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
What about Jason from Whole Foods?
I use Tom’s.
Tom’s of Maine is owned by Colgate who are contributors to GMO campaigns trying to keep us in the dark. I don’t think FoodBabe would be down with that.
I know because I scanned with Buycott app.
Unfortunately, they still have some ingredients that are toxic to you skin. Try our Pachy from http://www.RusticMaka.com, no toxic chemicals whatsoever! Just pure, simple and organic ingredients that nourish your skin and provide excellent odor protection. Special 15% off till end of this month, CODE: LAUNCH. Thanks!
What about Potassium Alum? I’ve asked this question on Food Babe before and never received a reply. Is it safe? It’s found in many of the natural rock deodorants and it really works for me but I don’t want to use it if it’s just as toxic as the other forms of aluminum!
Good question L Hay. I have also come across this in my “Crystal Body Deodorant” Which apparently is endorsed by Cancer treatment centers (states this on label along with “No Aluminum Chlorohydrate” I did some searching on the internet and found an interesting article written in 2010 by Dr Joesph Mercola. So now just rub a bar of Himalayan Salt Deodorant Bar under my arm pits after my morning shower, but by the afternoon I sweat and stink.
I See the deodorant “Naturally Fresh” that Food Babe chooses to use contains the “Potassium Alum”.
From Wikipedia: Potassium alum, potash alum, tawas, or potassium aluminum sulfate is a chemical compound: the potassium double sulfate of aluminium. Its chemical formula is KAl(SO4)2 and it is commonly found in its dodecahydrate form as KAl(SO4)2.12(H2O). 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,[citation needed] 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.[4]
Still aluminum. I make my own deodorant and have for years
I’ve asked this question as well and haven’t gotten an answer either. It’s a form of aluminum, so I have stayed away from it. Surprised the this continues to remain on the list. In sure it’s why it keeps her the driest!
You could also go with homemade. A lady from my church makes everything from soaps, shampoos, conditioners, toothpaste bath bombs, and deodorant. I buy my deodorant from her. Beats the cheap spray deodorant I used to buy from the dollar store.
I recently made my own deodorant! I mixed 6 tablespoons coconut oil, 1 tablespoon baking soda and 4 tablespoons cornstarch. It works really well, no body odor at all, even after a day and a half! Nect time I will add essential oil for a fragrance.
I will try this! I make my own soap, face cream and toothpaste with coconut oil in it as the main ingredient I use essential oils in everything too.
Thanks for the idea!
Lisa d.
Nancy, how do you make it? Could you please email it to me at [email protected]?
Food Babe, what is your opinion on Tom’s? I have been using it over 10 years now and it works really well on me so I hate to switch. Is it not very natural, clean? I always thought it was a good aluminum-free option but never really researched it further. Thank you for any input!!! 🙂
I use Toms also…..wonder if it is a good product . I also use the toothpaste.
I use to have a high lactic acid level. And I use to use toms deodorant . The lactic acid made my arms achy in the mornings. I mean my muscles were sore as if I’d been lifting weights. I stopped using it when I read an ad from dr mercola on one of the ingredients in it that was made from lactic acid. And get this, ever sense I stopped, the pain in my muscle is gone. What a huge relief too.
Toms, though to the best of my knowledge uses natural ingredients, is owned by Clorox. So at the end of the day your money ‘vote’ is going to a huge company that isn’t natural at all and tests on animals..
Jason is a better choice in my opinion, and is very comparable to Toms.
Correction, it’s owned by Colgate/Palmolive. But my feelings are the same.
Sorry, I was thinking of Burt’s Bees being owned by Clorox.
Unfortunately, Toms and Jasons and many more “natural” deodorants on the market still contain toxic ingredients. Our company makes Pachy deodorant made only with the pure, simple and organic ingredients. It nourishes your skin while provides an excellent odor protection. July special, 15% off with CODE: LAUNCH at http://www.RusticMaka.com
I used Mitchums most of my adult life until I started reading about aluminum. I am now using Ava Anderson Non-Toxic deodorant and found it to work pretty well even in hot weather.
What about Crystal? The ingredients are Natural Mineral Salts or ammonium alum. The bottle reads, “endorsed by Cancer Treatment Centers.” I was using Tom’s from VT, but saw this one advertised. Tom’s isn’t working for me.
Thank you for your help.
I have been using coconut oil by itself, it has worked perfectly for me, no rash, no redness, no smelly under-pits, loved it. It also has soften them after I shave.
I’ve wondered if using an oil as a deodorant will leave an oil stain on my clothing?
Nope, It doesn’t leave a stain. I always rub it in and it absorbs nicely.
I started making my own deodorant which consist of coconut oil, baking soda, and arrowroot. No odor!
How do you apply it? Do you make and store it in a jar?
My mom uses Witch Hazel, dabbed on a cotton swab, and applied to the underarm. She’s 89 and been doing this for years.
