We stink. It’s a fact.
When we perspire, bacteria on our skin mingles with our sweat and breaks it down, turning us into walking fetors of decay.
While conventional deodorants and antiperspirants may seem like an effective solution, you shouldn’t disregard the growing concerns surrounding some of the ingredients found in these formulas.
What’s so bad about them?
Many popular picks from drugstore brands contain aluminium, which essentially blocks your sweat glands so bacteria has nothing to mix with. No sweat, no odour. In recent years, however, studies have theorised that aluminium-based antiperspirants may increase the risk for breast cancer and memory issues.
Each day, we slather these formulas under our arms, an area where many lymph nodes lie close to the surface of the skin, so when aluminium prevents perspiration, those toxins are trapped under the skin. Gradually, they make their way into our lymph nodes, where they convene and contribute to cellular changes, thereby negatively impacting our health.
Oh, dang. What should I do now?
Glad you asked. Your first step is to switch to a natural deodorant. Instead of sweat prevention, natural deodorants actually hone in on bacteria, which is why these formulas don’t require aluminium. Plant-based powders and sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) do most of the heavy-lifting to sop up (a bit of) sweat and prevent bacteria from forming at your pits.
Sure, you’ll notice an increase in sweat production when you’ve traded in for a natural option, but that’s what our bodies were meant to do, and you won’t have to worry about any controversial chemicals messing with your wellbeing. Ahead, you’ll find a few of our favourite green deodorants that truly work.
Kaia Naturals The Takesumi Detox Bamboo Charcoal Deodorant in Cold Pressed Rose
If you’ve been following us for a while now, you’d know we like some activated charcoal in our beauty products. In this deodorant by Kaia Naturals, it offers similar effects by eliminating odour-causing bacteria and works to keep your underarms dry for longer. Don’t be put off by its grey hue – it goes on clear and doesn’t leave a tacky residue behind once it settles on the skin. You may not notice its efficacy when you’re a couple of days in, but give it at least 4 weeks for your body to complete the detox process. We promise it’s worth the wait.
$32, part of Après Avant’s The Exercise Essentials Set.
US$21 for full size, US$9.50 for travel size. Available from kaianaturals.com.
Agent Nateur Holi(stick) N°3 Deodorant
Made with the finest ingredients nature has in store such as organic coconut oil, beeswax, sodium bicarbonate, sunflower butter, castor oil, raw honey (man, there’s a lot in it), this handmade formula contains antioxidants that provide nourishment to your underarms. It leaves a lovely scent thanks to the light trace of honey that’s blended in with lavender and eucalyptus, so you’ll smell fresh for hours. (Now, I know this particular natural deo didn’t exactly work well for me, but as Emma Watson’s top pick, we’d suggest you give it a go still.)
$35, available from naturallybetterco.com.sg.
Schmidt’s Fragrance-Free Deodorant Stick
Natural deodorants are generally kinder to sensitive skin types, but if your pits are truly delicate, opt for a fragrance-free version like this one by Schmidt’s. It uses arrowroot powder to absorb moisture, and it contains anti-microbial coconut oil to prevent bacteria, so it still works to control odour. The formula also features shea butter and vitamin E to condition and soothe the skin.
$19.90 for full size, $10.50 for travel size. Available from livingnaturallyco.com.
Noosa Basics Organic Deodorant Stick in Sandalwood
Handcrafted in Noosa, Australia, these organic deodorants are made in small batches on a weekly basis to ensure optimum freshness. Each ingredient is sourced from local suppliers in Aussie, and each formula features organic arrowroot powder and Australian kaolin clay to soak up the sweat, while shea butter and coconut oil nourishes and stops bacteria in its tracks. And with all natural deodorants, you only need to apply a smidge of it, so don’t go overboard with this.
$26, available from budcosmetics.com.
Meow Meow Tweet Grapefruit Baking Soda-Free Deodorant Cream
It’s an unfortunate thing, but some of us who’ve made the switch to a natural deodorant struggle with underarm sensitivity that’s exacerbated by sodium bicarbonate. What Meow Meow Tweet (Too. Darn. Cute.) has done is replace baking soda found in most natural formulas with moisture-absorbing and bacteria discouraging charcoal, much like Kaia Naturals’ deodorant. Their recipe also uses magnesium and arrowroot powder – a common fave – to control odour and moisture. Upon application, you’ll notice a fresh blend of citrus essential oils – perfect for early mornings when we need a pleasant wake up call.
$23.90, available from livingnaturallyco.com.
Header image: @kaianaturals
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