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
Hi,
What do you think of this deodorant. Would love your feedback.
http://www.lavanila.com/The-Healthy-Deodorant-Pure-Vanilla-2oz_p_50.html
Hi there! I have tried that deodorant before, and though it smells lovely it leaves TONS of white powder behind, and I can’t wear dark colors with it. It’s just too pastey and doesn’t smooth nicely onto the skin.
I’ve found that making my own deodorant works the best:
1/3 c baking soda
1/3 c arrowroot powder
coconut oil as needed
I just mix the soda and powder together in a bowl, and use a fork to mash solid (room-temperature) coconut oil in. I use about 3-4 TBS of coconut oil in the summertime, and up to 8TBS in the winter (I just mash it until it’s a creamy white consistency – like a cold cream; the changes in amount is due to the temperature).
My deodorant doesn’t melt in my bathroom, and I smooth on a pea-sized amount under each arm (I use a popsicle stick). I’ve had my friends and family “pit test” me for stinkiness, and everyone just tells me I smell tropical or like a coconut 🙂
Yeah…that’s what I do too, but I omit the arrowroot. It works very well! Once I tried to pimp it up with a bit of lemon oil, but that was burning under my arm pits, so….the plain things are often the best.
Very impressed with the Naturally Fresh deodorant! Thanks for the product research and suggestions!
Well it is really sad that going healthy is SO PRICEY. I appreciate the investigation that you do but you probably get these products for free or you can afford them all the time. I wish the rest of us could have easy access to everything you recommend. Thanks anyway.
I make my own deodorant, and it works better than any I’ve ever used. It is simply made of coconut oil, baking soda, arrowroot, and lavender essential oil.
Would you share your recipe? I’m looking to make the switch to coconut oil and am curious about your recipe. Thanks!
What is your recipe? this sounds delightful! I currently use a really great deodorant powder made by LUSH, it’s called Coconut. It works really well and is a great value, but I’d like to try to make my own!
I, too, make my own. So simple and so effective. The ratio I use is 1T each of baking soda, coconut oil, and arrowroot.
wareitsmadefromscratch.com
Paula,
have you found that the coconut oil feels wet or stains your clothes?
I am wondering about if the oil stains too?
LIndsay, I’ve never had any problems with wetness or staining. The coconut oil soaks into my skin. No problems with powdery flaking either.
Recipe for Virgin Coconut Oil Deodorant:
3 Tablespoons Virgin Coconut Oil (should be a hard solid – not liquid)
3 Tablespoons organic tapioca starch
2 Tablespoons baking soda
17 drops of pure organic essential oils
Thanks for sharing, Paula! 🙂
You’re so welcome, Kim. I hope you like it as much as I do.
I had a little sticker shock with the price of the primal pit paste, but actually it has ended up being just as cheap as Old Spice for my husband. One 2 oz container was $12.23 on Amazon and it has lasted 10 weeks. He would have gone through 3 or more containers of Old Spice in that time frame at $4 a pop that’s $12! Plus I love the smell and I think it works better. And doesn’t irritate my husband’s skin.
Go to primal paste’s website. They have semi-regular sales where you can get the product much cheaper than from Amazon.
I really like the product, but the “sensitive skin” one is the only one that doesn’t irritate my skin and it doesn’t last as long for me. For my wife and children, the regular product is great!
If you think ” healthy” is expensive ….you should try being sick !!!!
Lindsay, I have never had a problem with the coconut oil staining. It just soaks right into my skin and lasts all day. Here’s the recipe that I use:
Recipe for Virgin Coconut Oil Deodorant:
3 Tablespoons Virgin Coconut Oil (should be a hard solid – not liquid)
3 Tablespoons organic tapioca starch or arrowroot powder
2 Tablespoons baking soda
17 drops of pure organic essential oils
I blend it all together with a fork or spoon and put in a 4 oz. glass jelly jar. I use about 1/2 tsp under each arm.
I used Secret all the time, until they changed the formula and I became allergic to it. I don’t sweat alot, so I go without antiperspirant most of the time.
…or you could save $ and just try a slice of lime (organic, of course!), smashed under each pit! It works for many people. 🙂
I read a review on amazon on the naturally fresh:
It contains “Potassium Alum.” If aluminum itself is a problem as many believe, then it likely doesn’t matter in what form it is (chlorohydrate or a potassium salt). To me, this seems a bit misleading when it advertises having no aluminum chlorohydrate, so you expect it to be aluminum free (but it’s not).
