Natural Deodorant Tips!

*Note:
For some reason the font gets bold/wonky at the end of this post. I have this problem with this blog but not my personal one. It's driving me crazy but it's late and it's not letting me fix it. I apologize!


I have tried every natural deodorant I could get my hands on over the years in the search for the one that would do the trick for my body chemistry.

I have a specific approach for making sure I am protected all day. There is absolutely nothing worse than feeling self-conscious about body odor or worrying about having wet spots on your clothes. This takes quite a bit more effort than using conventional deodorant, but for me it was absolutely worth it and it does become second nature after a while.

First, find a deodorant. Like I said, I've tried a lot of them. These two are the only ones I would buy again. I currently have both on hand. (see below)

Next, apply a layer of body powder. I avoid baby powder--it's thick and made of yucky talc and makes everything feel gunky. I have two that I love and also a "recipe" in case you're in a DIY kind of mood. (see below)

Carry a package of baby wipes (I love the Whole Foods 365 brand. They are in a convenient travel pack and come in handy in general. Don't bother getting hand wipes. The baby wipes are stronger, softer and bigger) with you for emergency touch-ups for extra hot days or if you are wearing something made of synthetic fabric and it's not wearing well.

It's best to wear loose-fitting shirts made of natural fibers anyway, but definitely when you are making the transition to natural deodorant. I like wearing cotton and linen and there are all kinds of great, soft bamboo and other plant fibers on the market now.

Ideally you will have a second deodorant that you can stash in your bag (mine is huge so it's not a problem) in your car or at work. You should bring powder too, I put it in a snack-sized baggie but that could be awkward to explain if it falls out of your purse. ;)

A better way for on-the-go reapplication is to invest in a refillable powder brush.

Using a brush is the absolute best way I've found to apply it. It's best to apply before getting dressed. You can also apply it to areas that are prone to chafing or extra wetness like between the breasts or inner thighs.

The last thing you should do is go internal. Like everything, starting from the inside is the best way to support health and wellness on the outside.

Two good supplements to try are chlorella and probiotics.

The biggest thing to understand is that this is a process and well worth making it through. Your body has to adjust and you have to get used to changing the way you think about how deodorant is supposed to feel and work.

I once read somewhere that it takes one month for every year you have been wearing aluminum-based deodorants to transition, but I have no idea if that is true or not or even where I heard it. For me that would have been fourteen months. And although I felt comfortable after a few weeks, it was over a year that I didn't feel tempted to go back. At this point I would never consider using conventional deodorant again.

Best Deodorant:


Dr. Hauschka Fresh (spring/summer) Dr. Hauschka Floral (fall/summer)
$$: $19.95


Ingredients:
Water/Aqua, Alcohol, Triethyl Citrate, Glycerin, Fragrance/Parfum (Essential Oil), Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil, Zinc Ricinoleate, Bentonite, Salvia Officinalis (Sage) Leaf Extract, Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Extract, Limonene, Linalool, Geraniol, Citral, Benzyl Benzoate, Farnesol, Coumarin, Citronellol, Eugenol, Benzyl Salicylate, Hydrogenated Jojoba Oil (Jojoba Wax), Sucrose Laurate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Lecithin, Sodium Magnesium Silicate, Xanthan Gum, Citric Acid


I prefer roll-on deodorants. Sprays tend to drip and sticks feel either chalky or sticky depending on the formulation. And don't even get me started on the idea of putting water on a giant rock of salt every day. The DH deodorants are a thick lotion-style formula and really make me feel like I'm getting a nice even application.

I first tried this deodorant when I was pregnant and it gave me a terrible rash. I put it away and forgot about it, then gave it another shot after I had my boys. I have never had another reaction.

The DH deodorants do take a bit longer to dry than my other top pick, but not by too much.


Naturally Fresh Liquid Crystal Roll-On
$: $3.99


Ingredients: Purified Water, Natural Mineral Salts, Xanthan Gum, Phyotphingosine, and chamomile extract


I first tried this deodorant for the first time when I was in Massachusetts for a Dr. Hauschka training, ironically. I was out of my trusty DH and had brought another brand that I had recently bought. What a mistake. I went to CVS and this was the only other option besides Tom's of Maine (which DOES NOT work for me) so I gave it a try.

It has a really nice, fresh fragrance and the thin consistency dries quickly and evenly. I feel like I can wear the DH alone but with the Naturally Fresh I definitely need to back it up with an application of body powder.


Body Powder:


Dr. Hauschka Body Silk
$: $32.95



Ingredients:
Oryza Sativa (Rice) Starch, Silk/Serica Powder, Silica, Fragrance/Parfum (Essential Oil), Linalool, Limonene, Geraniol, Coumarin, Citronellol, Citral, Gentiana Lutea (Gentian) Extract, Quercus Robur (English Oak) Bark Extract, Salvia Officinalis (Sage) Leaf Extract, Diatomaceous Earth/Solum Diatomeae

Nutribiotic Body Powder with Grapefruit Seed Extract

$: $4.95

Ingredients:

• Treated Corn Starch - Heat treated corn starch to absorb a greater volume of moisture. You can actually eat this.
• Silicone Dioxide - A food-grade flowing agent added to prevent clumping of the powder. See above for further explanation.
• Grapefruit Seed Extract - Added for its antibacterial and antifungal properties. Helps to curb yeast growth and support generation of healthy skin.
• Tea Tree Oil - Another all natural antibacterial, antifungal herbal oil.

DIY Recipe:

2 parts cornstarch :

1 part baking soda

A few drops of your favorite essential oil (lavender and tea tree are good bets for the anti-bacterial benefits) or perfume oil. Or you can leave fragrance free.

Mix together cornstarch and baking soda. Add a few drops of fragrance oil of your choice, making
sure that you do not add too much and that it doesn't come into contact with any plastic. Leave unopened for a few hours until the essential oils have dried, then break up any clumps with a spoon, stir well and enjoy!

*Other body powders using corn starch usually heat treat it to maximize absorption of wetness so this version won't work quite as well as a store bought, but pretty close!


Another Great Powder Trick:

Have you ever noticed how long it takes to get through a container of loose facial powder? I have had some that I have had for years.

The same ingredients that will absorb excess facial oil will also do a good job absorbing extra wetness. I would use a different brush for each purpose but if you have it around there's no reason not to multi-task. (my favorite!)

Just make sure it's translucent! (colorless)