Natural Deodorants

If recent research has you thinking twice before you swipe, try switching to natural deodorants. Many conventional antiperspirants and deodorants have ingredients linked to diseases such as Alzheimer’s and breast cancer (eek!). Although the scientific research is disputed, you can play it safe with natural options.

So how do you separate the good from the bad? First, avoid antiperspirants, which stop the natural process of sweating and therefore prevent your pores from releasing toxins. And be sure to read ingredient labels. Watch out for any ingredient with the word “aluminum” in it–this metal has been linked to Alzheimer’s disease. Also steer clear of parabens (such as methylparaben, butylparaben and propylparaben), which have been found in breast cancer tumors. Other ingredients to avoid include propylene glycol, steareth, talc and triclosan.

Interestingly, bacteria on your skin, not the perspiration itself, creates that smell wafting to your nose after a brisk run. So although natural deodorants still let your body sweat, they will stop stink in its tracks.

FOLLOW YOUR NOSE
Kiwi did the whiff-work to help you find the best natural deodorants out there–here are the faves.

Dr. Hauschka’s
Try this roll-on in the Fresh scent, which combines witch hazel and sage extract. ($20, peacefulcompany.com)

Terra Naturals
This line of teen-friendly deodorants boasts bright colors and small sizes. Plus, the Green Apple smells just like fresh fruit. ($6, terranaturals.com)

Burt’s Bees
The perfect scent for men, this spritz-on deodorant features sage, a natural antioxidant. Plus, the metal packaging is recyclable. ($8, burtsbees.com)

Nature’s Gate
These stick deodorants are available in eight scents, so you’re sure to find one you like (we love the calming Chamomile and Lemon Verbena). ($6, natures-gate.com)

Tom’s of Maine
This line of deodorants features hops, an antimicrobial, to inhibit bacteria growth. Try the Sensitive Care Bay Lime for baby-soft skin. ($5.50, drugstore.com)

The Crystal
Made of mineral salts, which slow the growth of odor-causing bacteria, these deodorants come in fragrance-free rocks, sprays and roll-ons. ($2.50-$7, thecrystal.com)

By Michelle Carlton, Kiwi Magazine

Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

Tim C.

12:00PM PDT on Nov 1, 2011

Mel thanks

send a green star

Maria O.

10:01AM PDT on Aug 17, 2011

I just started using products by a company called PrimaJolie and I like them very much. Their deodorant is all natural and pure and really works.

Kristin G.

10:47AM PDT on Jun 23, 2011

Thank you!

Jo I.

8:01PM PDT on Jun 5, 2011

thanks for the tips..

Green Living E.

9:05AM PDT on May 25, 2011

Sorry, did not link the URL. Natural Deodorant Review.

8:57AM PDT on May 25, 2011

Nice article and pointers to some natural deodorants. We bought, tested and reviewed 4 natural deodorants, all of which are mentioned in your article. If you are interested in more information on how well they worked, check it out at: http://www.greenlivingeco.com/natural-deodorants-review-4-them/

Betty M.

10:01AM PDT on Apr 26, 2011

Shannon: Young Living Dentarome toothpaste -- yes, toothpaste, works as fast as you can apply it. Wash your pits, rub in a teeny-tiny bit of Young Living Dentarome toothpaste and smell disappears. Use daily. Wait a little after shaving or showering so your pores will close up some so it won't sting. My dear hairy-pits hubby says he doesn't need Dentarome Plus, which is a little grittier than regular. Regular Dentarome
is sufficient. Believe me, if this stuff works on him, it would work on anyone with a BO problem. His armpits are sweet-smelling no matter how sweaty he is. If you're in Australia, you can find a Young Living distributor by Googling or get back to me and I'll help you find someone; Dentarome isn't sold in stores and it isn't expensive at all. Young Living will NOT hound you if you buy a product from the company. I wouldn't have anything to do with them if they did that.

Shannon R.

9:44AM PDT on Apr 20, 2011

i'm new to natural deodorant, essential oil variety...any how, how long will it take (typically) for me to stop stinking?

Phyllis v.

4:31PM PST on Feb 13, 2011

I never realized the dangers of big brand deodorants. thanks for the article

She L.

11:17PM PST on Jan 29, 2011

www.freehippie.com has an all organic deodorant that works like no other I have tried...I never stink anymore....I tried the crystal rock, all different brands from Whole Foods and then Coconut oil but it would only last a few hours, tops...Free hippy has organic beeswax, coconut oil and a few other organic ingredients I can't recall but I am so happy with the product...I used to use Secret once in awhile if I had a job interview or something important where I was worried about smelling...no worries anymore...lol