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
Dear Vani,
First of all, let me tell you how fortunate I feel to have found your website (thanks to the subway petition). It rocks!!!
As I started to read this post, I literally began to get goose bumps! Beginning of this year, I changed my life completely in every way possible. My first change was also changing my deodorant to paraben free, aluminum free etc, deodorant!! Now I am slowly changing all my make up to all organic make up. Just like yourself, I do not use much make up on day to day basis. Since past one month I have switched to organic foods. I just could not let my family eat the poison that we had been eating for years, especially my 10 year old. And what a great change it has been. Fruits and vegetables tastes delicious. I have managed to remove most processed foods from our diets and I cannot tell you how proud I am of having done that and sticking to it! Growing up in India, we had virtually no processed foods in our diets and fresh fruits and vegetables, with lentils was our main diet. Believe me, that has paid off! And I want the same for my child. I do have to admit that buying organic can be expensive, but if bought wisely and in right proportions, it can actually lead to lot less wastage which results in savings. What I mean is that we end up buying just as much as we need and not buy 5 different snacks and 5 different processed foods. And did I say how much of the doctor’s bills would be saving in the future?
Thankfully, being a resident of Greenville, SC, I have access to whole foods and earthfare within 3 miles of my house and I am there every single day picking fresh vegetables to cook for the day. I am never looking back!!
I look forward to meeting you someday in person!
Bhumika Chhabra
Greenville, SC
Vani – I am curious on the usage of this type of product and breastfeeding. I have searched for other similar products and they warn about the usage during bfing. Your response is appreciated!
Thanks – Coryn
Hi Coryn,
I would think the only ingredient of concern for breastfeeding with this product would be the essential oils. Some essential oils are not considered safe for babies or for pregnancy, while others are fine. If you are unsure (for example the label doesn’t say which essential oils are in the product) you can always try making your own deodorant with similar ingredients to these (there are recipes on the web). Citrus oils should be fine. I made a lime-coconut scented deodorant once and it was very nice.
I think the breastfeeding-safe oils would probably be similar to these (which I got from babycenter.com). I would not recommend tea tree oil because I remember reading somewhere that using it on babies affects/causes breast tissue growth in boys:
As long as your pregnancy is going well, it’s fine for you to use:
* citrus oils, such as tangerine and neroli
* German chamomile
* common lavender
* frankincense
* black pepper
* peppermint
* ylang ylang
* eucalyptus
* bergamot
* cypress
* tea tree oil (not in labour)
* geranium
* spearmint
Hi Vani –
A deodorant I love is ‘So Essential’ (for men, even tho I am a woman). I had tried everything & I still had body odor. Not with this though. It is the only one that has worked for me. I found it at Whole Foods.
I use just coconut oil and it seems to work just fine!
Coconut oil????? Really that’s weird how does it work
Terie doesn’t coconut oil leave grease stains on your clothing? Please advise, I would love to try that as it would be a very economical option 🙂
Me too! Just coconut oil!
I do too, I just put it on after my shower. Mixing essential oils is great, I love lavender!:) I just wrap up in a towel and finish getting ready while it is soaking in.
I also use coconut oil (organic). I started using it a week ago. Several days after starting to use it, I told my family members. I also asked them to let me know, if they smelled any offending odor coming from my underarms. To date, no one has complained. Two days ago, I spent all day outside in the hot sun, walking around in a touristy area. I kept checking, when I went to the ladies room, and no smell, other than a slight coconut smell. I apply it lightly with my fingers and it doesn’t stain my clothes at all. I highly recommend it.
What is your opinion on Tom’s aluminum-free deodorants? Thanks 😀
I tried Tom’s and it didn’t work for me. I had to apply it several times a day. Threw it out. Crystal sticks work best for me.
Tom’s didn’t work for me either, until I tried their “24 hr” formula. That works great, but I would also be interested in Vani’s opinion here.
I use Tom’s with a little pinch of baking soda added and it works great. Adding the baking soda has helped to draw out the impurities in clogged pores, too.
My mom stopped us from using antiperspirants years ago because of the aluminum additives. I usually use Speed Stick because it contains no aluminum but right now I’m using a mix of baking soda and talcum powder.
