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
Pitrock is god to use kills the bacteria that thrive in sweat and is completely natural made of salts with no aluminium ..
aluminum free baking soda, and on weekends I add a drop of lemon.
There is no such thing as aluminum free baking soda. I have called the companies myself. The problem isn’t that they add aluminum, it’s that the process they use to create the baking soda causes some of the aluminum on the equipment to get into the product. There is no way around this, and paying more for brands that claim to be aluminum-free is ridiculous. Call the company. I know. I fell for it. I bought an “aluminum-free” brand…a small bag for almost $9…just to call and find out what I shared above. Grrr.
Baking POWDER, btw, is different…you can get Rumford’s which is aluminum-free, FYI. 🙂
http://www.crunchybetty.com/the-great-baking-soda-anti-hoax
Primal pit paste made my underarms red too- they told me it was the essential oils. I have had zero issues with the unscented ones! 🙂
I had the same issue with Primal Pit Paste – I simply apply a layer of coconut oil before applying the unscented paste and no more red 🙂 I’ve also heard spray apple cider vinegar vinegar first – but I’m not fond of that smell, I’ll stick with coconut oil. Thanks for listing other alternatives too.
Make your own Deo
I use Baking soda and Lemon/Lavender Essential Oil
Hey Vani. If you like take a look at my blog for DIY deodorant, shampoo, mosquito spray and laundry deodorant that works awesome. The deodorant is the B.O.M.B. I have been using for not too long and none of them worked. This one has just 4 ingredients and I could not be happier 🙂 🙂 Keep up the grate work girl!!
I would LOVE to make/try your deodorant…where do I get the recipe?
http://www.eatgood4life.com/diy-deodorant/ here is the link 🙂
I am curious what others feel about the deoderant chrystal that you wet and rub on? Is this linked to cancer also?
I use the crystal deodorant…..do you have an opinion on that one?
My wife and I have been using the Bella Organics deodorant and have been pretty happy with it. She says it stings a little when she puts it on due to her shaving, but it doesn’t stop her from using it. I feel like I don’t really smell as much since I became vegan though. 🙂
This made think of one of my favorite all natural products: Aromaflage… it’s whole deal is fragrance with a function. It is a great smelling perfume all on its own, but is also an insect repellent. And who doesn’t want a great substitute for all the crazy toxins such as DEET and other pesticides. I highly recommend checking this product out. The packaging is gorgeous and it feels luxurious. Not sure there is anything similar out there.
Check out Miessence, Certified Organic products for health, beauty, and home!
We offer certified organic roll on deodarant!
http://www.miessence.com/livelifegreen
Amanda
Love Soapwalla. This stuff really works and smells great too!
Me too! Schmidt’s and Soapwalla are my two current favorites! The former goes on a little smoother. The ingredients are so simple though, I think I’ll make my own next go round.
Hi Vani- I switched to Arbonne skincare and makeup no chemicals and fabulous mascara too. Check it out! Their moto is pure safe and beneficial.
I also use Arbonne, but you cannot trust their products 100% either. Randomly, they will include things like EDTA or carrageenan in certain products. Always read labels!!!
You go from talking about antiperspirants to deodorants as if they were interchangeable, which they are not.
Antiperspirants make you stop sweating. (Wow, does it get all backed up in your system? How does your body eventually get rid of that waste?)
Deodorants, on the other hand, are designed to stop or mask the odor.
There is a HUGE difference. So the first step would be to just stop using antiperspirants. If you use one, switch to a deodorant. Then go anywhere on the web and make your own deodorant, probably out of baking soda and baking powder. Yeah, it’s gonna leave a white stain on your shirt, but for goodness sake, it’s baking soda. you might already use that in your laundry anyway, so it probably won’t hurt your clothes.
Make your own deodorant with baking soda, coconut oil, tea tree oil, and cornstarch or arrowroot. There are tons of recipes on the Web, and all of them will work just fine. I’ve been using it for more than a year, and I have to say, not only does it take care of odor, it keeps me completely dry without toxins.
It’s silly to buy a commercial deodorant when the homemade versions are so easy and cheap.
I, too, am wondering about the mineral salt deodorants…I switched over years ago and love it.
Recently stopped using store bought and made my own. Coconut oil, shea butter, beeswax, baking soda, organic corn starch and tea tree oil. I guess you could use arrowroot powder never tried it. I also make shaving cream using castile soap, coconut oil, aloe gel, shea butter and baking soda. Love these and I haven’t had anymore sweat using this deodorant than Arm and Hammers.
I’ve used Milk of Magnesia for years.
Me too, have used milk of magnesium for years, love it.
