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
the absolute best: milk of magnesia! found this on earthclinic and tried
it completely stops odor all day and has the added benefit of being a
source of magnesium
I’ve tried to find it again, but a while back (before the explosion of “natural” deodorants/antiperspirants mainstream) I read something (i think it was the “take this to the cosmetic counter” series) about that Sure (T) deodorant was the lesser of evils in the antiperspirants because of the “type” of aluminium (or alum) used…that it was less absorbent by the cells therefore less overall aluminium absorption. If you “had” to use an antiperspirant, SURE was the best choice of all the (US) national brands.
There are times that because of work, and the heat of the south in the summer, having sweat rings is unavoidable without antiperspirants and very detrimental professionally. I only “spot use” antiperspirants for when I have to, and have picked Sure for that. Again, it’s not an odor thing and in my personal life I wear loose airy clothes and stick to homemade coconut/essential oil concoctions that work fine…but again, professionally, sometimes only an antiperspirant will do.
Does anyone know anything about this concerning Sure? (or other suggestions)
Re: Natural deodorant – lemons! Saw this on Dr. Oz – it was a viewer’s tip. Cut a lemon in 1/2 and rub under your arms. Or squeeze some juice onto your hands and rub on. I have had one lemon last me over two weeks. I store it in my fridge in a container. You can cut 1/8 inch off each use so you have ‘fresh’ lemon. Or just squeeze the 1/2 lemon lightly so juice appears and rub on underarms. Some pulp may be left on your skin. Just pick it off – no big deal. It works better than store bought deodorant and is cheaper than health food store deodorant. I am going through menopause and am always hot and sweaty. This still works. Also works through my cardio workouts!
I agree! It really works!
Thank you, I love this CHEAP Natural idea!
Interesting. I’ll give to a try.
I will definitely try this tip, thank you
Wouldn’t the lemon burn shaved under arms?
It stings a tiny bit (and I’m sensitive to pain). To me it’s not a big deal, but you’d have to try it and see if it exceeds your comfort level. Good luck!
I have used baking powder sprinkled in my hand with enough water to make a paste as a deodorant since I was 17yrs old .Why? I went to a dermatologist with huge boils under my arms from a deodorant reaction. He advised me to discontinue commercial deodorants because of my reaction. so for 60 yrs this has been my go to deodorant .It works.
Virginia-please excuse if already asked, but, baking powder or baking soda?
Sue
I still get Hugh boils under arms, between my legs and on my bottom. I do not wear deodorant.
Did your boils go away just because you stopped using deodorant?
I am 58 and still have break outs which started at 12 years old.
Any insight?
Sounds like you may have a condition called Hidradenitis suppurativa. Google it and view photos to see. My bestie of over 50 years has this. Her’s is considered an auto immune disorder.
I had a major problem 10 years ago with smelly armpits, no matter what deodorant brand I used. Then as I changed my diet moving to healthy foods, I read that if you eat right you won’t have B.O. In switching to safer deodorants I sprayed a mixture of hydrogen peroxide and water on my armpits after showering, dried it off, and applied Jason’s brand. Eventually I realized that I never had smelly armpits anymore. Many days I don’t even apply the organic deodorant because I simply don’t need it unless I am outside doing heavy work. It’s true… we are what we eat!
I have heard lots of bad things about “Polysorbate 80” which is in a LOT of foods. Can you do an investigation on this sometime. Thanks.
What are your thoughts on the deodorant from Lush? That is what I’m using and it works pretty well.
Totally agree! I changed out all my beauty products several years ago. At first it seemed overwhelming, but I took it one step at a time. Even my mascara now has only 5 ingredients…all of which I can pronounce and know what they are. I’ve been making and using this deodorant recipe for about 9 months. Best stuff ever!! So I thought I’d pass along.
http://wellnessmama.com/1523/natural-deodorant/
I personally use the NYR Organic Lemon & Coriander deodorant! I love it!!!
Love this too! Developed a skin reaction to Degree, Dove, and many others. Gave up for a while. Then tried NYR and no rash and works great.
I LOVE Dr. Bronner’s anti-bacterial spray….yes, it smells lovely and naturally deodorizes through the day with lavender ..meant for your hands, but a little spray under the arms works wonderfully.
At $4.99 it lasts a long time… Whole Foods might carry it as well as many mom and pop health food stores.
https://www.herbtrader.com/store.php?Screen=ctgy&br=Dr.+Bronner%27s+Magic+Soaps&ct=nbhan
I make my own and it works great! Coconut oil, cocoa butter, baking soda, cornstarch, and E.O
Make sure that the Milk of Magnesia you’re using doesn’t contain sodium hypochlorite…aka…bleach! That’s one reason it works so well–because you’re putting bleach on your skin!
Also keep in mind that “crystal” deodorants are pure ALUMINUM salts!
You mean the stones? That is what I use. Aluminum?? uh oh.
