When I made the switch to organic living years ago, my (mostly toxic) personal care products were the last thing to go. Once I figured out what toxic industrial chemicals in food were doing to my body – I knew I had to get rid of them from every part of my life. I think this progression is how most people figure out how to detox their life too. First I cleaned out my fridge and pantry, then it was figuring out a natural way to clean my house, and then I went on to look at what I was putting on my body. The very first personal care product I switched out was what I rubbed under my underarms every day – right where some of my lymph nodes are, glands that plays a huge roll in the immune system.
The reason I started there was because as soon as I flipped my “Secret” anti-perspirant over to read the ingredients I noticed it had contained “Aluminum zirconium.” Right then, a memory I had when I was a child smacked me in the face. There was this neighbor of mine growing up who always had sweaty armpits. I mean her pits were so wet, that you could see it through her clothes ALL THE TIME. I didn’t quite understand why she had such sweaty armpits and others I knew did not. Because I was young and crazy inquisitive, while playing in the yard one day, I just straight up asked her- why do you sweat so much? She told me that she didn’t like using aluminum under her armpits. This information at the time totally didn’t make sense to me. I didn’t know what aluminum was or why I should care but I realized right then, she wasn’t wearing the anti-perspirants my brother or my parents were wearing for an obviously good reason. A good enough reason that she wasn’t concerned about the public embarrassment of sweaty pits.
Well, after my memory flashback, I researched the ingredient Aluminum, and found out it is linked to all sorts of diseases, including 2 that I sadly personally have witnessed in close friends and family members – Breast Cancer and Alzheimer’s Disease. The link of aluminum to these diseases is hotly debated, some studies find a low risk factor (probably those funded by the chemical companies) and some find horrible results, like those studies that find aluminum accumulating in breast tissue or breaking the blood brain barrier leading to Alzheimer’s.
The reason chemical companies put aluminum in anti-perspirants is to “dry out sweat by injecting aluminum ions in the cells that line the sweat ducts. When the aluminum ions are drawn into the cells, water flows in; the cells begin to swell, squeezing the ducts closed so sweat cannot get out,” according to the Julie Gabriel, The Green Beauty Guide. I don’t know about you but this reaction is really unnatural. Preventing sweat from exiting my body doesn’t seem like a good idea, considering humans sweat for a reason. Sweating actually has a lot of benefits – clearer skin, lowers body temperature and fights off sickness – so why would I want to prevent my body doing what it needs to do to stay healthy?
Just to give you a sense of how much aluminum is used in typical products – the FDA requires that all anti-perspirants decrease the average person’s sweat by 20 percent – so manufacturers usually use anywhere between a 10-25 percent concentration of aluminum in products. That is just crazy, isn’t it? Especially for an ingredient that is a potent neurotoxin.
So this is the ingredient that caused me to make the switch and should hopefully get you too (if you already haven’t) to run out and buy deodorant without Aluminum. (FYI – Some of the most toxic brands according to the Environmental Working Group include English Leather, Mitchum, Suave, Secret, Gillette, Right Guard, Soft & Dry, Tussy)
Let’s be honest though, knowing which personal care products to choose without toxins is tough and getting access can be even tougher. You can’t exactly just pop into an everyday drug store and always find a safe brand without aluminum and other harmful chemicals.
When you look at some of the most popular deodorants, you’ll notice they rarely have the USDA Organic Seal. This makes zero sense.
Think about it. If you’re going to make a deodorant with great ingredients like arrowroot powder (which can help keep you dry) and coconut oil and shea butter and MCT oil… the ingredients should be USDA certified organic. Plus, the skin under your arms is sensitive and can be vulnerable to irritation.
But I struggled to find deodorants that had this seal of approval. So, I created one myself.
The best part? It actually works.
Truvani Organic Deodorant: No aluminum. No other weird ingredients. Just deodorant that works. And it’s USDA certified.
Hope this post was help for you – please share with your friends and family, so they can know the truth!
