Natural Deodorants: Out-Performing Conventional Brands!

Did you know that many store-bought, name-brand deodorants contain chemicals that are not good for your skin and could make body odour worse? Deodorants we grew up with not only contain chemicals that could be harmful long-term, but they also interfere with sweating by clogging your pores.

Why Natural Deodorant?

Sweating is your body’s natural temperature-regulating response. As well as keeping you cool, sweating helps to flush out toxins from your system, making it an essential bodily function.

The sweat released by the glands in your underarms does not produce a bad odour; it is the mixing of this sweat with bacteria on the skin. Certain chemicals found in standard deodorants like aluminum build up on the skin and mix with the bacteria already there. This mix of chemicals and bacteria makes body odour worse and can create clothing-damaging stains. Instead, natural deodorants work to neutralize odours by using plants and herbs that often also have antibacterial properties.

Skin Safety Comes First

Skincare is one area in which you do not want to ‘feel the burn.’ Many deodorants containing fragrances are very harsh on the skin and lead to rashes. If you have felt this burning sensation after shaving and then applying deodorant, you know how unpleasant it can be.

The skin in your underarms is sensitive, and even more so after hair removal. Natural deodorants soothe and protect the skin while still doing their job and deodorizing balms are great for more sensitive skin and to use after shaving.

Make the switch to natural deodorant by first doing a detox. Do not use any deodorant products for a week to let your underarms detox, and use a natural homemade scrub to exfoliate the area. If needed, essential oils are an excellent substitute for masking odours during this time. Once the week is over, start using an all-natural, plant-based deodorant.

Here are recommendations for healthy armpits!

routine – Lucy in the Sky

This routine deodorant is floral with a fresh blend of vanilla, patchouli, and lavender will quickly become your go-to. As a balm deodorant, it is perfect for more sensitive skin types while eliminating odours and helping to maintain a healthy skin balance. The 58 gram jar lasts for 3-6 months with regular use.

About the brand: Sisters and co-founders Neige and Pippa set out to create a compelling and natural way to fight body odour. While one sister was travelling the world, the other was in nursing school. Both realized that there was a lack of good, natural products available. Slowly, they began to modify their routines and create natural product blends on their bodies and homes that were good for the skin and did not have an overwhelming fragrance.

Schmidt’s – Rose & Vanilla

Schmidt’s 100% natural deodorant contains shea butter, odour-fighting magnesium, and essential oils to ensure you are fresh all day long – one to two swipes are all you need! The rose and vanilla blend is a fan favourite that offers 24-hour protection while adhering to the brand’s never-list of ingredients.

About the brand: Founder Jaime Schmidt began making natural products in her kitchen. In 2010 she was pregnant and searching for a natural and effective deodorant. When nothing on the shelves met her expectations, she began to experiment and found the ideal recipe after countless hours of trial and error. A personal endeavour turned into a successful business named in GQ magazine and with devoted clients around the world.

Dom’s – Fresh

 

Founded by Dominica Sweet in Grand Forks, BC, after a Hodgkins Lymphoma diagnosis, Dom’s invites you to stay fresh with this lemongrass-cedar deodorant balm. As well as being vegan, cruelty-free, natural, and organic, it is packaged in a 100% recyclable and reusable glass jar with a compostable lid. This extra-strength deodorant will give you the all-day odour control you need.

Rocky Mountain Soap Co – Cream Deodorant

The Rocky Mountain Soap Co‘s Neroli Jasmine comes in a repurposed and returnable pot that both you and the planet will love. It is GMO-free, cruelty-free, vegan, and made in Canmore, AB by couple Karina Birch and Cameron Baty. The key ingredient, potassium alum has antimicrobial properties that fight odour-producing bacteria. Made with Canadian Abyssinian oil, absorbent kaolin clay, and arrowroot. 100% recyclable. (Note: Potassium alum is a different chemical compound than the aluminum found in conventional deodorants, and does not possess the same health risks).

 

Our feature image is of the formerly stinky sisters behind routine!