Yep…stones are made up of potassium alum…aka potassium ALUMINUM sulfate. When you wet the stone you release ionic aluminum in to the water and on your skin…this is the smallest, most absorbable form of aluminum possible.
interesting. I have been wondering about natural deodorants. I knew antiperspirant/deodorant was bad for you but hoestly I never knew why. This is really good to know.
I only recently switched to a natural deodorant. I remember an episode of “Tyra” (like 8 years ago) where she had an expert on that insisted there was no connection between aluminum and breast cancer. My teenage self accepted that as a fact and never thought any more of it. As a young wife and mother I’m learning to question everything I have accepted as truths. On a side note, vaccines also have large amounts of aluminum. Has the Food Babe ever expressed an opinion on that?
Has anyone tried those solid crystal deodorants like this one: amzn.to/1tnu5Yz I have been curious about these for a while, wondering if there’s a health reason Food Babe did not try one of these?
Back in 1984, I had a double mastectomy. The plastic surgeon told me to use the solid salt crystal and it works. I now use just coconut oil, except like someone else said, sometimes you have to dress in something that you don’t want oil stains , or to not have sweat rings and I use deo stick.
Thank you for spreading the word about this! I’ve known for awhile and have generally avoided the commercial variety whenever possible.
Nothing I’ve tried works for me ALL day, however. Every natural DO I’ve tried works for about half the day and eventually stops all together. Many of them irritate my armpit skin and make it peel, ugh! I’ve even used baking soda and coconut oil together, it doesn’t last all day and it makes my armpits itch. 🙁
I’m going to try the lemon suggestion here and see if I have more luck. Thank you for the article and thank you all for your suggestions.
I use a combo of essential oils and alcohol. IT WORKS!
I used it during an entire summer pregnancy.
Small spray bottle, easy to reapply.
I used coconut oil to sooth my armpits post shaving and then applied the spray after the oil soaked in – easy peasey and inexpensive!
I recall reading something similar to this so I’ve switched to Tom’s of Maine anti perspirant. It’s pretty good. Do you have any suggestions for toothpaste that has no Carageenan in it? I’ve even switch bathing soaps. Thanks for giving guidance
I make always a paste out of coconut oil and baking soda. Cheap and it works very very well! 🙂
Found deodorant cream by Lavilin. Like it very much, I use it every 5-7 days. I was wondering if anybody has researched it.
I love this! And I have not used aluminum style antiperspirant since I was a young teen. So over 40 years ago.
I love the lemon and other natural suggestions.
Have used Tom’s forever.
Elizabeth in Oregon
I always have found it so interesting that they make mostly ‘deodorant’ for men and ‘anti-perspirant’ for women. I guess women shouldn’t sweat and men just need to smell good!! That said, I’ve often bought men’s neutral smelling deodorant. Most recently I purchased in Canada, Rocky Mountain Soap Company’s all natural deodorant in geranium scent and it’s awesome!!! I have tried a TON of natural deodorants and have found many of them don’t last all day. This one does!!! I actually find that I hardly sweat when using it and definitely don’t smell. Anyhow, worth a try if you don’t want to make your own, etc.
I looked up the ingredients on the Geranium deodorant from the Rocky Mountain Soap Co and they are using potassium alum. I googled it and it is potassium aluminum sulfate. I think since it contains aluminum, it may not be safe? http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/2012/02/06/are-natural-alum-crystal-deodorants-safe/
Thanks for the info. I see the Naturally Fresh one that she loves has the same ingredient. Don’t really know but worth looking into!!
Keep in mind that most deodorants have fragrance…aka CHEMICALS, which are endocrine disruptors. Go for natural fragrance or none at all
i use anything from Lush Cosmetics. My favorite at this time is The Greeench. It’s a powder that has thyme, rosemary, and tea tree oil. I used to hate the smell when I worked there but at home put it on and you can smell it for about a minute and then nothing. It works great!! So do their other deodorants.
i use Poofy Organics MAX Deo, They have several scents and only scented with organic essential oils, Almond Clove, Lavendar & Chamomile, Piña Colada, and several more. Also a spray deodorant and cream deodorant! The company is certified organic so no worries about toxins! http://Www.poofyorganics.com/kristinschrader. Take care!
This is so stupid. You made the point in your article about antiperspirants being unnatural because they don’t allow you to sweat.. How long did it take you to figure this out? And since you reached this epiphany, why would you list a bunch of other antiperspirants at the end. The h hypocrisy is unreal.
She didn’t list antiperspirants. She listed natural deodorants. Use the internet to look up the difference. Stay calm, and don’t get so pissed at the internet.
Jane, the natural deoderants she listed don’t BLOCK or STOP sweat. That is the whole point which you missed. The big brand names which contain aluminum and other man-made chemicals DO block sweat, which is dangerous for the body.
Dear Jane, Here’s a hug, and have yourself a cup of chamomile…There’s beauty life. Smile today!
toothaste recommendations? Toms has carageenan, so does Jason’s – thank you!
