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WE FOUND NATURAL DEODORANTS THAT WORK!
The natural-deodorant category has been blowing up lately, thanks in large part to the speculation that traditional antiperspirants may be linked to breast cancer. And while the American Cancer Society states that there haven’t been any conclusive studies linking the two, we’ve read enough about the potential health risks of antiperspirants to feel like we’d rather not take the chance.
To help us choose from the ever-growing selection of natural options, we asked several B3 staffers to test several natural deodorants. But before we get to the results, a few answers to the most-asked questions when it comes to natural vs. conventional deodorants.
Why don’t natural deodorants work as well as conventional antiperspirants?
Going au naturel is a smart choice in theory, but the (often sweaty, sometimes stinky) reality is that natural deodorants tend not to be as effective as antiperspirants. This is largely because natural options don’t contain aluminum, the sweat-blocking (and potentially dangerous) ingredient in antiperspirants—so even if your natural deodorant keeps odors at bay, you’re probably still going to sweat. That may not seem ideal, but it’s actually a good thing. As Phoebe Lapine, author of The Wellness Project, explains, “preventing our bodies from sweating is not good for our overall health. Skin flora, that natural bacteria under your arms, helps keep you safe by literally eating the toxins in your sweat.”
Why does a natural deodorant that works for my best friend leave me smelling extra-ripe?
This comes down to individual body chemistry. We all have bacteria in and on our bodies, and it varies depending on a ton of factors (hormones, diet, gender, medications, and so on). A deodorant might be incredibly effective for one type of body chemistry but fall flat for another.
Will the “right” natural deodorant work right away?
Probably not. If you’ve been using conventional antiperspirant for a long time, your body typically needs about 2 to 4 weeks to fully detox after switching to natural deodorant. You might even notice that you smell extra-potent during this window: There is some evidence that using conventional antiperspirants for long periods of time can cause people to have more Staphylococcacae bacteria—an especially potent-smelling bacteria—in their underarms. You can minimize the unpleasantness of it by reapplying your natural deodorant several times a day at first, drinking plenty of water, and washing your underarms with soap and water twice a day.
What’s the takeaway?
Keeping in mind that everyone’s body chemistry is different, know that you may have to try several natural deodorants before finding “the one.” And remember, be patient. Your body may need time to adjust to a natural deodorant, so even if it doesn’t seem to work right away, it may do the trick after a couple of weeks. For ideas on where to start, check out our comments below!
And now…our natural-deodorant reviews!
Lavanila: “This one is my current fave (I use the “Pure Vanilla” scent). It’s got a smooth application, a dry feel, and a nice fragrance with subtle floral notes. I found it recently in a travel size, which makes it easy to stash away in a small gym bag or on my desk.” Sarah Arthur, Senior Director of Studio Design & Development
N’fuse!: “I literally can’t live without this! Most people are magnesium-deficient, and this deodorant combats that because it gives you magnesium transdermally. I put it on in the morning as a deodorant and before bed to help me sleep (magnesium calms you down and fosters sleep). If I don’t wear it, it’s not good.” Courtney Freed, Retail Operations Manager and Corporate Buyer
Meow Meow Tweet: “I’m obsessed with this product! I’ve been using it for two years and it’s basically the best natural deodorant I’ve ever tried. Good for sensitive skin, not super scent-y, doesn’t break the bank, easy to apply, no residue on your clothes.” Megan Krzmarzick, Social Media Manager
Pacifica deodorant wipes: “These wipes aren’t what I would use every day, but they’re great to keep in your bag for a quick refresh after a workout or a day in the sun. They feel like a clean, cool washcloth and the coconut scent is pleasantly beachy. And the packaging is pretty, which gets me every time!” Heather Keeling, B3 Magazine writer
Ursa Major Hoppin’ Fresh Deodorant: This is the absolute best natural deodorant I’ve ever tried—and I’ve tried many! It goes on really smoothly (so many others are abrasive or too wet), it smells nice without being overpowering, and—most important of all—it WORKS. Even after really active days, I smell just fine.” -Beth Collins, B3 Magazine editor
Schmidt’s: “I use Schmit’s Lavender and Sage I really like it. The essential oils are antimicrobial and work for me. It doesn’t stain and it works all day. You just have to be careful to wait a little while after the shower, because applying essential oils when your pores are open can cause discomfort.” Maddy Chandler, Studio and Campaign Design Lead
The natural-deodorant category has been blowing up lately, thanks in large part to the speculation that traditional antiperspirants may be linked to breast cancer. And while the American Cancer Society states that there haven’t been any conclusive studies linking the two, we’ve read enough about the potential health risks of antiperspirants to feel like we’d rather not take the chance.