It also contains zinc ricinoleate. Yes, if you noticed “ricin” in that word, it’s true, as it is derived from castor oil (from where the poison ricin is derived). People have varied views on castor oil (it does have good uses). Some people are also suspicious of using zinc excessively in this manner, but it is known to kill bacteria, so in that sense it’s evident why it is used in deodorants (bacteria cause odor).
The last down-side is that this will sometimes arrive in an expired-state. When it is expired, it has an absolutely horrid/rancid smell, and does not work. I have received one from Amazon in this state, as well as from a local GNC. There is no way to tell ahead of time whether it will be expired, as there are only Lot #s on the bottles. I have not had it go bad while in use (even after 6-8+ months), as others here have reviewed, but have had it already bad when received.
Luv,Kat
I started out with the pit paste, didn’t mind it but it doesn’t glide on very easily and it would come off in chunks and at that price I wanted to salvage as much as I can. The next type I bought was the Naturally Fresh and I like this one the best. I am sticking with this one.
For the Naturally Fresh option, does it matter what form the aluminum may come in? I have not done any research on this product, but I did notice the following review related to the product and was wondering if anyone had any thoughts on Potassium Alum…
It contains “Potassium Alum.” If aluminum itself is a problem as many believe, then it likely doesn’t matter in what form it is (chlorohydrate or a potassium salt). To me, this seems a bit misleading when it advertises having no aluminum chlorohydrate, so you expect it to be aluminum free (but it’s not).
Food Babe,
I agree with you that deodorants today are just not good for us. However, all of the natural/organic ones I have tried do not last very long. I put them on and within a couple of hours I am smelling like a starved wolf in the middle of the desert. And when I reapply, it’s like putting cologne on a drenched beaver. Being that I am professional, I have no choice but to use something with aluminum because it actually works all day long. Smelling fresh is important in my business.
You said your husband uses Primal Pit Paste. Does that last him all day? Or does he end up stinking like an ostrich after being chased by hyenas in the hot sun within a few hours?
P.S. Your hubby is one lucky smelly bastard.
Check this one out as it is Organic, and works VERY well! Lots of great reviews from all around the world! PLUS it supports a family, not a corporation!
https://www.etsy.com/listing/104650247/organic-extra-strength-deodorant-2-oz?ref=shop_home_active_14
Try Green Tidings All Natural Deodorant! Certified cruelty-free, vegan, non-toxic, and works all day long! http://bit.ly/GTdeodorant
Hey! Check out beautycounter for non toxic/safe personal care products with a great mission to help educate people and get safe peoducts into the hands of everyone!
Trying to go as Organic as possible, concerned about over spending only to find out the Organic industry is in bed with the FDA, and corrupt! So many articles of this nature out there…
I have a question. All crystal deodorants like Naturally Fresh still have aluminum in them. They advertise no aluminum but if you read the ingredients, they just have a different form of aluminum. What is your take on that??
I use Norwex’s Crystal Deodorant, it is made from crystallized natural mineral salts. And love knowing I am not putting aluminum on my body. It may be a little spendy, but mine has lasted over a year so far and know that I have many more months to go with this one.
A dear friend mentioned that her medical friends talk about how shocked they were when they were in medical school about how green the area under the arm is because of the ingredients in deodorant.
Green? As in the color?
I’ve had better luck using plain old baking soda than I’ve had with any natural deodorant, plus it doesn’t break the bank!!
Love Primal Paste!!!!
I’ve tried Primal Pit Paste, didn’t work for me, and Naturally Fresh works to control odor on most days, but sweat stains are ruining my clothes. I’ve had to throw out a number of my favorite pieces and I have to keep my arms down during meetings and events. Any suggestions for a natural antiperspirant?
Not sure if I am comfortable with using a “natural ” deodorant with potassium aluminum because it is still a source of aluminum…. ” Potassium alum, potash alum, tawas, or potassium aluminum sulfate is a chemical compound: the potassium double sulfate of aluminium. Its chemical formula is KAl2 and it is commonly found in its dodecahydrate form as KAl2.12. Alum is the common name for this chemical compound, given the nomenclature of potassium aluminum sulfate dodecahydrate. It is commonly used in water purification, leather tanning, dyeing, fireproof textiles, and baking powder. It also has cosmetic uses as a deodorant, as an aftershave treatment and as a styptic for minor bleeding from shaving.” source Wikipedia
I use Lavalin. Its not cheap but I only have to apply every 2-3 days.