Great information. I make my own using doTERRA essential oils. LOVE using EO’s to assist my body by using aromatically, internally, topically, cleaning, and cooking. Our families health has improved greatly over the last several years by using them and gradually getting rid of the junk in our home. For more info visit. http://www.mydoterra.com/bird Thanks for all the research you do!!
Hi Vani! Great article. Sounds just like me, started out with clean eating and then spread to other aspects of my life, cleaning, personal care products, etc. I noticed Ava Anderson Non Toxic isn’t on your deodorant list. Have you tried it? You should check out their whole line of personal care products. Great story, great mission, great product. Thanks!
Naturally Fresh contains phenyl ethanol.
“The Food and Drug Administration has warned that the chemical is toxic to infants via ingestion, and “can depress the central nervous system and may cause vomiting and diarrhea.” Combined with Chlorphenesin, these two chemicals can cause respiratory depression in infants.[9] Since these chemicals are often present in cosmetics and lotions applied to the hands and are easily ingested, caution should be exercised.”
Is this really safe? And natural?
Vani any antiperspirant deodorants without aluminum?
Toms of Maine
SO true! I’ve switched from the toxic stuff to a natural version myself and it’s such a relief not to have to worry about the aluminum anymore!
There is a new line of Certified Organic Body Care Products from North Coast Organics.
One of their deodorants, Death by Lavender, not only stops wetness but kills odor completely.
http://north-coast-organics.com/
Though i am sure they are better like many other organic things it does not help if your poor. I can go to the dollar store and bu enough for a month for a few bucks or buy a few of those and well there go,s food for the week.
you will pay in the long run with all kinds of health issues. better to do away with some things to be able to afford healthier alternatives.
Except that Naturally Fresh contains potassium ALUM (aluminum). Fail.
Yeah I only ever use Tom’s of Maine. Such a great aluminum free product.
I get my toxic free crusade from the Healthy Home Company! At http://www.toxicfreecrusade.com
I’m surprised there is no mention of probiotic deodorants? I’ve used all of the non-toxic types and the probiotics work best in my opinion.
I use virgin coconut oil. I use it on my entire body, VCO has benefits for your body inside and out!!
Thai crystal stone is a 100% natural mineral salt that I have been using for over twenty years. It works great-even keeping me dry while working out.
http://www.naturalhealthyconcepts.com/deodorant-stone-mini-p-deodorant-stones-america.html?gclid=CPePlYTy1cECFUkF7AodayAAAg
One of the first personal care products I switched was my deodorant as well. Love my Ava Anderson Non Toxic Deodorant! http://www.avaandersonnontoxic.com/heatherhesch. So many toxic chemicals in our everyday products. Thank you for this post and spreading the importance of knowing what ingredients are in the products you are using.
I made my own for the first time and it works amazingly well!! Better than anything I’ve purchased. The sweet gal at mymerrymessylife.com has loads of great personal care recipes if you’re interested.
Use Soapwalla natural deodorant. Look it up. It’s has the best reviews on almost any natural blog and magazine.
SeaBreeze (the astringent) works wonders!
Products from Essante Organics have been certified “toxic free” by the TOXIC FREE FOUNDATION. 1 of 6 companies worldwide to receive this certification. We have a catalog of Personal Care, Home, Baby Care and Nutritional products. Foodbabe or all others feel free to visit: http://www.essanteorganics.com/triton
I was searching for a Chemical-Free, truly natural, organic product line for over 2 years. I have tried so many. It is tricky because a lot of your so called “natural” “organic” lines still contain alcohols. I finally found one that is not just “earth & dirt!” These products have spa quality ingredients and are affordable. The chemist who makes this line has been making custom private label products for many 5 star destination resorts/spas. As an Esthetician I read my labels and have worked with so many different lines. Nothing compares to the ENVY Organics line of personal care products. The deodorant will be available in the next few weeks! http://www.myenvyorganics.com/alisha
I have tried apple cider vinegar, natural organic deodorants BUT nothing works like fresh lemon…I slice my lemon thin and cut in half…..I use a half on each armpit and I no longer have odor or wetness.from day 1 that I started this…This is the best I have found….I have run out of lemons and used lemon juice that I had in the refrigerator and it worked just as well….I buy organic lemons and will now never be without them for my water or my armpits.
I heard there is a process of how you are supposed to “detox” from using regular deodorant. Do you know what this is?
OMG! Myself and a few ‘natural’ mamas follow you and love your blog like crazy. We need to get you hooked up with the essential oil route through doTERRA therapeutic grade essential oils. The new skin care Verage is a 100% organic and pure. PLUS we clean our house head to toe with the On Guard cleaner concentrate. I feel completely safe scrubbing floors, toilets, bathrooms, and toys with this! I know you probably get hounded. But our TEAM ROCKS! We have food bloggers, wellness advisors, and health coaches on our team! hey hey!! Keep up with all the posts and your dedication is unmatched. Thank you for inspiring so many.