. I don't bother with deodorant in the winter, and only if I'm going somewhere in the summer. For that reason, I've had the same stick of Dove for years. But it is now definitely at the end of its usefulness, and so I am casting about to find a replacement that is not Dove. Thanks for all the information!
@kristin @ going country, what shampoo and conditioner bars do you use? I have found a good shampoo option, but I'm still hunting for the right conditioner option.
@Molly, I got it from an Etsy seller, and it is now apparently unavailable. My main issue with the conditioner bar was applying it. I have long hair, and it was kind of hard to distribute it all the way through. I need to experiment with chopping, then blending a conditioner bar with water to make more of a bottled conditioner consistency. Probably can buy a natural shampoo in a bottle, but it probably also costs more, and I don't want anymore bottles.
@kristin @ going country, I had fine luck with the conditioner bars when they were new, but as the bars got used, there was a film on them that made it harder to condition the lengths of my hair. So I took a vegetable peeler to it, put those scraps in an old take out container, and added some water. It needs to sit a day to get a "gel" consistency, almost like a leave in conditioner. It's still not great, but I'd rather use what I have than waste it and buy something else. For the shampoo bars, I've had the best luck when my hair is very wet and the bar is also very wet.
@kristin @ going country, I feel like I have to comb my hair with my conditioner bar! It definitely takes some time so I try to shut off the water while I do that. I also only comb my hair in the shower (curly hair girl here) so this incentivizes me to get enough conditioner in. I'm reminded that simple is not always easy and I'd rather be kind to the planet than be in a rush.
gene ABCC1
I realized when I started running track in high school something was different. My kids, my whole family, even on the funkiest backwoods 2 week camping trip we might smell like sour milk.
But then we also have ginger genes, so you win some you lose some.
I did try a couple different natural deodorant but it’s definitely not for mr! I sweat a lot and I never felt « fresh » while using the natural ones. I now stick with Dove deodorant (my favorite) or Secret.
@Isa,
My husband on the other hand uses Schmitd and it works well for him (but he doesn’t sweat a lot)
I started Tom's of Maine over 12 years ago when I was diagnosed with breast cancer. It has no aluminum in it. With my surgery I don't sweat anymore but my daughter felt it didn't work for her.
@Cheryl, interesting I have had the breast cancer surgery 2xs. I only wised up after the 2nd go round and said no aluminum. I like you use Tom's of Maine unscented (only can find in Walmart).
But I noticed I don't sweat anymore. The only time is when I am outside in summer working in my yard. So my Tom's last a really long time.
I have used the Crystal liquid in the past and it worked fine for me, but I had to wait for it to dry when getting dressed, so I stopped using it for that reason only. My sister used the Crystal rock, but said it doesn't survive being dropped, so I didn't even try it. I have to get ready so early on work days, and getting up even a few minutes earlier just for liquid deodorant to dry wasn't worth it.
I said I use Tom's and Jason's now. Jason's is actually a little sticky, but I don't notice it during the day. Tom's feels the best to me.
I tried one - Queen something or other, I can't remember exactly - that was on a great sale, but it left big grease spots on my shirt and bra, so that was a no-go.
It's possible to squirt a mix of alcohol and vinegar and let it dry, but again... waiting for it to dry...
I feel as though I sweat less now than when I wore anti-perspirants, too. And a real bonus was that the red shaving bumps disappeared once I started wearing natural deodorants. My underarms are now smooth and bump and pain-free.
@JD,
I switched to Crystal maybe 20 years ago and it works great in all situations, including hot weather and workouts. I agree with you about letting it dry so one day long ago I just put on my shirt before it was dry—and no problem! No stains and it still worked to keep any smells away so that’s what I have done for decades.
Great scents, though unscented is the one I use most often.
The only deodorant antiperspirants that works for me is secret unscented. I have a very stinky armpit region that is also sensitive. Those natural ones can't handle it! I've tried ones like the arm and hammer - I always have to go back to secret to be allowed in polite society.