I stopped using mainstream deodorants about 6 months ago. I now make my own homemade deodorant very easy and very economic, With very simple and easy ingredients to find around the house.. I will never go back to regular deodorants. I love lemon grass oil or lavender, corn startch, coconut oil. very easy to make .. and It works better than anything I have ever used.
I will second Eat Good for Life’s recipe for deodorant. I have been using it for about a month and it’s better and longer-lasting than any natural deodorant I have bought in a store. Good stuff, and you choose the scent in the form of essential oil!
Naturally fresh ingredients: Ammonium alum, potassium alum
Ammonium alum aka Ammonium aluminium sulfate or just alum
Potassium alum aka potash alum, tawas, or potassium aluminum sulfate
How is this free of aluminum? I’m honestly asking since I’ve been SERIOUSLY wanting a solution to getting rid of my deodorant for a while now…would hate to have folks buy this thinking they’re getting rid of aluminum when they aren’t. 🙁
Those are not the ingredients in my Naturally Fresh. Purified water, natural mineral salts, Zinc ricinoleate, fragrance, xanthine gum, chamomile extract, and phenoxyethanol.
fragrance? not natural
This is my question too. I think that’s why it keeps her the driest because is has Potassium Alum. It’s still an Aluminum compound, so I have stayed away from it.
If you are looking for safe products to use ( we don’t sell deodorant yet, but hope to) check out Beautycounter! We have the strictest ingredient selection process in the industry and the products perform beautifully!
http://www.iwood.beautycounter.com
I have been a Shaklee member for 20 yrs using their food supplements, personal care and home care products. Their products dont have an equal in the market place because they are based on true scientific research and not corporate marketing hype. Products have 50 yrs. plus and $100 million research plus no advertising expense to compete in the market place of hype and ideas. Just pass through the cleaning section of any grocery store and be knocked out by the chemical odors. Why would anyone buy this stuff for their home? Their Basic-H all purpose cleaner will save $$ and plastic bottle landfill waste. I like their toothpaste with no flouride plus adding xylitol. I have visited Japan many times and xylitol is an ingredient in gum sold everywhere. Xylitol as you know is a great sugar substitute feeding beneficial oral bacteria. Also Shaklee sells toxic less vitamin rich makeup. When can I sign you up as a Shaklee member?
You have got to try Poofy Organics MAX DEO! Our Peppymint Tea scent was featured in Dr. Oz’s HealthCorps Gala swag bags!!! We use SAFE, SIMPLE ingredients …AND it’s USDA CERTIFIED ORGANIC! All of Poofy Organics’ products are handmade in their NJ facility. Check out my website to explore our 200+ SAFE products. You can’t get better than this! http://mypoofyorganics.com/valerieveen Diva#2122
It’s pretty easy to avoid aluminum: buy deodorant, not antiperspirant. Here’s the clincher though: virtually all products aimed at females are antiperspirant. So, go to the mens section and you’ll see that, inversely, almost all the products are deodorant (no aluminum). If you want to make your own or search for more natural products go ahead, but if you want easy access to something without aluminum, just get deodorant.
Aluminum isn’t the only harmful chemical – so are MANY things that are in men’s deodorants as well, such as propylene glycol. Aluminum is a major one to avoid in antiperspirants, but why switch one poison for another?
You should try Poofy Organics’ MAX DEO- it is AMAZING! Our Peppymint Tea scent was even featured in the swag bags at Dr. Oz’s HealthCorps Gala. It includes SAFE and SIMPLE ingredients and is USDA CERTIFIED ORGANIC. All of the 200+ products are handmade in our NJ facility. You can get any better than this! Check it out on my website: http://mypoofyorganics.com/valerieveen
Hi Vani, i’ve been using baking soda with a few drops of peppermint oil. Smells great!
I’ve been using the lavender mint “nourish organic” and I never have to reapply it, works great but unfortunately I can’t find it anymore! Thanks for the link, I can try to order it online! Great article.
I use Soapwalla Deodorant Cream; it’s pretty good.
http://soapwallakitchen.com/collections/all/products/deodorant-cream
Thanks for all your info , I really appreciate it.
I was wondering what toothpaste you use or if there’s something else.
Thanks
I’ve just recently switched over to Living Libations Poetic Pits deodorant. They’re pretty strong and you only need a swipe or two under each arm. They’re full of essential oils and work as a deodorant (makes you smell good) rather than antiperspirant. You still sweat and I sometimes need to reapply if it’s been hot and I’m going out in the evening, but I like that it lasts me all day and I’m not trapping toxins in my body.