I use a mineral salt Rock for years now. No smell and minimal sweat. Though am an average sweat at best. My friend who is nutritionist did a hair test on me. One of the things that can back was High Alluminum. I started used the mineral salt Block and the Alluminum cleared away My friend likes ‘ Tom’s of Maine Alluminum free because she sweats a bit more them me But sweat is good for the body so I do not worry too much about that.
I love the Pit Paste. I sweat like a man and it’s the only thing that works for me. I also love Crystals Deodorant.
(Laughter) How about soap and water? Works for me… 🙂
Kiss my Face Liquid – the best! All Kiss my Face products are awesome!
Ing are: Aqua, Potasssium Alum, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Salix Alba (Willow Bark Extract/Extrait d’ecorse de saule), Usnea Barbata (Lichen Extract/Extrait de lichen), Sodium Phytate, Phenoxyethanol, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate
This is what I use too. I’m interested to see what FoodBabe says about the Potassium Alum… never noticed that before this post.
We need to get you our NYR Organic Foodbabe! https://us.nyrorganic.com/shop/kristenkarlisch/area/shop-online/category/deodorant/?bid=6aff1b2e3f6836a97d2b7702d63de46cbced6f4a
I had awful luck with commercial deodorant, so I tried making my own.
3Tablespoons coconut oil, 3Tablespoons non him cornstarch, 3Tablespoons baking soda
15 drops essential oil (I use teatree)
It’s dirt cheap and works very well.
I’m going to go home and try to make this tonight! I’m feeling cheap and DIY today!
We have been using Alvera brand Aloe & Almonds roll-on deodorant. Do you have any opinion on that one? Also, I use Deo Dad coconut oil deodorant which just has baking soda, coconut oil, corn starch, beeswax, shea butter, olive oil, and lavender essential oil. Works great for me!
I bought the Naturally Fresh. It is definitely a liquid…it takes forever to dry and I feel I have to reapply. I used to use Secret and maybe I’m just comparing the results from using Secret and they just aren’t going to work the same.
My personal favorite, and the only one that actually WORKS like conventional deoderant for oder…and does not cause any allergic rection (red pits) for me is Coconut Snow!! amazing stuff!!!!!
What do you think of Toms?
Vebix! I use it here in Egypt . Totally natural and it’s a roll on. Used to be a paste and they changed the packing to make it easier to roll on. It lasts 7 days !!! Check it out . Not sure where u would get it elsewhere
There are some good ones on the market with clay in them and they help keep you dry. Try “Le Fresh” or “Clay Dry” by zion health. My current favorite.
I read a review on Amazon for the Naturally Fresh that says it still has toxins in it. What has your research founds?
It advertises itself to be free of common suspicious items/toxins (PG, Aluminum Chlorohydrate).
HOWEVER, it has several down-sides.
It contains “Potassium Alum.” If aluminum itself is a problem as many believe, then it likely doesn’t matter in what form it is (chlorohydrate or a potassium salt). To me, this seems a bit misleading when it advertises having no aluminum chlorohydrate, so you expect it to be aluminum free (but it’s not).
It also contains zinc ricinoleate. Yes, if you noticed “ricin” in that word, it’s true, as it is derived from castor oil (from where the poison ricin is derived). People have varied views on castor oil (it does have good uses). Some people are also suspicious of using zinc excessively in this manner, but it is known to kill bacteria, so in that sense it’s evident why it is used in deodorants (bacteria cause odor).
This review is full of false info. One, Potassium Alum is different from aluminum chlorohydrate. The main difference is the size if the molecule, PA molecule is too large to be absorbed into skin. Two, Zinc Ricinoleate is not ricin! It has nothing to do with ricin other than at one point both lived in the same bean. Heroin comes from poppy but I don’t get high eating bagels.
I’m fine staying away from certain ingredients, and I do stay away gym many, but we need correct information to do so, and an amazon review is not a good source.
Good to know! Thank you for doing the research. I am new to this healthy natural lifestyle, and gluten free on top of it, so it is difficult to know if I am switching out something bad for something that is truly indeed healthy for me. I would hate to go to all the trouble of switching my lifestyle to only find out in 10 years that what I replaced the unhealthy stuff with is just as unhealthy.