Xo,
Vani
P.S. Here are some posts for more information about which chemicals to avoid in beauty products, how to find safe ones and some swap out products that I use…
- How to Avoid Chemicals in your Beauty Products
- Skin Care Tips and My Daily Skin Routine
- Holistic Hair Care Part 1
- Holistic Hair Care Part 2
- My Five Favorite Beauty Obsessions
- My Top Picks for Mascara
- The Ingredients In Sunscreen Destroying Your Health
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This is the only deodorant I have used that actually works for me. I only use natural products but nothing else worked for long. Unfortunately, this gives me a red, itchy rash [both underarms]. I still use it when I go out because I don’t trust anything else. I pay later, though. 🙁 If anyone has any suggestions to help me with this problem, besides not using it, I’d like to know. I use the lavender paste.
I’ve had a lot of success with using salt crystals. It doesn’t work for everybody, but has been great for me. I’ve also found I have to keep up on shaving as hair growth seems to be the biggest contributer to body oder. These two things combined have been all I’ve needed for many years.
Atlcdn,
It sounds like you may be having an ALLERGIC reaction to some, probably only ONE, ingredient in the new deoderant. I suggest finding a separete source for as many as possible of the individual ingredients in it, and putting some in your arm-pit, one at a time. If you get the ‘rash’ reaction, consider EATING a tiny bit of that substance every day, for a year. Allergys are the result of a confused IMMUNE system, which ‘thinks’ harmless things are a ‘threat.’ But 70% of our immune system is in our DIGESTIVE system, and EATING what makes us sneeze and/or gives us a rash often ‘teaches’ our immune system that it is harmLESS! And let me know what you learn! Email me at [email protected]
Baking soda used to do that to me. It didn’t itch, but made my pits red. I use plain old rubbing alcohol. And I shave every day. It seems like it would burn, but it doesn’t. It is mixed with lavender eo. I spray it on my hands, then apply it under arm. It doesn’t stop sweating, which I wouldn’t want to do, but it stops odor for about 12 to 24 hours. But it can be reapplied anytime.
Can you tell me more about your rubbing alcohol routine? I seem to be reacting baddly to baking soda in deodorants, too. Thanks!
I use Kiss my Face Lavender Active Life and it doesnt irritate my skin nor stain my shirts.They sell it at Whole Foods. No aluminium; parabens; artifical fragrances; gluten free.
good luck
From what I’ve read about natural deodorants, baking soda can irritate some people. I just made my own deodorant from coconut oil, arrowroot & a little bit of baking soda. I have been using it for the past few days, my armpits are a bit more wet than usual but odor free. I found it on thankyourbody.com
Arbonne (www.arbonne.com) has a deod. that doesn’t have aluminum or parabens in it. Arbonne has been producing natural products for 33 years. The toothpaste they have is the same thing…all of our products are gluten free, vegan certified and much more. Take a look.
Arbonne is not FDA organic that’s why I switched to NYR. just FYI
Try Soapwalla. It’s on Etsy. Best shit ever.
I use good old milk of magnesium. I repurposed an empty rollerball deoderant container by popping out the rollerball, pouring in the m.o.m. and putting the ball back in. It’s extremely effective and inexpensive. When I want a scented deoderant I just add a bit of essential oil. It’s also beneficial because most people are magnesium deficient, and letting it absorb through one’s skin is a great way to counteract that deficiency.
My daughter has an allergic reaction to lavender…she breaks out with a red rash.
I hope this deodorant brings a sensitive skin type out soon. I think this deodorant is the best! Not being able to use it often, because of the itchy rash was so disappointing to me. I still don’t know what the problem is for me. I do recommend it, though and will try to figure out what is causing me the problem.
Thank you, everyone for your replies…. I appreciate them and will try my best to figure this out. 🙂
A lack of zinc can create body odor.
Barley grass in filtered water reduces body odor, as does eating a bowl of fresh greens everyday.
Charcoal tablets can also reduce or eliminate body odor.
Have a good day 🙂
Baking soda can do this… I only use a LIGHT dust of it a couple of days a week, otherwise A RASH! Every day I use pure grain alchohol as a spray (it works!) ~~~plain old rubbing alcohol~~~ notorious for chemical toxins was a cheaper option I passed on. Then every few days a light dust of the baking powder. If the spray has failed and I am in a rush I will dust again… once in a while.
I was just googling this as I get a red rash as well!! Its not super irritating or painful but my skin is so red!
