Top Pick: Schmidt’s Deodorant, Lavender + Sage | $9 | Amazon
Let me tell you, people have opinions on natural deodorant. Some brands have a cult-like following, and other lesser-known brands might work just as well, if not better. Prices range from $4 to $15 a tube, but that doesn’t always translate to quality. When switching from a regular antiperspirant to a natural deodorant, it’s important to note that many have a transitional period, and some even require some level of detox. And you WILL sweat more because these products only are intended to attack odors, not sweat.
“If I didn’t know that, I may have given up on using a natural deodorant,” says Emily Hammond, a Milwaukee-based artist. “I wish I would have known that baking soda can be an issue for some people’s skin before starting. I would have picked the sensitive skin option first if I had known.”
For others, natural deodorants just don’t seem to work, but you won’t know how your skin will react until you give them a shot.
“I’ve tried Native, Art of Sport, Real Purity, Lume, Oars & Alps, and probably something else I’m forgetting. And none of them have worked for me,” Morgan Kee tells me. “I’m just very sweaty I think. I tried Oars & Alps for a full month and would reapply once or twice throughout the day, and I still smelled.”
When it comes to natural deodorants, read up on the product of your choice before you apply it for the first time. To ensure you have the best possible experience, follow the instructions to a tee.
G/O Media may get a commission
Best for Women: Schmidt’s
“I wanted to switch to a natural deodorant after learning about the possible health risks with utilizing antiperspirants with aluminum,” says Hammond. But while she wanted to stick with natural options, it was also critical to Hammond that the deodorant work.
Hammond got lucky, and while more natural deodorant uses tried a few options before finding a fit, her research led her to Schmidt’s, and she loved it! “I had found it after doing some searches online. I found Schmidt’s was highly recommended especially for those new to natural deodorants,” says Hammond.
“I found that it was hard to switch from a normal antiperspirant to a natural deodorant,” she tells me. “There was definitely a transition period and I did sweat and smell more than usual for about 2 weeks.”
Best for Men: Tom’s of Maine Long-Lasting Aluminum-Free
Women aren’t the only ones who are into all-natural personal care products. Start your day off right, knowing that you’ll have 24-hour odor protection. Tom’s of Maine Long-Lasting Aluminum-Free Natural Deodorant for Men is vegan with no parabens, artificial colors, or dyes. It features a fresh woodsy scent
“Hands down Tom’s lasts, keeps it’s pleasant odor throughout a 24 hour period (with the limitations described above), when the competitor “natural” deodorant product is done and over with working easily within two hours of also, indoor, no heat environment. For most of us that are moderately active, at least in cooler weather which is the limit of my review, this is a really good, nice smelling product. Five stars Tom!” – Mickey Wilds, Amazon Contributor
Best for Sensitive Skin: Arm & Hammer
Lux Owens switched to Arm & Hammer after seeing their partner undergo a reaction to regular antiperspirants. “I wanted to try an option that had [fewer] negative health consequences,” they told me.
While there are countless of pricy options, Owens wanted an option that was budget-friendly. Arm & Hammer was the obvious choice. It’s available at drugstores, and priced reasonably, often for less than half of other natural deodorant options.
“I honestly have no complaints,” Owens said to me. “This brand has many essential oil scents and I prefer them over the perfumes in regular deodorant!”
And it lives up to the natural deodorant hype, says Owens. They have been using it for several years and “I really haven’t noticed anything negative for me.” The best part, Owens didn’t need to do any kind of detox, and there was no transitional period with Arm & Hammer. “It was basically the same as trying a different brand or scent for me.”
This story was originally published by Chaya M. Milchtein on 01/11/2021 and updated with new information by Juliana Clark on 05/20/2021.
Source link