The unfair thing is that my husband- a big active guy who sweats buckets- does not stink! He doesn't wear deodorant at all and even after long runs, there's no smell.
That's why I think deoderants/antiperspirants can't be the only cause if pit stains. His white shirts always get yellowed.
Oh, this is where my lack of sense of smell comes back to bite me. I have no idea if I'm passing the adjustment phase or if I stink or don't stink on any given day. I have no idea if any deodorant is working ever until my husband says, "Dear, you need some more deodorant." I'm thankfully he's willing to be my designated nose, but I'm not around him all day everyday for him to inform me if deodorant is working or not.
@Dorinda, I don't have a sense of smell either!! My husband is so sensitive about chemical smells from deodorant that I just stopped wearing any (we literally couldn't even cuddle if I was using some, even!), and if I'm stinky he just lets me know and I shower.
He's my smell hero in that I don't want to wash laundry that isn't dirty yet, so I hang the clothes I wear to air out, then he checks then for me so I know what needs washing. I'm sure it is absolutely not his favorite activity, but I'm glad not to wear my clothes out early from over-zealous washing!
@Rachel, Anosmiacs, unite!
Do you have congenital anosmia or acquired? The way you write makes me think congenital.
That's so interesting that it's the deodorant/chemical smell that your husband doesn't like. Mine is definitely the sweaty smell. Maybe I need to work harder at banishing bacteria?
And I'm glad you've gotten a good laundry routine down. Yes, washing clothes that don't need to be washed yet is definitely annoying.
@Dorinda, aquired! But I was young, about 5 years old. I was tossed off a bed face first onto a wooden toybox, and smashed my face so hard it severed the olfactory nerve and my sense of smell was gone forever. So I've lived most my life without it, but it occasionally makes me very sad.
One of my biggest issues is sometimes I eat spoiled food because I can't tell it's gone bad! It just might taste a little off at most, but then I get really sick. It's really hard not having this sense! But it is what it is, so we just move through life the best we can.
@Rachel, Bummer on the 5yr old face smash! 🙁 Mine is congenital and it doesn't bug me most of the time, but once in a while I get sad about it too. And I've given myself food poisoning more times than I can count due to eating spoiled food (once on a backpacking trip in Glacier where I ended up alternating between the hammock and the outhouse all day)!!! But yes, gotta appreciate the superpower side of it and keep on going!
@Dorinda, oh man! That isn't how you want a backpacking trip to go!
I've certainly had some adventures in not smelling. Letting a dog that had just been skunked into the house to roll around on all the couches, having an errant bag of potatoes in the back of a cabinet liquefy and not noticing, trying to learn to cook and dumping an entire bottle of garlic powder in my tomato sauce...
I'm a girl who people assume loves smells, too. I've gotten so many incense sticks, perfumes, and fancy teas over the years! I was told I did really love smelling things before I lost my sense of smell.
But yeah, we all have things that aren't ideal in our lives. But it was so wonderful to chat here with you! May both of us have the best non-smelling lives possible. 😉
I also like Native, except for the price. The plastic free packaging is harder to use, it’s circular and works like a push pop and costs more!! My favorite scent is lilac and white tea but the charcoal is good too.
I’ve never considered myself to have particularly sensitive skin, but I have tried several brands and every one of them gives me an itchy rash. Now I’m wondering if they all contained baking soda? Maybe I’ll try one without and see what happens….fingers crossed. Thanks for the information!
@Rachel, after breast cancer I dont use any thing under my arm pits, I am blessed I dont swet much but my husband does , I've bought him every natural one on the market but sadly within a couple of hours it isant working, the mineral crystals was the best but when using it he lost all hair from under his arms , any ideas for men who sweat badly,
I switched over to Lume about a year ago after trying a handful of other natural deodorants. I was surprised at how well Lume works and there wasn’t much of a transition period. I use the unscented cream, which goes on like a lotion and dries quickly. There is a bit of a weird odor when you first apply, but it goes away very quickly. I love that it washes off easily, I always felt like regular deodorant didn’t ever really wash off no matter how much I scrubbed.
