Happy Friday, Bare Beauties!!!  Deodorant is still a product I am quizzed about all. the. time.  There have also been some new Clean deodorant launches in the last few months.  So, let’s have a little refresher, shall we?  (Pun totally intended.)

Why is Switching to a Clean deodorant so important?  

Conventional deodorant contains antiperspirant.  We have all appreciated this feature over the years, but have we ever wondered what it is that prevents us from perspiring (a necessary bodily function for cooling and detoxification)?

Antiperspirant is made of aluminum salts.  On the label these are listed as aluminum chloride, aluminum chlorohydrate, aluminum hydroxybromide, and aluminum zirconium.  Aluminum salts seal sweat glands and kill stinky bacteria.  If they weren’t so dangerous, they would be a godsend.

Aluminum is a heavy metal, a non-essential metal.  It contributes to our toxic body burden.  We don’t want this stuff floating around in our system.  Aluminum is a known neurotoxin.  There is also an ongoing debate on some scientists’ findings that aluminum is linked to the rise in breast cancer.  One study found it in human breast tissue.  Our breasts are pretty darn close to our armpits, no?

Conventional deodorants with antiperspirant also contain synthetic fragrance (read: phthalates), parabens, and triclosan (all known endocrine disruptors).  Many also contain dimethicone, talc, and propylene glycol.

Baking Soda vs. Magnesium: While the skin on my face is not sensitive, it turns out that the skin under my arms is very much so.  Baking Soda-based deodorants tend to break me (and about 5% of the population) out in a hot, itchy, red rash.  Clean deodorant formulators saw our red armpits, heard our cries, and went back to the lab.  They came out with Magnesium-based alternatives that work just as well.  So, if you know you have sensitive skin, look for Magnesium-based formulas.

Disclaimer: Everyone’s body chemistry is different, so a different Clean deodorant may work for for you than for your bestie.  You may have to try one or two before you find “the one”.  But, it’s a small sacrifice to make for your health.

Soapwalla Deodorant Cream: If the baking soda didn’t give me a rash, this is what I would be using.  I found the performance to be unparalleled.  It has a frosting-like consistency, so wipe a pea-size amount on the tip of your index finger and gently rub it into your underarm.  (You will have to wash your hands afterwards, but you’ll get used to it.)  In my book, Soapwalla has set the standard for Clean deodorant performance.

Schmidt’s Deodorant Cream: Very similar to Soapwalla.  Works well.  Lots of fragrance options.  It comes in a glass jar (a plus) with a mini spatula (another plus), which makes it easier to get the product from the jar to your fingers to your armpits.

Agent Nateur: This one is new, and although it contains baking soda, I just had to try it because it is a STICK!!!!!  Applying deodorant with your fingers is not the end of the world, but a stick really is so convenient.  While it did give me a rash, Agent Nateur worked really, really well.  No odor.  None.  Those of you who do not have sensitive skin should definitely give it a try.

TRUE Organic of Sweden: A baking soda-based roll-on.  I wish this one had worked for me, but it did not.   However, that doesn’t mean it won’t work for you.  It’s new to the market, so I just wanted to tell you about it.  If you love roll-ons, it’s worth a shot.

Meow Meow Tweet Baking Soda Free Deodorant Cream: This is what I’ve been using for over a year, and I LOVE it.  It doesn’t give me a rash, it is creamy, making it easy to apply, it’s packaged in glass  and it performs very, very well.  The grapefruit essential oil combats odor and smells light and lovely.

PiperWai Natural Baking Soda Free Deodorant Cream: Magnesium, Activated Charcoal and essential oils combat odor, and the scent is pleasingly unisex.  Don’t be thrown off by the gray color; it won’t stain your clothes.

LOVEFRESH Natural Cream Deodorant Stick (Baking Soda Free): While the stick isn’t as “solid” as conventional deodorants (wipe it on gently), and you still have to use your fingers to rub the product into the skin, this formula does work well for me.  It is definitely worth a try for those who are baking soda-sensitive.  It comes in two scents: Mandarin-Lime and Eucalyptus-Spearmint.

Have you found a holy-grail Clean Deodorant that works for you?  Please share!

Happy Halloween!

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