Vani, please check out NYR Organic’s deodorants! Certified organic, no aluminum salts, or synthetic fragrances, preservative free, and essential oil based – (lemon & coriander or lavender & aloe vera). Made in the UK by Neal’s Yard Remedies, and they really work!!
I made this recipe and it works through an hour boot camp class! Now my husband uses it!
5 tablespoons or 4 oz (organic virgin) coconut oil: a great natural antibacterial. (Click here to purchase coconut oil.) If you notice the deodorant is at all flaky on the skin, you may add more coconut oil as needed.
4 tablespoons baking soda: neutralizes pH and body odor. (Click here to purchase aluminum-free baking soda.)
3 tablespoons arrowroot or organic cornstarch: absorbs perspiration. (Click here to purchase arrowroot.)
2 tablespoons bentonite clay: adds extra wetness protection by whisking away sweat, and pulls toxins from skin. (Click here to purchase bentonite clay.)
5 drops tea tree oil (optional but highly suggested): a potent antibacterial. (Click here to purchase tea tree oil.)
I put all of the ingredients in a mixing bowl in the above order. Since coconut oil is solid at room temperature, it needs some heat to be able to mix it easily. I decided to use body heat! With clean hands, I kneaded and mixed everything together into a smooth paste, and then transfered it to a small glass jar . Yes, my hands were covered in the deodorant, but it washes off easily and this was a quick and easy method to get everything to mix evenly.
I’d like to know if this is sticky or stains your clothing? Right now as summer approaches, my organic coconut oil is NOT solid at room temperature so I’m concerned that this would be a sticky mess! Also, how do you apply it? I would love to find something like this in a roll on. Someone else mentioned Saje deodorant sold out of Canada but it is out of stock (they have a roll on version as well as a spray). I’d be willing to make this recipe but NOT if it is messy.
Hi Lola Lee,
I live in S. Florida and mostly wear tank tops. When I do wear something out for a nice dinner, it is mostly tops without sleeves. I don’t find stains on any of my clothing and I think it’s due to the arrowroot, baking soda and the clay. I put it in a glass jar like this…http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00CHWRBB0?psc=1.
I wash my hands and use my pointer finger to get some out of the jar and put it under my arm and rub it in. My husband wears longer sleeves on his work shirts and I haven’t found any stains on his shirts either. Hope this helps!
It’s sad that so many people are still using these harsh deodorants. I can remember as early as the 90’s when I was in my 20’s and this info came out about aluminum in deodorants and the potential for it to cause cancer. I immediately threw my toxic deodorant out and went and bought some natural stuff. I use Primal Pit Paste now and it works great for me! Hopefully your post will educate people and they will go natural!
I just use aluminum free baking soda. No chemicals, no sweat & all smells disappear.
In regards to the Naturally Fresh, I’ve seen it in stores before and noticed it contains “alum”. Is this any relation to the aluminum which is harmful?
I’ve had luck with another brand called Al-Vera, especially their almond scent. It also works better if you can reapply.
Since I’m breastfeeding I tend to avoid sage, its one of the herbs known to dry up milk (and since mammary glands are a kind of modified sweat gland it makes sense that sage might be effective on armpits). I would probably guess its best to avoid at least the first few weeks after baby when milk supply is becoming established just to err on the side of caution…
I have used Alvera Aloe & Almonds too. It worked well for us. Then I won some free sticks from Deo Dad Coconut Oil Deodorant. It just has baking soda, coconut oil, corn starch, bees wax, shea butter, olive oil and lavender essential oil (in the lavender scented one). No aluminum, no parabens, no animal by-products.That is working well also.
Vani,
PLEASE quit pretending to be a scientist; you do not understand it t
You do not need to be a scientist to observe what you observe. Quite frankly, you do not even have had to go to college to be a very high IQ and educated person. Many people in our history who were inventors, artists and entrepreneurs didn’t even complete high school and brought amazing new things to this world. In fact, various “educated” people who work for the FDA and other agencies are, in my opinion, most uneducated and can’t observe the obvious. Which is – don’t put proven toxic chemicals in humanly consumed products like, aluminum, fluoride, lead, barium etc…there are many others. It really doesn’t take a genius.
Exactly Karen! I can’t understand people that blindly follow a doctor’s advice because that person has an MD next to their name. Do your own research and experiment to find out what works.
