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
I already get your updates and follow you on Facebook. I would love to try the Pit Paste! I already use Lavanila deodorant which is paraben and aluminum free but maybe I’ll like Pit Paste better! 🙂
Thanks!!!!
It really works? I have been trying to switch to a natural deodorant for years, but I get so embarrassed about the smell and sweat marks. I’m interested to give this stuff a go around.
I love your FB site and your insight and dedication to making the world a safer and healthier place to be in.
I’m working toward a healthier life by changing out old bad habits with new healthy ones. One step at a time.
On the topic of deoderants/anti perspirants what do you think of the Dove products? I checked and they do not include aluminum on their label and their website states it isn’t used.
Thanks for all you do.
Sounds very good! I’m going to their website right now! Hope to win the 4 products because there are 6 of us!
Hm, I may try this! I currently use Secret gel, and I’m not sure what’s in it. I’ve never even thought about it! Thanks for pointing this out, I tend to skip deodorant but summer is coming, I can’t keep doing that!
Desperately need a new natural brand! Nothing works for me!!!!
Yay, would love to try it out! Right now using Bubble and Bee which is also fantastic.
My Self conscious teen daughter could really use this she inherited her dads overly Sweaty armpits.
I’ve already done both
I would like to try this. Other non-aluminum brands have not worked, but I have heard that this does.
Sounds awesome! Would love to try it out
I would love to win this deodorant! I have tried switching to so many “natural” deodorants and none have made the cut so far. I am already subscribed to your updates and “like” you facebook page. Thanks for all you do Vani!
I have never heard of Primal Pit Paste before….thank you SO much Food Babe for telling us all about it! I LOVE the ingredients and would be so happy to win that for our family to use!!!
Such great information! I’d love to give these products a try! Thanks 😉
I’d like to give this a try, but my concern is if this is log lasting and for hot climates? I live in MIAMi and the hot and humidity can make any pits sweat like your childhood friend’s haha so I need to consider this before I can do a permanent switch. But willing to give it a try 🙂
I absolutely need this stuff! I’ve already had breast cancer and I think I’m losing my mind!
Thinking win-win 🙂
Love your website, however you are making me want to run away and start a hippie commune!
I would be interested in trying the pit paste too!
Would love to give this a try and make the switch!
The article about aluminum in deodorant is scary! I need no further convincing to make the switch. My chemically enhanced deodorants are going in the garbage today! Thank you!
would love to try it!
Liked and signed up. Thanks!
I get your e-mails and Liked your FB page. This stuff sounds awesome 🙂
Finally! This has been on my mind for a long time. I know I have to ditch my deoderant and just haven’t been happy with the 1 or 2 things I tried and didn’t want to try anything else until I could get a good recommendation. I do love crystal deoderant spray for stinky feet though I’ve been using that for several years.
Thanks! I will definitely try!
For the past year I have desperately tried other deodorants but always, regretfully come back to my aluminum filled antiperspirant because it’s the only way I don’t STINK!! I would love to try the Pit Paste and am already subscribed and Liked your FB. Thanks for posting all this helpful information!
Already a subscriber! Liked on FB. I’ve been looking for a good deo. I tend to break out from so many of them- not sure why? This will be a great win! Thanks~
‘Sup Vani. I’ve gone through periods where I’ve used Tom’s, etc. before. What do you know about less expensive products, like the “crystal” types? Also, is the aluminum only found in anti-perspirants? Dave only uses a deodorant – anti-perspirants tend to get milky on him, so he avoids those like the plague.
Great information. Thanks 🙂
Thank You I am a subscriber and a liker, My hubby has been buying non aluminum otc at 99 cent store but it still isn’t not clean,we both use it and would like a more natural product, going to check out the website now.
I would love to try it. I haven’t been able to find a natural one that doesn’t make me smelly. 🙁
I follow you everywhere but I swear I’m not stalking you. Haha I’ve always been curious about the deodorant. I have heard that’s a touchy one to switch over but I’m willing to give it a try 🙂
Sounds awesome! Love the name 🙂
Pit paste would be great right about now. I just gave an hour long presentation in a hot room.
I’ve been talking with my sister about this…then you posted about deodarents!!! Made my day & confirmed even more that I must make a switch to a healthy alternative. I woul love to win a primal paste!!! Thank you Vani for you awareness & care for all of us.
Signe up for newsletter and am living your site! I’ve always been pretty health conscious but your site makes it so easy to make even better choices and how to live a better life! Thank you!
Thanks for the information! I wonder why companies haven’t switched their ingredients! ???
I’d love to try Primal Pit Paste!
I can’t believe you wrote this! I’m making this discovery right now as I’m standing in my bathroom throwing out lots of products I NEVER knew could hurt me. Deodorant was the first thing to go and I was looking for a safe version to use!
Again FoodBabe…you’re a life saver!! Thank you for sharing the truth with us all!!!
Kira
I already subscribe via email, and liked your fb page. I would love for my family to try this, as we are currently using antiperspirant deodorant that I know is bad for us but we don’t know what to replace it with that will work!
Primal Pit!
Thank you! For everything you do to keep us informed and for bringing us healthier choices, God Bless and have a great day! BTW what an Awesome giveaway!! :0)
Would like to give Pit Paste a try since all of the other natural brands of deodorant I’ve tried so far just aren’t getting the job done.
I am signed up for updated AND like you on Facebook! I would love to get some paste to try!
I’m already subscribed and already a fan! I’d love to try this out. I tried Toms for a while, unfortunately without reading the ingredients: it not only didn’t work, but contained a lot of chemicals, including propylene glycol!
I have been on the search for a good natural deodorant, would LOVE to try this out… been slowly removing toxic cleaners from my home and from my beauty regime… excited!!! Liked and subscribed.. Love all the info that you share!!!!
Good day!
Thank you for your time, consideration, and concern for your self and others. I’m new to your site and find your posts to be extremely useful in leading a healthier life for both myself and the planet.
Take risks, be well, thrive, and enJOY your day!! :O)
I really want to try this product since regular deodorants do not work on me. it is embarrassing but true. I follow you on FB 🙂
I have been reading your blog since the convention (No GMO!) and i want to thank you for mentioning “Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead”. Watched it with my husband last night and we will be getting the juicer and have scheduled a 10 day juice fast. I have a sister in a nursing home at 64, not her first time, so fat and sick. I have tried, but will show her video too. The Dietician there is giving her pie for lunch!