The deodorant by Ava Anderson Non Toxic works amazing and is 100% safe and nontoxic. I have tried many others – some just didn’t work at all, some I needed to constantly reapply and some made my underarms break out in a raw rash.
Just wrote about this yesterday! I make my own deodorant. Easy, cheap, highly effective. Antiperspirans never worked flawlessly anyway. If I am sweaty there, I make a stop in the restroom and do a little swipe with a tissue. I do not smell AT. ALL. With this deoderant!
5-6 tbs coconut oil, 1/4 cup baking soda, 1/8 cup arrowroot powder, 1/8 cup non gmo corn starch, essential oils of choice for smell, but make sure the oil can be put on skin, such as lavender, vanilla, tea tree, ect
when you make your own, just use an empty deo bottle and fill it while it is still a liquid and place in fridge overnight, it will solidify and you wont have to use your fingers everyday. I added mine after I ran out of an organic deo that didn’t work well at all. my family all uses this now and we all love it, although if you have more sensitive skin add less baking soda, as it will irritate some
I want to share a secret that I have stumbled upon. I stopped using Mitchum with aluminum 2 years ago. I switched over to coconut , baking soda, arrowroot powder and tea tree oil. I had been pretty happy with that, although it would not last a full day in the Florida heat. I have been making orange vinegar for cleaning for quite some time now. simply soak orange peels in white distilled vinegar for about 2 weeks. I was just testing the orange vinegar on my armpits, and I’m amazed. I usually use it in conjunction with coconut oil. Simply amazing results. Have a blessed day!
I use the deodorant ‘For Pitts Sake.” Works great and it doesn’t have aluminum.!
For Pitts Sake is the best deodorant I have ever used! Love it!
Vani, you need to try Savvy Boheme’s Allons-Y! Deodorant. It WORKS. It’s made with top-quality, fresh, raw, natural ingredients that are beyond compare. Love their products.
Hi there, I went to Amazon to buy the Naturally fresh and saw this review regarding ingredients, what are your thoughts on this? Thank you!
“It contains “Potassium Alum.” If aluminum itself is a problem as many believe, then it likely doesn’t matter in what form it is (chlorohydrate or a potassium salt). To me, this seems a bit misleading when it advertises having no aluminum chlorohydrate, so you expect it to be aluminum free (but it’s not).
It also contains zinc ricinoleate. Yes, if you noticed “ricin” in that word, it’s true, as it is derived from castor oil (from where the poison ricin is derived). People have varied views on castor oil (it does have good uses). Some people are also suspicious of using zinc excessively in this manner, but it is known to kill bacteria, so in that sense it’s evident why it is used in deodorants (bacteria cause odor).”
I use ava anderson and its AMAZING!
I like to use baking soda. It can work for several days at a time so if I forget to put it on one day I don’t necessarily end up with smelly armpits. It did irritate my skin for about two weeks when I first started using it. If two weeks of irritated underarms is too much to handle then just mix it with cornstarch.
I have tried every natural deodorant anyone has recommended and spent a lot of money that went to waste! Nothing has worked. I’m at a loss… Within an hour, I’m so stinky, my hubby can’t even be in the same room as me?! I’m back to using aluminum right now. any advice?
Curious about what you would recommend that does not have a scent. I buy unscented antiperspirant because I can’t tolerate smelling like a flower, herb, or coconut. I need something to keep me dry. Suggestions?
This is unrelated to deodorant but another cosmetics question….It’s widely known that nail polish contains more toxins than any other cosmetic product, but you seem to be wearing polish in most photos I’ve seen here. Can you share what brand you use that you believe to be safer? Thanks!
Try Ava Anderson Non Toxic’s deodorant. It is by far the best organic deodorant I have ever used. Works ALL day & night! Plus it is 100% free of toxic chemicals. You can find it here: http://www.avaandersonnontoxic.com/shop.aspx
Also check out the website keeperofthehome.org
A great blog site with tons of home recipes. She has a deodorant one too. It’s all natural and she has recipes for cleaning products and food too. Enjoy!
I love the Crystal Rock. Been using it for six months.
I have really bad smelly armpits. I’ve used all the natural deodorants, and none of them work for me. So I have to use the ones with chemicals in them.
What about Toms?
I’ve tried so many natural deodorants and the best i have found so far is the Lavanila -vanilla scent this stuff works amazing!!! if you can deal with the white stuff that it leaves behind only at first i highly recommend this one, it keeps me dry and smelling fresh a ll day!