I used one made with Milk of Magnesium, MOM, I got from the People’s Pharmacy website, and after trying 10 brands that did not work am happy to report I love this one. The moral of the story is to keep trying till you find one that works for you.
Thanks for this!
Can you also address (at some point) fluoride in oral care products? What do you use for toothpaste/mouthwash?
Thanks!
I have personally tried many natural deodorants as well, but none have worked. Until I found this from Saje http://saje.ca/catalog/product/view/id/669/s/exotic-4009/
– All-natural ingredients
– Non-sticky
– Doesn’t clog pores
– Free of harsh chemicals
– Doesn’t stain clothes
Ingredients
liquid mineral salts; essential oils of patchouli, palmarosa, lavender, champa, vanilla, rosewood & sandalwood.
The only one that’s ever worked for me – and the company delivers across Canada and the U.S. (not to mention all the other amazing products available on that website!)
I’m sorry, but smell is a huge issue for me. If someone I know smells awful due to B.O. then I will avoid them and not be around them if at all possible. It’s so foul. My sister has been trying natural deodrants for a year and none of them work and she continues to stink and also sweat a lot and has spent so much money. Sometimes you can’t win it all.
I haven’t used deodorant for over 16 years now. Once in awhile, if I know I will be outside all day, then I will use a natural one. I hardly ever sweat so I am ok. with not using deodorant!
Me neither, I haven’t used it in Years! ….As soon as I had Heard it may be linked to breast cancer. I never seem to have a problem, I wash with soap in the shower and I’m fine, once in a while if I have been working around my house and haven’t showered for a day or so I can notice a little odor, but to me its just natural and my body releasing toxins. So I jump in the shower and I am fresh as a Daisy! :).
Kimberly,EXACTLY right–jump in the shower and you smell great once again!!! I have saved lots of money from not buying it too!! Ha! I did use deoderent from about age 18 to 25. So maybe about 7 years.. Glad I stopped when I did. I am now 42 ! So that’s a lot of years of not putting it on!!
What’s the consensus on Burt’s Bee’s deodorant? Good to use? Bad? It’s one of the only non-aluminum deodorants I can usually find in the stores.
Vani,
First and foremost I love your site! I’m so glad that there are people like you out there who are brave enough to ask questions and get answers so we can all be healthier, happier people. In regards to this post I thought it might be helpful for me to share something I came across by way of a friend. A gal I went to high school with has a website called “The Dabblist” on which she put up a recipe for deodorant that works so well my mind was blown. It consists of three ingredients. Three ingredients I recognize and can pronounce. Coconut oil, baking soda and arrowroot powder. That’s all it takes. Melt down the coconut oil, add the other ingredients (in equal parts I believe) and put the resulting paste put in an old deodorant tube. Stick in the fridge to cool and voila! You have yourself deodorant that works all day and isn’t full of garbage. I’ve been using it for months now and I’m so so glad to be rid of the old stuff. Hope this is helpful to others out there!
Hi Vani- Just curious if you have tried Beautycounter? The company is just over a year old and removes the 1,300 ingredients banned in the EU, the 11 ingredients banned in the US, plus a “Never List” of other toxic ingredients from all their products before even beginning the formulation. They have everything from shampoo to body wash to anti aging and sunscreen, and baby care products. They don’t currently have deodorant. But in a month they will have a moisturizing sunscreen for adults, and makeup in the fall. Just curious if you have looked into them or tested/ reviewed them. They will be in Charlotte this Thursday for an event at Vivace. Would love if you could attend and let the #foodbabearmy know your thoughts and opinions. Many thanks!
I too, noticed her favorite contained alum. Not sure how well absorbed that is but I would avoid it. I use this stuff: 21st Century Herbal Clear Deodorant, Aloe Fresh, 2.65-Ounce (but in Lavender) and it works well most of the time. Now, if I have a special occasion where I really can’t afford for it not to work, then I break out a travel sized bottle of regular anti-antiperspirant for that occasion. I figure limiting exposure gives me the best of both worlds. I don’t think it always has to be an all or nothing approach.
Thank you Vani for your information! I gutted out my HOUSE eight years ago and haven’t looked back. Quit coloring my hair, don’t worry about sweat anymore (if people are offended then they aren’t my friends), started growing my own food and making my own medicines. My husband and I are extremely healthy now with medical issues all but gone! My philosophy: whatever the marketers (AMA, pharma, CDC, etc). say, I do the opposite.