I would love to try it
I can’t wait to check out the pit paste!
I would love to give this a try. I know my daughter would too. Thanks for this opportunity!
I am signed up on your website, AND I “like” you on Facebook. 🙂
Congratulations! You have been chosen as one of the random winners for the giveaway. Please contact me [email protected].
Love this product!
Great, would love to try it out.
LOVE your site. Our family tries to stay away from chemicals as much as possible. Thank you for all you do.
Just bought some over the weekend..so excited to try it!
I would love to try this!! I made my own, and I kept the crowds away. Not the result I was looking for. :O)
Didn’t see my comment go through, so just in case!! ;o) LOVE primal pit paste and would love to share the wealth with my loved ones. Thanks for spreading this knowledge!
Haven’t found a pit deodorizer that works for me yet. I’m cleaning up my eating and cleaning out my house, and am excited to try this.
Great idea
You wrote something that hits home with parents: “Let’s be honest though, knowing which personal care products to choose without toxins is tough and getting access can be even tougher.” Parents have their kids brush teeth daily and feed their kids vitamins, all of which expose them to petroleum based dyes and flavorings, and preservatives. Can you imagine how much harder it is to find additive-free personal care products like dye-free toothpaste and deodorant (yes, dyes are in deodorants too) in regular non-specialty stores, and *medicines* for children who are in *hospitals* getting surgery or recovering from an infection? So while you and your readers are cleaning out your medicine cabinets, take this a step further and please SIGN and SHARE my petition to #DitchTheDyes from children’s antibiotics, vitamins, allergy and cold medicines, pain relievers, and toothpaste:
http://www.diefooddye.com/petition/
Future generations will thank you!
~Rebecca, Creator of “Die, Food Dye!” & Mom of a chemically-sensitive child
http://www.Facebook.com/DieFoodDye
@DieFoodDye
Thanks for sharing Rebecca! What a great cause. I just signed. Good luck.
Love your blog – Just bought some paste to try today!
So glad you love the blog, Holly. Let us know how you like the paste…
EWG and the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics (who are one and the same btw ) are a bunch of scare mongers. I am not disagreeing at all about Anti-Antiperspirant. I personally love natural products and use Purely Pitz which is organic deodorant and amazing. But for real information based on facts and not scaring people, check out http://www.personalcaretruth.com
Love this article! I use Toms of Maine, they have!all sorts of great products_
Has anyone used Primal Pit Paste? I used to use the crystal – and it worked the only bad thing is that I noticed it staining our shirts (in the pit area) – does Primal Pit Paste have the same affect?
I would agree about the deodorant thing. For quite awhile I was using that crystal deodorant rock. I started breaking out for reasons I don’t know..Now I can’t use any type of deodorant or I break out in a itchy rash…So I am stinky a lot.. It sucks some times.. I use corn starch (messy,but works). Any suggestions. I know that you can use freash sage that you find growing in the wild, but that isn’t always possible either…
Thank you for this post! I am now more determined than ever to banish traditional deodorant from my life and then I will try to persuade my family and friends to do the same! Have you ever heard of using Himalayan sea salt as a deodorant?! I was in Portland, Maine recently and picked some up at the Salt Cellar (it comes in a heart-shaped block – kinda looks like soap). I’ve waited a full week of using the stuff to report my findings to you, and I am pleased to say…no odor! Even after sweaty runs/spin class! In general I do feel a little more umm, moist, than usual but I’ll take it! The first couple of days I had some irritation since I applied it after shaving but my body has adjusted to that and that is no longer an issue. I’m going to order a Primal Paste stick for travel purposes. Thanks so much for all you do!
My Thyroid doctor told me several years ago that reason people have so many problems was putting deodorant on every day especially if they shave underarms before using deodorant. I have been using aluminum free deodorant ever since.
I just received my deodorant and after three days of using it.. So far so good!! I went for a long where nothing was working so I had to use some strong antiperspirants but this seems to be holding up in comparison. I haven’t been sweaty so that’s a good sign. The only thing I’ve noticed was that I smelled a little at the end of the day but it was slight and I think I’ve figured out that I have to just apply a little more. We’ll see how it all holds up during the summer. Very excited to have possibly found a good natural deodorant… that works. Thanks for the tip!