I make my own and it works AWESOME! It felt so good to make the switch. I got concerned about aluminum when I started breastfeeding my first child, for a lot of the same reasons. I was concerned about the aluminum with my milk, and I’ve also read concerns about babies inhaling some of the chemicals in standard deodorants. That was enough for me. Here’s a link to my recipe: http://www.bargainshoppingparadise.com/2010/12/i-confess-ive-been-making-my-own.html
I like Weleda’s Rose Spray or EO’s citrus spray. I still perspire but don’t stink.
I’ve tried loads of natural deodorants that claim to work, but don’t. Then i discovered bicar of soda as deodorant. Yep, sounds nuts i know, i thought that too. But shower, dry and dab some under your arms. It never fails. Just make sure you don’t buy the Arm and hammer one, which has aluminium in it (and is technically for food… Why do they do this?)
Apologies… Bicarbonate of Soda
Darn my spelling! Bicarbonate of soda
I had a problem with Primal Pit Paste causing underarm irritation. Try rubbing Shey butter or an organic body butter on your underarms before applying the pit paste, it has worked great for me!
I use hand sanitizer. I haven’t used deodorant ever! I used to use Sea Breeze until they starting adding moisturizers and now it feels too sticky. I don’t know if hand sanitizer is toxic or not, but it doesn’t contain aluminum and it can be reapplied easily if needed.
Heidi’s Heavenly Deodorant is made without aluminum or other harsh chemicals. Made using Organic Colorado Beeswax and Organic Oils to prevent body odor naturally, without masking it chemically.
http://www.heidisheavenly.com/organic-deodorant.html
I’ve used Tom’s with little positive effects. The scent seems to mix with sweat and smell awful! I now use Burt’s Bees Outdoor deodorant with oil of sage. It’s all natural and a non areasol spray. The ingredients are alcohol denat., salvia officinalis (sage) extract, lavandula hybrida (lavendin) oil, citrus medica limonum (lemon) oil.
It works great at neutralizing the stink (for me at least). My husband uses it as well. He will get a rash if he uses the drugstore kind and then doesn’t wash it off before going to bed.
I will say though that it can sting if you put it on right after shaving or waxing because of the alcohol! Yikes! But the sensation goes away quickly.
I get it from our local grocery store. They carry it for some reason. Not carried at target but I think I’ve seen it at whole foods.
THanks for this post. I’ve been off aluminum deodorants for years now. But haven’t found one that works either. I’ve been using Arm &Hammer Essentials Fresh scent for a couple of years but have tried almost all that WHole Foods sells. The Arm & Hammer one I buy at Publix says its aluminum and paraben free. I thought it was a safe choice that holds longer than any of the other “natural” ones. I may try to make my own based on these recipes provided above or try some of these others that have been recommended.
Thanks for the heads up Vari! I’ve been on the look out for alternative personal hygiene products for a while now. I use Dr. Sharp toothpaste and Therabreath Mouthwash. I’m thinking about trying Smartmouth next. Good to know specifics on just what alternative deodorants, soaps and shampoos are out there as well 🙂
I stopped wearing anti-perspirant about a year ago and at first, yes, it’s hard! However, since I’ve really cleaned up my diet, I sweat there less and there is really not much of an odor. Diet is key! Fresh, whole, real food keeps our bodies functioning optimally and we smell much better and don’t need to try to cover it up or hide it with toxic products.
Glad to learn of your account. My step brother told me the same.
This one from Primavera is my favourite because it’s the only 100 % natural deodorant I find actually works: http://www.primaveralife.com/en/products/body/energizing/ginger-lime-roll-on-deodorant.html
I tried multiple natural deodorants and I finally found one that I LOVE. Schmidts, made in Portland Oregon. Seriously, try it!
I thought that if you use antiperspirant on your underarms to prevent sweat in that area, your body simply disperses of it through the skin everywhere else on your body. It’s not like your body simply holds it in, right?
Check out Toms of Maine and “The Rock” or the Crystal products.
I use La Vanila deodorant. None of the junk and works really well.
I’ve been using Lavanila for about 4 months and find it working well. I tried serveral others before finding thid one. It does give me a little red irritation, but I’ll try the shea butter tip. I’ve also read the coconut oil recipe and would like to try that.
My husband and I both love soap walls deodorant. It is the only brand that I found to work on us both!!
Make your own to be safe
I just use organic cold pressed
Coconut oil.
My question: I tried about 10 different natural products but I had an issue with rash. My skin would rub and rub and I’d get a heat rash. What other option are there? I was super frustrated that I went back to wearing old stuff.
Crystal deodorant is the way to go. We need to support those that are doing what they can to bring us healthy alternatives!
Unfortunately, Toms and Jasons and many more “natural” deodorants on the market still contain toxic ingredients. Our company makes Pachy deodorant made only with the pure, simple and organic ingredients. It nourishes your skin while provides an excellent odor protection. July special, 15% off with CODE: LAUNCH at http://www.RusticMaka.com
Tried to order this online and it is backordered due to a factory fire.
Has anyone used “love” by herban cowboy? This is a woman’s product but they also have a great men’s line. I get it at whole foods. Great scent and works well.