Hi Vani,
First I just want to thank you for the amazing work you do on our behalfs! I have a seven year old son who essentially has half a heart, and has undergone 3 open heart surgeries. I am passionate about healthy living because he deserves it!! My son asks me before we eat out, “Did the Food Babe say this place is okay?” One of our old favorite places was Panera, but no more! My husband and I have been using a combination of baking soda and cornstarch as our deodrant for about a year now. We store it in a small container with a lid and apply with a cosmetic poof, and it works great!! And talk about inexpensive! We also use homemade fabric softener, soap, and loose cosmetic powder (me, not them!), among other things. Thanks for all you do!!!
Check out Funk Butter from Oyin Handmade. I’ve been using this for years and love it. The cedar/fig fragrance is totally unisex and very clean. The main ingredients are kaolin clay, salt, and essential oils.
Note: I don’t work for the company in any way but it’s an amazing product.
I love the nutritional information you provide for healthy recipes, but as a chemist I would caution readers to do their own research. When looking up the deodorants recommended, Naturally Fresh, though natural, contains aluminum (alum is “a colorless astringent compound that is a hydrated double sulfate of aluminum and potassium, used in solution medicinally and in dyeing and tanning.”) Took me 5 seconds to find this because I was skeptical that anything without aluminum can truly keep you dry. So, in short, it can’t.
I started using Primal Pit Paste a few weeks ag and so far so good. My PET scan (I have colon cancer) showed inflamed lymphnodes under my arms so I decided I wasn’t taking anymore chances with my Dove deoderant. I do wonder about your 2nd option tho? It says it has alum in it which is just a “lighter” form of aluminum and potentially just as bad?
I have tried several natural deodorants only to end up in spin class sniffing around to see who was the stinky person & it was me!!!
I make my own very simply: Coconut oil, tea tree oil, arrowroot, and baking soda. Works awesome. The Prairie Homestead blogger’s recipe.
My personal favourite (aka the ONLY deodorant that has EVER worked for me) is by Lavanilla. I get it at Sephora so it’s a bit pricy, but it’s worth every penny!
Cornstarch, baking soda and coconut oil (can add essential oil) works so well even my hubby uses it.
For 2 years now I have been using a salt shaker with BAKING SODA in it. Shake a little out onto your hand, with a dab (maybe a 1/4 tsp) of COCONUT OIL. Rub your hands together, rub on your armpits, and rinse off your hands. It is the BEST! No odor, great for your skin!
Thank you for shining a light on how dangerous antiperspirants & deodorants can be. I’m happy to say that I haven’t used toxic deodorants in many years. It is not easy to find a good organic deodorant but I finally did. The best one I’ve used is by Ava Anderson Non Toxic, it works ALL day & night without toxic chemicals! They have tons of great organic products. http://www.avaandersonnontoxic.com/shop.aspx.
SUPER SIMPLE DEODORANT RECIPE
-2 Tblsp coconut oil
-2 teaspoons baking soda (Use less if you have super sensitive skin)
-2 Tblsp arrowroot powder
-5 drops Oil of Oregano, 3 drops Lavender oil (or any oils you like)
I like to combine 1 strong oil (oregano, tea tree, rosemary) with one ‘pretty’ oil though lavendar might serve both purposes quite well.
The recipe above is my version (for my sensitive skin) Here below is the original recipe.
http://thankyourbody.com/homemade-deodorant/
My version is about $0.87 for 4 oz which appears to be lasting my about 2 mos. I get my VCNO (Virgin Coconut Oil) at Costco for about $17 for a 54 oz jar. It’s organic and food grade so I use it for all kinds of stuff. You can also find it online at these stores for about the same.
I recently stopped buying deodorant and making my own. It ends up being cheaper and I can customize the scent. I use doTERRA essential oils, so I can make it scented just the way I want. Here’s the link to the instructions to make your own: http://doterrablog.com/diy-deodorant-stick/. I live in the south and since it tends to get pretty hot here, I added the natural beeswax to help it from melting instead of the cocoa or shea butter they suggested in the Editor’s Note.
