What to Look for in a Natural Deodorant

If you’re like many health-conscious consumers, and prefer to use alternatives to commercial deodorants and antiperspirants, finding one can be a challenge.

The reasons many turn to natural deodorants is because they’re trying to avoid the aluminum found in antiperspirants, the formaldehyde, triclosan, talc, propylene glycol, parabens, and phthalates – but we also want them to work. Read more: 7 Toxins Lurking in Your Deodorant.

The good news is that they can be highly effective when formulated with key ingredients that will actually get the job done.

What is Sweat

Your body rids itself of toxins through your normal body perspiration, sweat. It’s important to understand that sweat isn’t the cause of underarm odor, bacteria is. Traditional deodorants inhibit this healthy function by clogging pores with unhealthy ingredients like aluminum.

What Causes Body Odor

Underlying condition or illness, particularly in the lymphatic system
Diet (e.g., meat, dairy, processed foods, refined starches and grains)
Stress
Smoking
Drinking alcohol
Taking drugs
Poor personal hygiene

Our Natural deodorants allow the body to rid itself of these harmful toxins with these key active natural ingredients.

Arrowroot Powder and Baking Soda

Arrowroot powder with a minimal amount of baking soda (due to the sensitivity issues) fight body odor, especially when combined with other key ingredients.
Together they help neutralize odor by killing bacteria that grows in moist areas like underarms, and helps minimize moisture while adjusting the pH in the area, keeping you fresh and dry. Unlike corn starch, arrowroot powder is GMO-free and doesn’t undergo harsh processing.

Coconut Oil, Fractionated

Coconut oil and Cocoa Butter have a long history of use in traditional cultures offering benefits from head to toe. They are beneficial for all skin types and are soothing and non-irritating with valuable anti-bacterial properties and they won’t hinder the natural healthy process of sweating.

Essential Oils

Essential oils with antibacterial ingredients like tea tree, lavender, rose geranium, lemongrass and thyme suppress the bacteria that cause odor.

Collectively, these ingredients culminate in a highly effective natural deodorant that’s great for men, women and teens. Here’s to being safe, natural, fresh and dry!

How to Use and get the best out of an all-natural deodorant

It might sound crazy that we feel the need to explain how to apply a deodorant, but natural deodorants aren’t created the same way as commercial deodorants so you shouldn’t use them the same way. We want you to smell good and feel good without irritating the sensitive underarm area or leaving oil stains on your cloths. Our simple guide will make this transition a cinch and give all long lasting odor free protection.

Don’t over-apply

There is no need to over-swipe your armpit with an all-natural deodorant – a little goes a long way. Just 2 or 3 swipes is about it. You might be used to slathering on the commercial brands and feel the need to reapply it again later in the day, but trust us, you’ll only end up with an oil stained shirt.

Absorption is everything

Natural deodorants will soften upon contact with body heat. Hold the stick against your armpit, once it is warmed swipe gently to the skin, all it takes is 30 seconds for your skin to absorb the botanical oils. After that you can opt to pat any excess deodorant off the surface of your skin. Again, you will be amazed and delighted that you will still smell fresh mid-day.

Keep your armpits clean

Give your armpits some TLC by washing them thoroughly before applying an all-natural deodorant. This removes dirt and bacteria that can contribute to body odor.

Do you have tenderness in the lymph node area?

Have you ever felt a burning, tender soreness in your underarms, or developed a large painful knot or lump under the arms that lasts for days?

This is the result of the chemicals in commercial deodorants and antiperspirants that trap the toxins, bacteria and chemicals inside the body, impairing the lymph nodes.

The lymph nodes are ducts that release toxins and when blocked, the toxins back up into the lymphatic system in the chest region, and the nearby armpit suffers, becoming swollen and inflamed.

Finding The Right Deodorant

Finding the right natural deodorant for you can involve a little trial and error, much like searching for a favorite pair of jeans. That’s because not only does everyone smell differently, but everyone smells differently, too (1)

According to 2013 research, a unique set of genetic variations affects you perceive scents. You may not like how your natural odor pairs with a patchouli-laced stick, for example, but your sister might love the way it works with her chemistry.

It can help to try a range of scents until you find a natural deodorant that does you right.

Written By: Mary Ellen Wank, Wellness Advocate and Founder of LATIV, Natural Skin Revival DISCLAIMER

References:

(1) Healthline: The No BS Guide to Homemade Deodorants