Non-Toxic Deodorants: What Works For You?

Around 2005, I switched from conventional deodorants/antiperspirants to more "natural" ones. The last commercial product I used was called Mitchum and it was a combination deodorant and antiperspirant.

As an antiperspirant, it sure worked. I was like mixing epoxy, caulk, and super glue together and applying under the arms and then covering it with duct tape and finishing with shrink-wrap. NASA could have launched me toward the Sun, and, just before incineration, I STILL wouldn't have been sweating.

Of course, not sweating is unhealthy.

This is what I learned, when a friend sent me a copy of the Kevin Trudeau book Natural Cures "They" Don't Want You To Know about. I was into conspiracy theories at the time, so I read the book and conveniently ignored some of Trudeau's more extreme claims. But, it goes to show that we can learn valuable information from the unlikeliest sources, as the book made me switch deodorants.

Boy, that was a rough couple of weeks, as I "detoxed" from not wearing antiperspirant and trying various "healthy" deodorants. The smell was horrific. It was like...well, never mind. It was bad.

I found an exfoliating wash cloth and made sure to frequently scrub my armpits in the shower. Of course, I also switched from commercial soaps, too. Eventually, the smell abated.

Most recently, for a couple of years, I've been using the Crystal Body Deodorant Stick deodorant, as the only ingredients are: Natural Mineral Salts (Potassium Alum).

But, even though the label states "No Aluminum Chlorohydrate, Aluminum Zirconium, Parabens, or Phthalates," I recently read an article that claimed this deodorant may still be unsafe.

Are Natural Alum Crystal Deodorants Safe?
/www.peoplespharmacy.com/2012/02/06/are-natural-alum-crystal-deodorants-safe

Good grief. Is EVERYTHING harmful?

So, I'm wondering what deodorants (not antiperspirants) others have found to be SAFE and EFFECTIVE?

Here are some that have been suggested, in my online investigation:

PiperWai Natural Deodorant
/www.piperwai.com/products/piperwai-natural-deodorant-stick

Primal Pit Paste
/primalpitpaste.com/pages/whats-in-it

Kings Road Apothecary Rosemary-Mint Deodorant
/www.kingsroadapothecary.com/products/rosemary-mint-deodorant

Schmidt's Naturals
/shop.schmidtsnaturals.com/collections/deodorant

Any thoughts or suggestions will be appreciated!

The Dude

Hi Dude. My husband uses Tom's of Maine, the long lasting one. He's satisfied with it. I use baking soda, just a bit. It sits in a little ceramic container in the bathroom and can easily be applied with damp fingers. It really works!

He tried the baking soda but said it's not strong enough for him, probably because he doesn't shave his underarms. So, two ideas which may work for you ...

Most of the time I mix up witch hazel (with 14% alcohol) and tea tree oil and apply with a cotton ball. Granted, I don’t do a lot of work or sweating- when I do, it doesn’t keep me very dry, but for Lyming around the house all day and running errands, it’s sufficient.

BabsBunny said...
but for Lyming around the house all day and running errands, it’s sufficient.

isopropyl alc and thieves essential oil

works great

I was using some natural deodorant from the store for a long time. Forget the name. I kept thinking "darn this lyme makes my pits stink baddddd". Then i ended up in situation where all I had was airline deodorant and all my BO is gone. Sure is a bummer trying to be healthier and buying into ineffective products

Interesting, with the witch hazel, iso, et essential oil mixtures.

As an update, I'm considering the two products that Jasperilla mentioned:

NATIVE: /www.nativecos.com
SWAY: /www.lovemysway.com

But, I also wanted to add something else, for anyone else who might find this thread in the future.

I recently re-discovered the Environmental Working Group's (EWG's) "Skin Deep Cosmetics Database" and this might be another helpful resources for researching deodorants, lotions, shampoos, soaps, sunscreens, fragrances, toothpastes, mouthwash, and many other personal care products.

Skin Deep Cosmetics Database:
/www.ewg.org/skindeep/browse/antiperspirant;;deodorant

For anyone not familiar with the database, here's a summary:

"EWG's Skin Deep database gives you practical solutions to protect yourself and your family from everyday exposures to chemicals. We launched Skin Deep in 2004 to create online profiles for cosmetics and personal care products and their potential hazards and health concerns. Our aim is to fill in where industry and government leave off. Companies are allowed to use almost any ingredient they wish. The U.S. government doesn't review the safety of products before they're sold. Our staff scientists compare the ingredients on personal care product labels and websites to information in nearly 60 toxicity and regulatory databases."

One additional question, since you're already here:

Are there any concerns with "essential" oils being placed in deodorants? I've never used them (as far as I'm aware) internally or externally, and, like most things, there are proponents and detractors of their use.

Thanks,
The Dude

astroman said...
Toms of Main for men wide stick "mountain Spring" no aluminum at all. Good in a morning rush. Id like to try some of the previous oils mentioned. Tea tree oil sounds like a winner as an ant-bacterial, straight it would he harsh though.

/www.tomsofmaine.com/products/antiperspirant-deodorant/men-long-lasting-wide-stick-deodorant/mountain-spring

"Propylene Glycol (Vegetable Derived)
Vegetable Oils
Water
Sodium Stearate
Coconut and/or Palm Oil
Aloe barbadensis leaf juice (Organic)
Organic Aloe (Aloe Barbadensis) Plant
Glyceryl Laurate
Natural Plant Oils
Humulus Lupulus (Hops) [Co2] Extract
Deodorancy
Hops (Humulus Lupulus) Cones
Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil
Moisturizer
Sunflower (Helianthus Annuus) Seeds
Ascorbic acid
Antioxidant
Citrus Fruits

If there was social pressure for us men to shave "pits", treating this would prob be easier.