Wanted to let you all know about Good For You Girls. Our natural roll on deodorant is a wonderful and effective solution. Our products work amazing for stinky tweens and teens and many moms too. http://www.goodforyougirls.com
Do you wear organic clothes too? If so where do you like to shop?
I wanted to switch but had a really hard time finding a natural deodorant that worked, as I have oily skin. Then I tried gold old arm and hammer brand. They do not use aluminum, and it works amazingly well!! Also, is unscented – a bonus for those with sensitive skin and fragrance allergies like me.
Peppermint oil scented baking soda with coconut oil. Wonderful ?
I have been using a natural deodorant made by Schmidts. It is the first natural deodorant that has ever worked for me. And I have tried a lot. The scents they use are amazing and they do not use coconut oil so you do not smell the beach or a drink. Anyone wanting to switch, check them out!
http://www.schmidtsdeodorant.com
I swear I do not work for them but I am so happy they exist!
Hi Vani, my 2 cents , and I have tried them all over the 20 plus years Ive been in the health and wellness biz, is the following. The Primal Pit paste brand seems to work for me most of the time but has failed at times also. Crystals the same result. I found Muddy H2O’s Pit Stop about a year ago and it hasnt failed me as of yet. That includes some crazy ass Hot Yoga sessions. What’s nice is like Primal, they make a men’s and women’s “flavor”. All pure ingredients, a bit harder to use then traditional roll on’s, crystals etc but well worth the great, healthy aspects and results of the product! Enjoy your Monday ladies! Health and Passion!
– Naturally Fresh gave me the worst allergic reaction!
– I also tried Crystal Body (the roll on) also gave me a nasty reaction
– Jason deodorant sticks did nothing for keeping me dry, actually made it worse.
I have tried and given away so many lol.
The best I have personally tried, is Alvera All Natural Roll On Deodorant – I use the Aloe scent. The bases for their deodorant is 75% aloe gel. It prevents me from sweating, no smell, no nothing. Very very inexpensive I think it’s 4$ on iherb. Works amazingly, it’s a keeper.
I agree! For 2 years now, I’ve been using a simple and effective blend of essential oils in lieu of my old deodorant. I love it! Here’s the recipe: http://www.yankeehomestead.com/2013/05/03/my-favorite-deodorant-what-im-using-now/.
Was happy to see this article because my 9 yr old has started to develop bo when sweating! I don’t want her to use any chemicals but the smell is bad and I don’t want kids to make fun of her at school. I use Tom’s 24 hr formula when I go to the gym but I noticed that does contain aluminum. I bought her a trial size Lavanila, I’m surprised you didn’t mention it since it seems like a popular one. Going to have to look on their website to see if it is really natural, I know it doesn’t have aluminum or parabens, but maybe other issues with it and that is why you don’t mention it.
Its been 6 months since I’ve used deodorant & I don’t miss it one bit! I now use lime & baking soda. With a lime or Lemon squeezer take 1/2 a lime & squeeze the juice onto a paper towel & rub under arm pits. Give it a minute or so to dry a bit. Then add 1/2 tsp into each hand & rub under arm pits. You can just use the lime or baking soda separate , but I find mixing them works better for me
Add 1/2 tsp. of BAKING SODA into each hand. Sorry everyone!!
I found a deodorant from Sweet Sweat and it works sooo good! It has no estrogen increasing oils like hops, tea tree, and lavender. It only has a few ingredients and the only natural one I have found to work (and I have tried EVERYTHING).
http://www.crunchybetty.com/the-great-baking-soda-anti-hoax
Nothing worked for me until I started using mineral salt stick, Crystal is the brand I think. You have to moisten the stick before you use but love it and I don’t stink! It is only 1 ingredient and the stick lasts forever.
I started using this homemade version just about a month ago and I absolutely love it (click on the below link for instructions). It only contains coconut oil, baking soda, and arrowroot or cornstarch powder. I was concerned about the coconut oil making it too greasy but once mixed up it’s much the consistency of a stick deodorant. It has a very mild coconut smell and kills body odor for me. Adding an essential oil is an option if you prefer another smell but I haven’t done that.
http://www.passionatehomemaking.com/2013/01/homemade-all-natural-deodorant.html
I like the crystal! I still sweat…but without smelling!
I use Milk of Magnesia….just put on a cotton ball and swab on. I live in Texas where it can get really hot, and have used this for years!