Thanks for the feedback. Glad you like it!
What are your thoughts on organic, natural products marketed for kids? Is it really necessary to pay extra to buy a special “kids” soap for my 5 year old or can we share my big ole bottle of Dr. Bronner’s (and other natural “adult” products)? It seems like they would be gentle enough since they are all natural but she does have sensitive skin so I’m wondering if the kids formula is even milder?
Thank you, Food Babe, for all you do! I’m new at trying to eat GMO free (eating clean) and all your articles are extremely helpful and educational. My heart smiles and I am thankful for people like you.
Xoxo
I’m so confused! I’ve already thrown out the antiperspirants because of the aluminum, and now I’m looking to find several healthy deodorants for my husband and I to try. He’s concerned because he has BAD pit stink and he doesn’t want to have to reapply a deodorant every few hours. We do plan on trying the Primal Pit Paste, but we want to try some others as well.
My main question is do the ingredients HAVE to be organic or should we just make sure it doesn’t have a few specific ingredients like propylene glycol, DEA, etc? One product I’m thinking of trying has the following ingredients:
Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed Butter, Sodium Bicarbonate, Zea Mays (Corn) Starch, Beeswax, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter) Fruit, Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Tocopherol(Vitamin E), Cymbopogon Schoenanthus (Lemongrass) Oil, Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Oil, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel Oil
I wrote the company who makes the above deodorant asking why none of their products were certified as “organic” and received the following response:
Many of our ingredients are certified organic. I will not or want to claim a product is organic. It is my belief that “organic” is primarily best for our food industry. In the bath and body industry it is simply a buzz word. We strive to offer a more healthy alternative to the mass produced, chemical laden commercial products. There are many so called “organic” deodorants that I would not let my family use. I have learned that simply because a bath product is “organic” does not mean it is free from harmful chemicals. It simply means that the organic materials or components of the said product where grown in an organic fashion, really does not address harmful chemicals. I hope this answers your question.
Thank you so much for your inquiry,
[employee]
So, Food Babe (and Food Babe followers), what say ye? Any help is appreciated.
I agree with their claim that most of their ingredients probably are organic, but it is best left to the food industry. I am a consultant for Arbonne, and I love their deodorant. They too try to be as organic as possible, but some of the ingredients that they use come from farms that simply can’t afford the organic licensing. As long as you trust the company you are purchasing from, I would assume it’s safe. Do intense research of course, but trust what they say. Not in all cases will this be true obviously, but just because they aren’t labeled organic doesn’t mean they aren’t just as organic or natural as the ones that are labeled organic.
Hi Carole – all ingredients do not have to be organic. Look up specific brands here and try to choose ones that are rated 0-2. http://www.ewg.org/skindeep/browse/antiperspirant;;deodorant/
There are many benefits to using products that are certified USDA organic.
1. Each product is independently audited for ingredients and labeling. This ensures that what’s on the label is indeed what’s in the bottle. There are so many instances of companies not fully disclosing or incorrectly disclosing what’s in their products, and as consumers, there’s no way to know if a company’s lying or not. USDA certification is one way you can ensure that what’s ON the label is what’s actually IN the product.
2. It’s tempting to say that “natural” is just as good as “organic.” Like, what’s the difference if a company just uses almond oil, vs organic almond oil? Organic ingredients are grown without the use of a group of toxic pesticides called organophosphates. Organophosphates kill insects by affecting their nervous systems. Unfortunately it can do the same thing to us, hurting our brains and nervous systems, and they can be used as biological weapons. (Organophosphates have been used as nerve gas in warfare.) Herbicides like glyphosate (Roundup) are toxic in moderate to high doses in humans, are a suspected reproductive toxin (xenoestrogen) and are highly dangerous to aquatic life. Non-organic foods and ingredients contain traces of these poisonous substances. And yes, these are small traces, and the dose does make the poison, but think about daily exposure from your foods and personal care products combined. But also, these pesticides and herbicides are sprayed year-after-year on fields, permeating the soil and leaching in to groundwater that affects all those around it, closely, and far downstream. When you use conventionally-grown ingredients, even if they’re “natural,” you’re perpetuating the use of these toxins in the world around us.