Under the great advice of the whole food experts in mississauga ontario, my wife and I used cotton balls saturated with organic apple cider vinegar to wipe under our pits after showering for four days and then started using WELEDA spray deodorant. If anyone is into natural products research weleda and all of their products from their German biodynamic farm
My four daughters are athletes working out 24 hours a week. I have spent lots of money on natural deodorants and I have found none to work. My house is natural but my daughters begged me to buy the stuff that works so they wouldn’t be embarrassed. I would appreciate recommendations on products that would work on athletes.
I use an amazing deodorant by this company called Made Simple. The chamomile lime scent is incredible & the deodorant works really well too. I love that it’s USDA certified organic (unlike even most of the ‘natural’ ones out there) + raw + vegan, + great price. Tried primal pit paste once & it was a big gross…also used to use Tom’s years ago & it never worked.
http://madesimplecosmetics.com/product/chamomile-lime-deodorant-2oz/
I recently tried Made Simple too, found it at a local shop. Using the Cypress Pine scent, it’s amazing!!! …the ingredients are so clean it’s practically edible
Just read up on Naturally Fresh as I haven’t tried that one. One of the reviews on Amazon claims there is aluminum in it, just in a different form. Have you investigated this chemical compound?
“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).”
Ok – so what if my Secret doesn’t keep me dry but keeps the odor at bay? If it’s not keeping me dry, does that mean it’s not doing what you describe above? Hhhmmm… might as well use something else that doesn’t keep me dry but doesn’t have aluminum, huh? :o)
Well in Hand Power Prism….. the best I’ve ever used. All of their products are wonderful!! Online at wellinhand.com
The only organic & truly pure (no greenwashing) deodorant that works for me all day AND all night (doesn’t wear off midday or early evening) is Ava Anderson Non Toxic, try it, you will be pleasantly surprised! http://www.avaandersonnontoxic.com/
I am wondering if anyone has any experience with ultra sensitive skin, my husband reacts badly to most of these the worst was primal pit paste which actually made his skin peel it was so bad, I tried making my own and that also turned his pits red, for now he has returned to Degree because I am at a loss as to what to do
I also have super sensitive skin and have spent the past two years trying to figure out what natural products work best for me. Earlier this summer I finally made the switch to natural deodorant. Bella Organics (which I discovered via FoodBabe-surprised it wasn’t mentioned in this post) has a deodorant line which I have had fantastic luck with for the past two months (after switching from Dove). There are several scents and a few are more gender-neutral ones. I’ve tried the iced lemonade, vanilla-mint, and orange spice so far and they are all great. They offer sample sizes of all scents which I found very helpful when making the switch. The only down side is that it is a paste applied by hand. I personally don’t mind having the smell on my hands after, and it is easily wiped off, but this may be an issue for some. Even in the hot summer days and throughout my runs, I have not had any unexpected issues with odor. I hope that helps! Good luck!
Here is the link:
http://lovebellaorganics.com/organic-deodorant/
I just use baking soda and water, and sometimes milk magnesium. The best deodorant ever.
Take 2 tablespoons of liquid chlorophyll everyday. It is an internal deodorant.
I use a Thai deodorant stone, they work well. I really like them.
After trying several deodorants I finally found Lafes deodorant stick. It is made with hemp oil, aloe vera and essential oils and is certified organic. No aluminum, propylene glycol etc. I use the “active” stick. It is very effective and keeps me dry and non-stinky.
Sam’s Natural is AMAZING! I used my husband’s for the longest time, and they just recently came out with a Women’s scent that smells great and works wonderfully!!!
I have used Pit Paste and it did NOT work against odor. As an anti per spirant it worked just ok but I smelled! With most other deodorants, I never have a smell. T his one I had to continue to use throughout the day. I’m open to other suggestions and will give the others a try but I was extremely disappointed since Food Babe recommended Pit Paste and said that it was one of the best.
“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.” While I agree with you on many points and embrace natural products as much as possible, to lob that accusation is cavalier and potentially libel at the same time. Don’t make accusations and follow them up with “probably” — to this reader it undermines your authority.
I may start making my own, but in the mean time I have begun using Aluminum-Free Virgin Coconut Oil Deodorants from Tropical Traditions. Everything they do is with coconut oil, and they have the purist coconut oil you can buy. So far, so good. I still sweat a little bit, and smell a little too, but it is not terrible. They have 3 fragrances. The one I use is the Classic. The ingredients are: purified water, organic Gold Label Virgin Coconut Oil, organic jojoba, plant based emulsifying wax, grapefruit seed extract, sodium bicarbonate (baking soda), organic essential oils of cedarwood, geranium, tea tree and patchouli.
http://www.tropicaltraditions.com/aluminum-free_deodorants.htm
I just started using coconut oil. And I love it! My girlfriend told me about the dangers she mentions with my secret deodorant and knew I had to make a change!!
I use primal pit paste and love it. the reason it made your armpits red is because you used the strong one. they have one that isn’t so strong and would probably work for you.