To help us choose from the ever-growing selection of natural options, we asked several B3 staffers to test several natural deodorants. But before we get to the results, a few answers to the most-asked questions when it comes to natural vs. conventional deodorants.
Why don’t natural deodorants work as well as conventional antiperspirants?
Going au naturel is a smart choice in theory, but the (often sweaty, sometimes stinky) reality is that natural deodorants tend not to be as effective as antiperspirants. This is largely because natural options don’t contain aluminum, the sweat-blocking (and potentially dangerous) ingredient in antiperspirants—so even if your natural deodorant keeps odors at bay, you’re probably still going to sweat. That may not seem ideal, but it’s actually a good thing. As Phoebe Lapine, author of The Wellness Project, explains, “preventing our bodies from sweating is not good for our overall health. Skin flora, that natural bacteria under your arms, helps keep you safe by literally eating the toxins in your sweat.”
Why does a natural deodorant that works for my best friend leave me smelling extra-ripe?
This comes down to individual body chemistry. We all have bacteria in and on our bodies, and it varies depending on a ton of factors (hormones, diet, gender, medications, and so on). A deodorant might be incredibly effective for one type of body chemistry but fall flat for another.
Will the “right” natural deodorant work right away?
Probably not. If you’ve been using conventional antiperspirant for a long time, your body typically needs about 2 to 4 weeks to fully detox after switching to natural deodorant. You might even notice that you smell extra-potent during this window: There is some evidence that using conventional antiperspirants for long periods of time can cause people to have more Staphylococcacae bacteria—an especially potent-smelling bacteria—in their underarms. You can minimize the unpleasantness of it by reapplying your natural deodorant several times a day at first, drinking plenty of water, and washing your underarms with soap and water twice a day.
What’s the takeaway?
Keeping in mind that everyone’s body chemistry is different, know that you may have to try several natural deodorants before finding “the one.” And remember, be patient. Your body may need time to adjust to a natural deodorant, so even if it doesn’t seem to work right away, it may do the trick after a couple of weeks. For ideas on where to start, check out our comments below!
And now…our natural-deodorant reviews!
Lavanila: “This one is my current fave (I use the “Pure Vanilla” scent). It’s got a smooth application, a dry feel, and a nice fragrance with subtle floral notes. I found it recently in a travel size, which makes it easy to stash away in a small gym bag or on my desk.” Sarah Arthur, Senior Director of Studio Design & Development
N’fuse!: “I literally can’t live without this! Most people are magnesium-deficient, and this deodorant combats that because it gives you magnesium transdermally. I put it on in the morning as a deodorant and before bed to help me sleep (magnesium calms you down and fosters sleep). If I don’t wear it, it’s not good.” Courtney Freed, Retail Operations Manager and Corporate Buyer
Meow Meow Tweet: “I’m obsessed with this product! I’ve been using it for two years and it’s basically the best natural deodorant I’ve ever tried. Good for sensitive skin, not super scent-y, doesn’t break the bank, easy to apply, no residue on your clothes.” Megan Krzmarzick, Social Media Manager
Pacifica deodorant wipes: “These wipes aren’t what I would use every day, but they’re great to keep in your bag for a quick refresh after a workout or a day in the sun. They feel like a clean, cool washcloth and the coconut scent is pleasantly beachy. And the packaging is pretty, which gets me every time!” Heather Keeling, B3 Magazine writer
Ursa Major Hoppin’ Fresh Deodorant: This is the absolute best natural deodorant I’ve ever tried—and I’ve tried many! It goes on really smoothly (so many others are abrasive or too wet), it smells nice without being overpowering, and—most important of all—it WORKS. Even after really active days, I smell just fine.” -Beth Collins, B3 Magazine editor
Schmidt’s: “I use Schmit’s Lavender and Sage I really like it. The essential oils are antimicrobial and work for me. It doesn’t stain and it works all day. You just have to be careful to wait a little while after the shower, because applying essential oils when your pores are open can cause discomfort.” Maddy Chandler, Studio and Campaign Design Lead