I’ve been using Native for about a year and really love it. It really leaves me not smelly, but living in Florida, does zero for the sweat! You’d have to be a unicorn not to sweat here, so I’ll take it lol. I’m anxious to check out Meow Meow Tweet! The name alone is appealing enough! I think my pre-teen would love it. She actually uses Fresh Monster deodorant and really likes it. Comes in a gummy scent, so super kid friendly!
I have tried a variety of natural deodorants, stuck it out through Native for a year or so, but they all broke me out. Have switched back to anti-perspirants, mostly due to hot flashes. Will try the apple cider vinegar mentioned below and maybe Hey Human and see if one of those works. Picked up some all natural shampoo/conditioner bar in Alaska and it seems to work well.
Okay, so I switched to a natural deodorant 2 years ago and never looked back. I have EXTREMELY sensitive skin, to the point that there was just a single "normal" antiperspirant I could use without getting a rash (hooray for aluminum allergies as well). When I did try a natural deodorant in the past (Schmidt's) I got a terrible rash from the baking soda. Happily! There's a lot more natural deodorants on the market than there was 5 years ago! I use Every Man Jack. I realize it is probably for men (ha) but the Sandalwood scent is great, there's no baking soda or aluminum to irritate my skin, and it lasts a good while on my skin. Plus - it comes in a deodorant stick, isn't a gel, and applies easily and smoothly. Since I started using them they've really grown and expanded their line of products and scents. Highly, highly recommend.
We made the switch many years ago. Tom's of Maine has good products. Currently my husband uses Crystal Body Deodorant Stick, and I use the same brand in the roll-on. The stick is more like a hard salt based shape in a holder. I can't manage it with my Essential Tremor (it goes flying), so I use the roll-on. We find it at CVS
I have tried try a couple different natural deodorant but found that even after the "adjustment" period, I stink. I may try some of the brands you reviewed to see if I have different results from those. The ones that you have to apply with your fingertips are definitely a no-go for me though!
I tried Bite Deoderant (I've been using their zero plastic toothpaste for years) and I honestly love it! It smells good, but not too strong, and it uses no plastic at all! Highly recommend it to those who are natural curious and plastic averse: https://bitetoothpastebits.com/products/neroli
Very interesting post. I had tried natural deodorant in the past but I didn't realize you needed a month for your body to adjust. (I quite after one week.)
I've tried a ton. My go to used to be Kiss My Face liquid crystal rock, but it was discontinued. I now use Arm and Hammer Essentials Unscented. I get it in multipacks through Amazon.
I forgot to mention a trial of Milk of Magnesia. Yes, it works! It's cheap, but you have to apply the liquid with your fingers and wait for it to dry. My husband likes the convenience of a stick so Arm and Hammer it is.
I haven’t used antiperspirant for about 20 years but I didn’t commit to natural deodorants until 5-ish years ago. Soapwalla and Schmidt’s are my favorite and I’ve found they both work well for me through a whole workday. Something inexpensive that has also helped me, especially in summer, is splashing a bit of rubbing alcohol under my arms after I shower. I allow that to air dry and then I apply deodorant. My husband thinks this is really weird but I’m convinced it helps on extra hot days, especially if I’m commuting on foot or bike!
I shout from the rooftops that I use botox in my arm pits. Once a year. Done. No odour!!! No ruined clothes!!! Life changing!!!!!!
I cannot recall ever using deodorant or having smelly armpits, so I am lucky. We live in a temperate climate, which is helpful. But I also read that the "bacteria families" on skins will vary from person to person just as the bacteria families in bowels will be different in one person from the next. And apparently those skin bacteria types can be exchanged between people (skin contact and wet towels I recall) and influence their smell. I read an interesting newspaper article a year or three back, by a dermatologist.
