I have been using deodorant since elementary school. My mom was terrified of my brother and I smelling so very early on she began coating us with deodorant in the car before we jumped out to go to school. In high school I began playing soccer and let me tell you that was the first time I really did have a smell to me. I began using Secret Clinical Strength Deodorant and let me tell you that stuff silenced my underarms. But as my life journey continued I began to question what I was putting on my body. After much research I switched to natural deodorant and highly encourage you to as well.
Ingredients to watch out for
Classic deodorants contain various ingredients that, yes, do the job, but also can cause harm.
Aluminum was the first ingredient years ago we all started worrying about. Aluminum acts as a plug on your pore to help to reduce sweat. Aluminum also acts as an estrogen like hormone and when absorbed through your skin into your bloodstream can bind to estrogen receptors1. In our bodies estrogen controls many systems including our menstrual cycles. Having too much estrogen at the wrong time in our cycle can cause irregular or heavy periods2.
Fragrance has brought up new concerns because it is protected by the trade law therefore, it was a blanket term and we do not know what ingredients companies are using under that term. I have a huge appreciation for companies that are honest about what they are using even if it may be an ingredient that I chose to not put on my body. For me, I feel it is just best to try to avoid this term, especially on products I am applying directly to my skin.
Phthalates are a chemical that allows fragrance to stick to skin3. Phthalates are known endocrine disruptors and with long-term use have damaging effects on reproductive systems in males and females4.
Why I switched to Natural Deodorants
Late college I took a course that motivated me to become a vegetarian, who occasionally ate fish. This gave me a “granola vibe” just because I didn’t want to eat animals. This course also taught me how to be more mindful. I began considering what i was putting in and on my body and the effects they had, not only on me but, on my surrounding environment. Queue natural deodorant.
I began the natural deodorant journey on and off. I would use natural deodorants when I was having a less sweaty or stressful day and my clinical strength when I had a presentation or sports practice. Slowly I went more days with natural deodorant and fewer days with clinical strength. When it came time where I ran out of the clinical strength deodorant, I simply just did not buy it again.
Now don’t get me wrong, I have had my share of stinky days in the last 5 years since ditching the classic deodorant, my mom will tell me. But the farther I got away from it the easier it was and the less I smelled.
Top Toxin Free Natural Deodorants
Disclaimer: Mindfullygranola.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.
There are so many natural deodorants out there it is hard to know where to start. Here is a list of my favorite toxin free deodorants.
Humble Brands
Let’s start out with my favorite natural deodorant. There are so many on the market but this one has my heart.
I picked up a humble deodorant five months ago and have been extremely pleased with the product.
I love it because it contains cornstarch and baking soda that both do an excellent job of absorbing my sweat while neutralizing body odor5. They also contain beeswax and and MCT oil which helps create smooth skin while providing antioxidant benefits6.
The best part is they do not use the word fragrance. They break down each essential oil they use in each deodorant so there is no questioning what is really in it.
They also have options for everyone. If you have sensitive skin they have special deodorant for you. They even have vegan options that do not use beeswax. And new to the slate is plastic free packaging which shows this company is really trying to make a good impact.
Humble Brands Deodorant can be found at various stores but the easiest way to purchase is right off Amazon or their website. My favorite scent is the patchouli & copal Original Formal.
Drunk Elephant Sweet Pitti Deodorant Cream
The Drunk Elephant Sweet Pitti Deodorant contains arrowroot to help absorb moisture and mandelic acid which kills odor causing bacteria.
It is available at Ulta and Sephora so it is a great choice if you need to grab and go today.
This deodorant does not contain baking soda, fragrance, essential oils, dyes, silicones, or sulfates.
Schmidt’s Sandalwood & Citrus Deodorant
Schmidt’s also has three other deodorants that do not contain fragrance. These are the Bergamot & Lime, Lavender & Sage, and Fragrance Free deodorants.
BE CAUTIOUS because some of Schmidts deodorants do contain fragrance. Check the label before purchasing to ensure you are staying free of harmful ingredients.
Schmidt’s deodorants are available at Walmart, Target, and most drug stores as well as amazon.
Switching to natural deodorant is a small easy step to eliminating toxins from your daily routine and becoming one step closer to a natural, healthy, happy you.
None of this is medical advice or should be use to treat any medical condition. I am using the knowledge I have learned and am simply sharing my opinions. I am learning new information everyday and my opinions are subject to change with my new knowledge.