3. Then there are GMOs, Genetically Modified Organisms. These crops have been altered with DNA from a strain of bacteria created to be resistant to glyphosate (so they can spray as much as they want) and to contain toxins that kill insects when they try to eat the crops. These crops can also be harmful to us, possibly leading to infertility, digestive issues and malabsorption of nutrients. When we choose non-organic, we support GMOs and the companies behind them.
4. Additional benefits:
No artificial colors (colors from juices, etc, only.)
No artificial flavors
No contact with sewage sludge
No contact with ionizing radiation
Non-agricultural ingredients in a product must be on the approved substances list (like baking soda and salt) and have to be GMO free and not processed with sewage sludge or ionizing radiation.
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Hi. I want to try this, but I am not sure how to apply the tub of it? The stick is a little too expensive. Any suggestions or do I just stick my fingers in the tub and then apply to underarm?
yep, just stick your fingers in and rub it on… let us know how you like it!
Would LOVe to try this one. I’ve used the liquid cyrstal for years and years now. BUT… I think it would be worth mentioning that people should exfoliate/strip their underarms for natural deoderants to work faster. get that gross waxy feeling away. I tried natural deoderants several times and they never worked, UNTIL I found a post on WHY they weren’t working. i forget all the detail. But exfoliate/scrub/ (I used a sugar scrub) and also use peroxide and witch hazle for at least a week to get all the crud build up away…
What natural deos do you use & like? What is the brand of the sugar scrub you use?
I just use the liquid cyrstal – i think that is the brand even. I just used a homemade sugar scrub – with a little olive oil… white sugar….
Thanks- I sweat a lot with regular deo alone…natural is worth a try!
How odd that there is a link to Secret Outlast Clear Gel on this page talking about how dangerous aluminium is. Please be careful who your advertisers are and that they share your values.
We filter ads but some slip through that we do not want. Thanks for letting us know. We will block it!
I just ordered my first tub of Primal Pit Paste (with the Foodbabe discount — thanks!). I haven’t found a natural deodorant that works really well yet (especially in hot weather), but I’m looking forward to trying this product. Thanks for recommending it!
Hope you like it!
I have the lavender tub of Pit Paste and was very impressed with how effective it is. Odor control as good as “clinical” conventional deo/antiperspirant. HOWEVER, I can’t use it — angry, red underarms. :(. Disappointing!
Sorry to hear that Natalie!
What about something for sweating?? Deodorants without aluminum have hep been readily available for years in stores like whole foods and I’ve been using them but I have never found an anti-perspirant to help with sweating which is embarrassing and ruins clothes. Your article starts out talking about throwing away anti-perspirant but never discusses a natural replacement. Deodorant is not anti-perspirant and only handles odor and as I said- there are plenty in health food stores but we need something to at least control sweat as you can’t always walk around in the heat sweating through your clothes unless you are unemployed and don’t care. Any help researching this or comments from others who have found helpful alternatives would be helpful. Thanks!!!!
Sorry, Pat. There is no such thing as a ‘natural anti-perspirant’ because sweating is a natural process and anything that stops it is basically unnatural. The thing with conventional anti-perspirants is that your body tries to flush out the chemicals used to stop the perspiration. So after using them for a while, you actually end up sweating more than you did before, and so you need to use more of it. Once you stop using it and your body manages to flush out the residue and then calms down because you’re not trying to block your sweat glands on a daily basis, you actually start to sweat less.
If you sweat a lot, try wiping your underarms and reapplying your natural deodorant. You may have to do this for a few weeks (or even months, depending on how quickly your body eliminates the chemical blockage), but eventually you will sweat less.
Thanks so much for posting about this, I ordered some and I love it!
It even gets easier than using the pit paste! In your hand, mix a sprinkle of baking soda with coconut oil. Just mix it on your hands and put it on. Works great – I have used it for a year now. Coconut oil is so soothing on the skin too!
I have to alternate with different organic and homemade deodorants as not to irritate my pits. I have to do the same thing with my organic shampoos, conditioners, body wash, etc. I do use brands like Dr. Bronner, Tropical Traditions, etc. I figured out it was because my liver is full of ‘stuff’ that no matter what healthy and organic I consumed or absorbed through my skin, there are bound to be reactions. So I am drinking lemon water and supplementing with Milk Thistle.
