Is there a natural deodorant that works? Is it really better than deodorant with aluminum? Why does it seem to cause more odor? Is a clean deodorant worth the money?
If you’re on a mission to use “cleaner”, safer products in your home and on your body, then these are questions that probably come to mind when considering deodorant.
I hope to help answer these questions and more for you in this blog about making the switch to a safer, more natural deodorant. I’ll also tell you about a brand new clean deodorant that I’ve been using and recommend!
Are deodorant and antiperspirants bad for you?
Deodorant is used to stop smells that result from sweat. Antiperspirants are used to prevent sweat from happening and keep us dry. So why would either be bad for you?
See, our bodies need to sweat as part of our natural detoxification process. Sweat helps remove heavy metals and toxins from the body. It’s also a way for the body to regulate temperature – when you’re too hot, perspiration helps to cool your body.
Antiperspirants are intended to control perspiration (sweat). This is done with the use of ingredients like aluminum. The problem is that aluminum can plug your sweat ducts and prevent detox via perspiration. Sure, it feels nice not to sweat through your shirt, but it’s actually a process that’s part of keeping our bodies healthy. Therefore, it’s better to let your body do it’s natural, sweaty thing.
The other problem with aluminum is that is has been linked to health concerns such as Alzheimer’s disease, breast cancer and Parkinson’s disease. Additionally, because your sweat ducts are being blocked, toxins can actually pile up and cause you do smell worse!
When I stopped using antiperspirant, I actually found that my sweat didn’t smell as bad. It blew my mind, realizing that all these years I’d thought I needed those products and they were only making it harder for me to smell fresh! Good old marketing…
For these reasons, anitperspirants and deodorants that use aluminum do pose potential harm to your health, and it is best to avoid them.
Does clean deodorant work?
The short answer is that, yes, natural deodorants can work. There are plenty of organic ingredients like essential oils and baking soda that help reduce odor by absorbing sweat and fighting bacteria and toxins. The main issue with using natural deodorant is the detox process. The detox process? Yes….and until more recently I also had no idea your armpits needed to detox from “dirty” antiperspirants and deodorants. Let me explain…
If you’ve used aluminum versions your whole life, there can be a build up of toxins in your armpits due to the sweat ducts being blocked by antiperspirants. For this reason, you’ll need to go through a transition/detox process of sweating out the junk, which can take several weeks and can cause an increase in odor. Because of this, when someone switches straight to a natural deodorant, they think it doesn’t work because of this increase in odor, and go back to the harmful stuff (I’ve been there, done that!) Yet, it’s not necessarily the product that’s causing an issue (unless it’s one that’s not formulated well), but the detoxification.
How do you detox your armpits?
The key is sweating out all the toxins and sticking through the awkward, potentially smellier phase. Luckily, I also have a tip for you to help speed up the detox process: Use the Beauty Counter Counter+ Charcoal Facial Mask on underarms once a week, and wash underarms daily with the Counter+ Charcoal Cleansing Bar. These items are made with activated charcoal and are great for detoxing not only your face, but your pits!
I would also recommend you forgo deodorant if possible for a week or so. Since many of us are spending more time at home these days, it may be less of an issue to worry about odor and sweat while you make the transition. You might also consider taking some clean face wipes or body wipes with you if you’re working in an office or need to be able to freshen up easily and get rid of odor quickly.
Also, be sure to drink lots of water – your body won’t produce as much sweat if it’s not hydrated, and water also helps to naturally detoxify your body.
Is there an effective, natural deodorant that works well?
Yes!
Imagine a clean deodorant that absorbs sweat, fights body odor, is gentle on sensitive skin, and keeps you feeling fresh all day! After five years in the making, BeautyCounter finally lauched The Clean Deo—the deodorant you’ve been waiting for. The Clean Deo is safer, it’s sustainable—and it actually works.
No harsh chemicals! Here’s what’s in it:
- Non-GMO cornstarch and baking soda. These work together to help absorb wetness and keep skin dry while neutralizing body odor.
- Coconut oil and shea butter. Natural emollients rich in essential fatty acids and nutrients help skin feel hydrated, nourished, and smooth. Great for sensitive skin.
- Candelilla wax and beeswax: Aid in conditioning and hydrating skin.
BeautyCounter tested over 150 formulations and explored more than 40 fragrances to find what was just right. This resulted in the three safer scents they now sell, made with essential oils and natural fragrances: Soft Lavender, Fresh Coconut, and Clean Rose.
Not only is the deodorant safer and effective, but the package is also sustainable, so it’s better for the environment. It’s recyclable and refillable, so there is less waste and less cost to you.
Is clean deodorant worth the money?
Here’s the thing: it’s not easy to make a deodorant that’s clean yet effective.
All of these natural ingredients, special formulations, and responsible packaging simply cost more to make. So the price is higher than your typical drug store deodorant or antiperspirant, but in return, you get a guarantee of safety and you’re helping reduce waste to help protect the environment. Of course, you’re also getting a product that smells great, looks super cute, and works!
I use and sell this deodorant as part of my commitment to holistic, healthy living. Sure, it costs more than I’d like to spend on deodorant, but knowing I’m not harming my health is important to me. It’s like buying safer skin care, organic foods, and spending money on gym equipment. It all costs a little extra, but it pays off in the long term. Plus, I LOVE the scents of these products (it’s a toss up between Coconut and Rose for me).
I’ve also found that because I detoxed my arms long ago, I don’t need to use deodorant every day. I just use it on the warmer days or times when I really need to stay fresh. I got my first Clean Deo in the summer (when they first launched. The Deos had to be repackaged to withstand the delivery process in hot summer weather. Which means they got even better!)
I am still using that some deodorant – no refills yet. So while it wasn’t cheap, I have not yet had to buy another deodorant over 6 months later! So I’d say it’s worth it.
Ready to go clean? Check out the Clean Deo here, then come back after you’ve used it for a few weeks and leave a comment about how it’s working!
Now, I need to go apply my Fresh Coconut deo to keep me fresh while I run some errands….
