no stink & non-toxic. is it even possible?

OK friends–here it is. The NUMBER ONE question I get about safer swaps is DEODORANT. It’s one of the hardest switches for many people (including me!) to make, because nobody wants to stink, AMIRIGHT? But I’d also venture to say that it’s one of the most important, which is why I’m writing a whole post on it for you. While I haven’t tried every safer deodorant out there, I have tried quite a few and have lots of friends who have tested others. I wanted to do a comprehensive list for you of some fan faves and also talk a little about why we would even want to switch in the first place. Here are some of the harmful ingredients in your run-of-the-mill deo:

Aluminum is the most common and well-known culprit in most antiperspirants and deodorants on the shelf today, and it’s a big problem. Aluminum is linked to Alzheimer’s disease and heavy-metal toxicity. It’s carried through the bloodstream, targets the central nervous system, and also settles into fatty tissue and breast tissue. With continued exposure, aluminum even has the potential to cross the blood-brain barrier and accumulate in the brain. According to Frontiers in Neurology, “…an individual’s exposure to aluminum is impacting upon their health and is already contributing to, if not causing, chronic diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease.” It also interferes with the body’s natural ability to sweat, which helps to rid the body of toxic buildup. Antiperspirants block that cleansing, detoxifying function completely (so keep in mind that natural deodorants don’t keep you from sweating–they just keep it from smelling bad. But that’s OK–you WANT to sweat! It’s good for you!)

Found in 99% of breast cancer tissue, they are known endocrine/hormone disruptors. You can read more about that in this study.

Skin irritant.

Endocrine disruptors linked to birth defects.

Linked to liver toxicity and thyroid disfunction.

Carcinogenic

Cocktail of chemicals creating skin sensitivities and irritation. It is a trade secret–many chemicals can hide under just one word “fragrance” or “perfum.” These engineered scents can contain any combination of 3,000+ chemical ingredients and are linked to numerous health issues including hormone disruption, respiratory problems, allergies, skin sensitivities, kidney damage, birth defects, and disease. Not only are synthetic fragrances found in almost all products in the stores today (even many “natural” options), they find their way into shampoo, perfume, candles, air freshener, laundry detergent, and so many other products people incorporate every day.

So it’s up to us to do our own research, since there is little to no regulation in the personal care industry right now. Our bodies can handle occasional chemicals but when exposed consistently over time, that’s when disease and health conditions become more likely to happen.

SO if you are convinced to make the switch now….where do you start?!

Mix all of the ingredients in a glass bowl (do not use metal!) with a wooden or non-metal spoon until about the consistency of sour cream.Spread in an even layer over the armpits and allow to sit for 5-20 minutes. I suggest starting slowly and working up to a longer period of time once you see how your body adjust. If it hurts at all, remove immediately.This may cause some redness as it will increase blood-flow to the area, but it will go away quickly.Wash off in the shower or with a warm, wet washcloth.

If you find yourself more smelly than normal for a few weeks…that is your body getting rid of the build up of toxins. After a week or two (the detox phase depends on your current chemical buildup), this will minimize and disappear as your pits and sweat glands become more balanced.

If your stink lingers more than a month, you may want to take a closer look at your diet and lifestyle choices. Eliminating processed and refined foods, eating lots of leafy green vegetables and getting regular exercise can help support the detoxification process and promote balanced pits and less stinky B.O.

SO after you have done the detox, what’s your next step?! Thankfully most safer deodorants are not super pricey, so if you have to try a few before you find one you love…it won’t break the bank!

1)Primally Pure. I have and love the Geranium and the Charcoal, but the Charcoal works best for the stinkiest of pits. They come in 2 sizes 1.7 oz and 2.5 oz. I feel like the Charcoal does a GREAT job for extra stinky/sweaty days or when the humidity is high here in the south! Another thing that I love is their subscription plan. You can customize it, and I just love not having to think about re-ordering it. It does have baking soda, but they reformulated it to such a small amount that even many people who are sensitive to baking soda are able to use it. I love that Primally Pure does such a great job with educating the consumer to make better choices. I have gained so much from their blog!

{Or if you have already purchased PP but want to try something else(I LOVE THIS BRAND) you can use my link hereif you would like to support and shop through me.}

Schmidts is a brand that is easily accessible now at your local Target, which is GREAT in a pinch! I personally don’t love the texture as much as the others(crumbles easier), but I do think it works well for most people. My husband cannot use baking soda in his deodorants, and he uses the Schmidts Sensitive Formula (Jasmine Tea Tree), and it works well for him. They also have a subscription plan, so we get his delivered once a month for $10.99 and it comes with a travel bar soap. They have a TON of different scents, and also have quite a few baking soda free options.

Type A is now available at at Target too! It is another new company that I have tried recently, and this is such a different formula than others. It’s creamy and you squeeze it out of the holes in the top of the tube. It has a very gender neutral citrus scent, and it kept me dry and smelling good in the heat! It’s sweat activated too, which is super cool! This is a great brand to try if you workout or are a heavy sweater. This now comes in 4 scents too! I have only tried the Visionary(their first scent) which is a citrus scent. Alot of people love it, but I don’t like citrus scented deodorants personally. I am looking forward to trying their new scents, the Dreamer(Ylang Ylang and Jasmine) or the Achiever (wild mint, juniper and sea salt)! They also have an unscented formula, called the Minimalist.

Here are a few other brands recommended by friends of mine that I haven’t tried but I feel good about sharing!

Love Fresh: I really want to try this super strength formula for the summer here in Alabama and see if it works as well as Primally Pure for me! I have heard good things! They have LOTS of different scents too plus an unscented option. It’s $24 so its on the higher pricepoint side.

Freedom Deodorant, comes in a crystal roll-on( so baking soda free), stick or a spray! Looking forward to trying this in the future. Created by a single mom of 3 girls, I love the story and the “why” behind this brand.

Vapour is another brand I have heard is good for working out. It is a gel to powder formula. Interesting huh? It is a little on the pricier side in my opinion, but I have heard really good things about its performance. Could be worth a shot!

Bali Secrets is a mineral salt crystal roll on, so a bit different than the others. Its another baking soda free formula, and I have quite a few friends that absolutely love it. Rolls on clear, no staining and one bottles lasts up to 3 months. There are a few brands out there of crystal roll ons, which really work well for people who have a baking soda sensitivity! You can also find a few of these options at Whole Foods in a pinch too.

So there you have it! My under arm-no stink- round up! You shouldn’t have to sacrifice your health to smell good, friends! As always, if you have questions or have recommendations I would LOVE to hear from you!