I have Chewbacca / Bigfoot heritage, so where would I stop in shaving? Guess I was made to live in the North, summer is still sweaty and humid though.

You and I must be related, my friend. The only darn place I can't seem to grow hair is on my head and the outer 1/3 of my eyebrows.

While a huge inconvenience, once every month or two, I break-out the Weed Eater, Hedge Trimmer, and Rake then proceed to spend 60-90 minutes edging/trimming my body -- including under my arms. It's only my face that I shave with a razor (and, Dr. Bronner's Peppermint Organic Shaving Soap). For everything else, I use electric clippers with about a 1/4 inch attachment. Again, it's a hassle, but, to me, it's worth the time and effort.

I'll be looking for you at the next Chewbacca/Bigfoot/Sasquatch/Yeti convention!

Hey Dude -

I meant to get back on and update on my Native experience. At my initial post, I had just started using it and thought it was working fine. Now, I realize it’s not working for me. We’ve had unseasonably warm weather the last few days (low 70s), and even though I don’t exercise, I STINK at the end of the day, just doing my normal day-to-day things. So I tossed it. Everyone’s chemistry is different, so it might work for you (especially if you can do baking soda - I was using the one without it), but if in 72 degree weather, not exerting myself, I stink like I’ve been mowing the lawn in the Texas summer heat with blue cheese in my pits, then I think it’s safe to say, it’s not doing its job - for me, anyway. 😃

Post Edited (Jasperilla) : 2/3/2018 10:20:37 PM (GMT-7)

Jasperilla said...
Hey Dude -

I meant to get back on and update on my Native experience. At my initial post, I had just started using it and thought it was working fine. Now, I realize it’s not working for me. We’ve had unseasonably warm weather the last few days (low 70s), and even though I don’t exercise, I STINK at the end of the day, just doing my normal day-to-day things. So I tossed it. Everyone’s chemistry is different, so it might work for you (especially if you can do baking soda - I was using the one without it), but if in 72 degree weather, not exerting myself, I stink like I’ve been mowing the lawn in the Texas summer heat with blue cheese in my pits, then I think it’s safe to say, it’s not doing its job - for me, anyway. 😃

hahahaha - My God, that made me laugh aloud!

Thank you for the follow-up review! However, I'm sorry it didn't work for you. That...stinks.

But, rather than tossing it, you could return it.

What is your return policy?

"We love the deodorants we make and think you will, too. If you don’t enjoy your first package from Native, let us know so that we can help you return or exchange your products within 30 days of receipt for a full refund.

In fact, we’re so confident that you’ll love Native that we’ll even cover the cost of return shipping if you choose not to keep your first package.

Please note that we’re not able to accept returns or exchanges for orders shipped internationally. In addition, expedited shipping fees are non-refundable."

But, perhaps it's not worth the trouble. Either way, I do appreciate your help!

I was thinking about the one with baking soda, since I don't think that would be an issue. Fortunately, I don't often have a problem with stinking -- even with a little sweat -- UNLESS I'm wearing a shirt made of some synthetic material. I'm not sure why, but cotton doesn't seem to cause much of an issue.

If I sweat a LOT and/or for a prolonged period, that's another story. But, for some reason, I don't sweat easily. When I was able to exercise, it would often take 15-20 minutes for the sweat to start.

Thanks again, friend!

The Dude

p.s. I previously lived in Texas and definitely don't miss the heat!

astroman,

I may have other thyroid tests that haven't yet been scanned, as I have piles of various lab results. (We can all relate.) But, I went through the 146 pages on my computer and noted the following:

05-07-2013:
TSH: 2.54 (Lab Range: 0.40 to 4.50 mIU/L)
T4, Free: 1.5 (Lab Range: 0.8 to 1.8 ng/dL)
T3, Free: 3.7 (Lab Range: 2.3 to 4.2 pg/mL)

05-27-2014:
T3, Reverse: 19 (Lab Range: 8 to 25 ng/dL)

05-12-2015:
TSH: 2.610 (Lab Range: 0.45 to 4.50 mIU/L)

11-10-2015:
T4, Free (Direct): 1.44 (Lab Range: 0.82 to 1.77 ng/dL)
TSH: 3.780 (Lab Range: 0.45 to 4.50 uIU/L)
Reverse T3, Serum: 15.7 (Lab Range: 9.2 to 24.1 ng/dL)
T3, Free: 3.4 (Lab Range: 2.0 to 4.4 pg/mL)

03-16-2016:
T4, Free (Direct): 1.32 (Lab Range: 0.82 to 1.77 ng/dL)
TSH: 2.510 (Lab Range: 0.45 to 4.50 uIU/L)
T3, Free: 3.8 (Lab Range: 2.0 to 4.4 pg/mL)

01-27-2017:
T4, Free (Direct): 1.35 (Lab Range: 0.82 to 1.77 ng/dL)
TSH: 2.540 (Lab Range: 0.45 to 4.50 uIU/L)
T3, Free: 3.3 (Lab Range: 2.0 to 4.4 pg/mL)

What do you think?

Danke,
The Dude

lemon juice, but not after shaving🤤