Wow, it is so awesome that you never have to think about this. Amazing!
The adjustment period can be rough! I found that Little Seed Farm's deo really works for me, if I get the stuff with activated charcoal. I love their sustainability and low waste priorities. I do need to reapply sometimes if I'm particularly active.
I have used Native for over a year and love it! I buy their plastic-free deodorant,
I stopped buying commercial deodorants years ago because I'm sensitive to fragrances (asthma trigger) and even the so-called "scent free" ones contain fragrance!
I use a a Himalayan Pink salt crystal. You can buy them in the shape of a bar of soap (some people use it in place of soap). I wet one end, rub it on, and then dry the bar well or else it grows sharp crystals. One bar lasts several years (frugal!). And it works.
Now, I'm done with menopause so I don't grow underarm hair anymore and I don't have to shave. If you shave, DO NOT use this after shaving (OUCH!!!).
Oooh, is that a thing? No underarm hair after menupause?
@Kristen, yes, but I think the hair just moves from your arm pits to your face. lol
OH NO. This is not an upgrade. lol
@Kristen, less hair- definitely not! Lots of things change, but the body hair hasn’t for me or anyone I know. Facial and neck hair are now a thing! Yikes!
Back to the armpits- just have always shaved by choice. Better razor = better results & less irritation= less folliculitis/red bumps/stinging with products. I use Mitchum roll-on and have for years. Have 1 spray on in beach bag for after beach or pool when going somewhere after, when showering isn’t an option. People can share it. Roll-on with screw on top doesn’t melt and leak all over suitcases, either- learned that one the hard way (same with certain tubes of lip balm!) Mitchum dries in moments, and it was known for commercials way back when, with manly guys talking about how they only had to use it every other day! I’m a nice lady, but I need to use it every day! I’d rather be safe than sorry! There are a lot of stinky people out there…lol.
I use lume. Honestly switched because, after pregnancy, something changed and nothing else was strong enough anymore. Can't recommend enough!
After trying a few different ones (including Tom's of Maine) and reverting to Dove, I finally found Bend Soap. It's family-run out of Oregon, so I believe only online. $6.95/stick and I like that it comes in a "regular" solid applicator. They also have % off coupons for first time purchase and periodically, so I wasn't risking a lot of $. Works great -- I don't smell and don't have to reapply. For the "get used to it" period, I sweated more, but didn't smell then either.
In winter, the stick is just like any other solid. In summer, it gets a little softer. They have no-baking soda options for each scent too (although baking soda doesn't bother me).
It works great for all circumstances....except when I need to wear a fitted dress shirt and suit. I sweat right through my shirt! This doesn't happen with anything else I wear, but it's an issue when I do. I bought dress shields, but still concerned. I'm going to try Native and see if that's any different. Very interesting post and comments from everyone!
While approaching menopause my skin has become hypersensitive to some products, antiperspirant/deodorant is one of them. Can't use anything that is scented or comes in solid form, either of those cause a nasty rash. Also, when I sweat more in the summer I need an antiperspirant, not just a deodorant, or else the rash shows up, (insert sigh of frustration here). I have finally settled on using Ban unscented roll-on in the summer and Thai Crystal deodorant spray the rest of the year. It's unscented, doesn't irritate and I can spray it on my feet and into my shoes. It works really well and is reasonably priced.
I have switched to the Humble brand of natural deodorants. Schmidts is a good backup, but as much as I wanted to love Native, it just didn't work for me!
Have you tried Lume? It might cost more than the others; however, it lasts longer too. They say it is clinically proven for 72-hour odor control although I don't think I would ever be that confident to wait 72 hours to reapply deoderant lol. I can't vouch for the deorderant as I still use a spray deoderant bc I have sensitive pits and swiping things on them angers them lol; however, I have switched to Lume body wash and it is amazing-I can totes vouch for that! It is expensive but I feel like it is an investment in my health so I'm ok with that and I usually buy it in bulk and when it's on special lol
72 hours? Challenge accepted. lol I just placed an order, and I'll try it and tell you what I think.