Have you tried Arbonne’s deoderant? I would be curious to hear your thoughts! I’ve switched to Arbonne’s botanically based products for all my personal care products, nutrition products, makeup, etc…….but haven’t made the deoderant switch yet. 🙂
Clear by osmosis skincare works really nicely. It’s a harmonized water spray. It keeps you from being stinky and hydrates your skin.
Terressentials is a fantastic personal care company with a deodorant line. Most of what they make is edible, it’s pretty cool. Hand made in Maryland.
My sister and I were at the grocery store today and decided to look at different deodorants after reading this post. We looked at every single sent from Suave, Gillette, and Secret and found that not a single one contained aluminum zirconium. We also looked up alternative names for aluminum zirconium to see if maybe they were listed as another ingredient, but there wasn’t any of the alternative names listed either.
Aluminum isn’t the only harmful chemical – so are MANY things that are in deodorants as well, such as propylene glycol, etc.. Aluminum is a major one to avoid in antiperspirants, but why switch one poison for another?
I avoid anti perspirants as they make my armpits horrendously itching after one use.
I stick withstand basic deodorant.
Vani,
I just read this about Naturally Fresh: A reviewer said: 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’m glad you mentioned you had a problem with Primal Pit Paste. Same thing happened to me but I realized too late what was happening and developed an infection. I will try one of the others you mentioned!
Thank you Vani. I have been looking for healthy alternatives but it is tough when you work in an office and small town! I actually have a huge lump in my left armpit that I have had checked, it isn’t anything they say. I plan to see a doctor this year to take care of it because I just don’t believe it isn’t anything. Keep you the excellent work that you do!
Thanks for sharing! I’ve always been resistant to changing my cosmetic products simply because I’m concerned i’m not going to be able to find something comparable that is natural. Looking forward to ditching the toxic stuff and trying something new.
http://www.faganeatspaleo.blogspot.com
I’ve been trying to find a less toxic Deoderant. So far, the two I’ve found in the grocery store’s health dept, I’ve returned bec/they haven’t combated my underarm odor. Mainstream one’s do.
Has anyone had this problem and found one that actually deodorizes???
Ava has a deoderant that is wonderful!!!! Check out the site!
What about Ava Anderson Non Toxic?!? This company is completely nontoxic and Ava is an advocate for change on Capitol Hill. Don’t forget her products! It amazes me how some companies that tout being green and nontoxic and safe actually contain “safe synthetics” or man made products including fragrance or parfum which is an umbrella term for hundreds of ingredients known as endocrine disruptors! Read the labels for sure and check out Ava! So many companies are lying to consumers because they contain carcinogens and endocrine disruptors! Know your products! Thank you Food Babe for being you!
Adidas makes Cotton-Tech for women (sh-h-h . . . It works for men too)
It is sold as purely a deodorant, but makes the grade as a pretty good anti-perspirant without aluminum.
the best iv tried is the crystal!
So is one of the gists of this article that anti-persipirants are bad because they try to attack the body so to speak (ie. prevent it from carrying out the natural process of sweating). Whereas deodorants are what we should want, because they allow the natural body processes to occur?
We have awesome deodorants, safe of nasty chemicals and tons more products for the whole family. I’ve tried many, many natural and diy concoctions and came to the conclusion that I can’t beat the quality of their ingredients! Certified by the UK’s Soil Association (which looks like USDA Organic on steroids, well safe organic steroids that is…) Products for your whole family and a ethical trustworthy company with a 30 history that you can trust! https://us.nyrorganic.com/shop/amberking/ WomenHelpingWomen!
So sad we as Americans just don’t know what we don’t know. Thanks for educating us!
honestly, NOTHING worked for me UNTIL I got really into coconut oil (tropical traditions) and started making my own deodorant from equal parts of coconut oil and baking soda. seriously. I mean, I could have used the top-ranking deodorant for medical-issue bad odor, and the baking soda / coconut oil blend works 100% better than that!!! it’s so simple that it sounds unreal, but it’s all I use. so there’s your recipe and solution…. cheers!
I have been buying Tom’s of Maine products for a long time. So when I saw that they had a “naturally dry” antiperspirant I was excited. However, when I read on the active ingredient list, I was shocked to see – Aluminum Chlorohydrate (22%) more that other brands. I have always trusted Tom’s products and was very disappointed!
Baking Soda! I never thought just plain baking soda would keep me and my teenage son free of odors!!! We tried it for a month and we are so surprised it actually works. You do have to shower every day and reapply fresh baking soda if its a summer hot afternoon. Now if only I could convince my husband to try it….
I use Milk of Magnesia (plain), which has magnesium hydroxide and purified water for ingredients. Works pretty good for strong perspiration odors. I wash and apply fresh each day. I also discovered a roll on magnesium deoderant at People’s Pharmacy website which I am going to try.