India is the world’s largest producer and consumer of milk, yet neither exports nor imports milk. New Zealand, the European Union’s 27 member states, Australia, and the United States are the world’s largest exporters of milk and milk products. China and Russia are the world’s largest importers of milk and milk products.”^-`
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Great article! I too have been trying to change my lifestyle to more natural living. Finding a good natural deodorant was a big deal for me because I live in Texas and when the temperature goes up, my stink level rises too. I also have very sensitive skin and am prone to rashes and irritations. I have been using Jungleman All-Natural Deodorant and it has been a life saver. I found this product on Amazon when looking for “natural deodorant.” I couldn’t believe how good the reviews were, so I had to try it out. Check out their website http://www.junglemannaturals.com I’d highly recommend it.
I recently switched to an all natural Probiotic deoderant. It works great but I ended up with a fungal infection under my arms! It was so weird. It has been super hot too. Several days in the 90’s. what do you suggest? I’m at a complete loss.
Poofy Organics makes an absolutely amazing deodorant! You should check out their entire line Food Babe…toothpastes, cleaners, all sorts of skin care too!
My relatives every time say that I am wasting my time here at web,
except I know I am getting experience everyday by reading such
good posts.
Is there a correlation with switching from antiperspirant deos to natural and there being dark spots/areas on the underarm? I recently made the switch and tried Crystal roll-on, wasn’t wowed by it, so I tried Primal Pit Paste stick. I love the way it works and have been using for a week now, but a couple days ago noticed very dark areas in my armpit, which have never been there before. Not sure what to think about it.
I just wanted to make a comment about Primal Pit Paste for people that have reactions to baking soda. Ive made my own deodorant before with baking soda and my armpits become red, raw, and super painful. I thought maybe if i tried Primal with its organic ingredients maybe my body would be ok with it. Sadly it is not, so if you have a reaction with baking soda PPP will not work for you. I think its a great product! works great for the rest of my family.
I was so hoping that this would be a great product for me. Alas, I received my product in June and used it right up until the end of August when I absolutely had to stop using it. It caused a bright red rash under both arms and I started developing painful cysts. I tried the dry brushing, and sweating it out and taking breaks from using it but nothing helped.
Since I stopped using primal pit paste, I have cleared up. I found Aubrey Organics Calendula Blossom Natural Deodorant Spray is lovely and I have had no reaction whatsoever. It also keeps me dry and smelling fresh.
Hi, I have been on (an oftentimes frustrating) search for acceptable deodorants over the past 20 years. Here are some that have worked for me: dr hauschka floral deodorant (caveat: very strong floral scent); soapwalla deodorant cream; lavera sensitive roll on (for days where only a light deodorant is needed).
Hi, i feel that i noticed you visited my web site so i got here to return the choose?.I’m attempting to in finding things to improve my site!I guess its good enough to make use of some of your ideas!!
Heya i’m for the first time here. I found this board and I find It really useful & it helped me out a lot.
I hope to give something back and aid others like you helped me.
I have tried the Primal Pit Paste (not the stick) and it didn’t work for me. I did find one that works GREAT and I LOVE it, it is the Lavender Vanilla Cream and the Orange Vanilla Cream Pit Putty from Bumble and Bee Organics. I use a lot of their items and LOVE them all!!!
I just looked at Pit Putty and the ingredients look great! I will have to try it out.
My daughter and I also LOVE Pit Putty cream! Great product!!!
I’m so confused! And what about …
http://thegreenbeautyguide.com/propylene-glycol-the-nasty-solvent-in-your-beauty-products-61820129/
“Green (or rather greenwashed) products rich in propylene glycol include Tom’s of Maine deodorants and toothpastes, Desert Essence products, Herban Cowboy, Earth Science, Nature’s Gate deodorants, Kiss My Face shaving creams, all Mrs Meyer’s products, and Watkins moisturizers.”
Loved this article.
You mentioned that only approve of a few all-natural brands. Have you ever tried Lavilin? http://www.lavilin.com
I’ve been using it for years and years and I think it’s really a great one. If you have tried it before, I’d love to hear your thoughts!
Thanks,
Danielle
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