I started making my own about 3 years ago. Took a bit of trial and error to find a formula that worked for me. I’m also sensitive to baking soda so use either arrowroot power or cornstarch instead with coconut oil and a bit of a good essential oil to make it smell nice (personal preference). Works great! No more stains on my shirts either, even with the essential oils in it. I also re-used a tin container from another product and continually refill it. Super frugal and no more packaging to throw out!
I use Little Seed Farm's Organic deodorant cream in the unscented formula.
This is the info: "Stay smelling fresh all day long, naturally with our bestselling 24 hour formula!
Our aluminum and baking soda-free deodorant is made from nourishing and gentle organic ingredients.
Packaged in a glass jar with recyclable metal lid. Includes a free Wooden Scoop Stick."
I love it; keeps me dry, I smell good and it is wonderful on my ultra sensitive skin. One jar lasts a few months; you don't need to apply much.
$13.99 for 2.4 oz jar. May seem pricey, but since you don't use much, it really isn't all that expensive.
I found one not in plastic - Ethique.
I switched close to ten years ago. I did the pit detox which cut the transition time down a lot. My problem was that I kept sweating more and more, nothing seemed to work. I was even using the clinical strength with no luck. I also used to get the infected sweat glands that really hurt. I was getting them more and more often. A lot of those issues alleviated when I went natural.
My older boys use the Arm and Hammer with great success. My daughter also uses natural deodorant. We find a huge selection at TJ Max/Marshall’s. They also sell the Native at Wal-Mart and Target. I have had the best results with Native as well. I do also find I have to put it on twice a day sometimes. That’s ok, small price to pay.
I switched to Arm and Hammer several years ago and I love it. I seems to have less irritation with it and I feel like to does a good job. I have to admit that if I am not going anywhere or am around people, I usually go deodorant free. I think it is good to use as few chemicals on your body as possible and go without whenever possible.
@Carol, dr teal’s from Walmart. It’s in a blue deodorant container.
Plain milk of magnesia works too
Does he wash armpits with antibacterial soap?
I’m trying the apple cider vinegar. Will report back
For years I used an antiperspirant containing aluminum.With concerns about aluminum & other harmful ingredients I looked for alternatives.
For a while I used Toms but by the end of the day I could smell myself. I ordered a Crystal and have been pleased with it. You do have to be careful about dropping it but it works.
I also ordered DeodoMom made w magnesium & it also works well & is easier to pack. I forgot to pack any deodorant on a recent trip & bought Ivory gentle deodorant, no aluminum or parabens. It also works well.
I bought my first Native through your link, and I am impressed! At the end of this 99° day, I am still smelling like buttercream frosting, no joke.
I recently started experimenting with different ones, schmidts was ok but then I found smarty pits in a almond biscotti scent that I LOVE!! It works really well and the smell is amazing! Sometimes I reapply just because I like the smell lol. Then I can't find this scent again anywhere but it has worked superbly and is very afforable. At my local store I found it for roughly $7. When I looked up on Amazon and Walmart it was $12
I also switched to natural deodorant several years ago. I love it!
I primarily use Schmidt’s as it tends to keep me smelling nice for longer but I also use native, especially in less sweaty days. I started with native when they had a subscription service and then switched to Schmidt’s which I can often find for a reduced price at TJ Maxx.
I even made my own deodorant at one point to reduce on price and packaging, but I didn’t stabilize it with Shea butter so it was a bit oily and causing some stains on certain fabrics, so I haven’t bothered with it any more and use it sparingly to use it up, only worn with loose fabrics or sweaters.
Better late than never! I switched to Arm & Hammer years ago and I like it. Sweating is a natural body function and I don't like the idea of stopping it with all the chemicals other brands contain. It took a few weeks to get used to but I am find now and glad I did.