Do you ever wonder if those “natural” deodorants work? I remember a time in my life when I'd rather not sweat and use antiperspirants than mess with some weird natural or hippy body care product.
And then I started down this path to a more natural and simple life. It started in my kitchen, moved into my laundry and cleaning supplies, then to my critters, and now into our personal body care products (like using lard for skincare).
If you do research on the internet, you'll find a study for just about anything and everything. Trust me, I've gone crossed eyed looking things up until the wee hours of the morning. From the research I've done, I believe the less chemicals or processed things we use, the better.
If I can't pronounce a name of a ingredient or I don't know what it is, then why should I feel safe putting it on my body? Our skin does an amazing job of absorbing things and we need to be careful what we expose ourselves to day after day. (Source)
It's important to note that I am not a certified medical practitioner. This post is not intended to diagnose or treat but is for informational purposes only. Please contact your healthcare professional before introducing new herbal and natural remedies into your wellness routine.
I started looking at some of the common ingredients in antiperspirant's and it made me kind of nervous, okay not kind of, a lot nervous. Let's look at some of the main ingredients in commercial antiperspirants.
Aluminum- this gets mixed reviews on if it does or doesn't cause cancer or Alzheimer's disease. It's the main ingredient in antiperspirant's and it blocks your glands from sweating. Some of the studies suggest it doesn't cause cancer, but I'm not willing to take the chance. (Source)
Plus, the assurance from the FDA, well, I'm less likely to trust the FDA's decision on anything safe for us after their repeated promise that GMO's aren't shown to be harmful and continuing to lift the “safe” threshold of pesticides on our food, meaning more and more is okay. So the FDA says it okay doesn't hold much sway with me.
Parabens- used as preservatives in many cosmetics and some anti-perspirants. Parabens mimic estrogen, may increase cancer risk, and linked to early puberty in girls. (Source) (Source)
Propylene Glycol- a synthetic liquid substance that absorbs water. It's also used in paint solvents and plastic. It affects the skin, kidneys, urinary and respiratory system. (Source) (Source)
Fragrance- Can be a mix of synthetic chemicals (considered a trade secret, so they don't have to disclose the ingredients) including neurotoxins and allergens. (Source)
Did that just give you chills, and not in a good way? It did me. No longer was the glammer of not sweating worth all of that.
Antiperspirant's keep us from sweating, where as deodorants are supposed to keep our sweat from stinking.
I tried an all natural deodorant from Tom's. I felt wet under my arms the moment of application and despite it's “honeysuckle” scent, I swear it smelled like a cat sprayed under my arms after about three hours. I honestly asked my co-worker if he smelled it, and he said no, but I think he was just to polite to tell me I reeked. Regardless, after only 4 hours of working in a temperature controlled room, I was sweaty and stinky. Total fail.
Determined not to give up, because us homesteaders don't give up easy, I decided to look around a bit more. I've come across a lot of homemade deodorants, and I make a lot of things at home, from almost all of our cleaners and food, but I only have so many hours in a day so I have not made a homemade deodorant yet.
And then I found Truly's all natural deodorant. It had some of my favorite ingredients in it, organic coconut oil, powdered sugar (it's antimicrobial ya know), and baking soda.
But still, did it work?
Truly's offered to send me some to try for free and I took them up on their offer. The catch, both me and my husband had to try it… Now, I'm all for trying things, especially natural, but my husband, his thoughts are more why mess with something if it's doing it's job just fine.
But, after begging convincing him to give it a try, he begrudgingly agreed.
His first comment, “It's not in a stick? It's cream, how's that supposed to work?” But he put it on anyways.
My first comment, “It goes on like a cream but it drys to a powder. I'm not sticky like the other one!!”
It promises to keep you odor free for 24 hours, but we all know how things rarely measure up to their package promise, right? This one did. Really, truly.
We wore it to work, wore it around the house, while working out, and I never smelled anything. My husband works as a sawyer cutting guitar tops, taking care of our seven cows, and the rest of the critters here on the homestead. After three days he said, “I'm surprised, I even sweated in church and it still worked.”
Because I live in the Pacific Northwest, I wasn't sure how it would hold up to hot temperatures and real sweat.
Well, we had a record breaking 92 degree day May 1st this year. And because I'm dedicated to testing things for ya'll I headed outdoors to transplant twenty three tomato plants on our back deck in the hottest part of the day. It was hot. Like sweat dripping down your body hot, like nasty I should be stinking to high heaven hot.
But guess what? Can you guess? Okay, I won't keep you in suspense, my underarms did not stink. And as gross as this may sound (I can't believe the things I bare on here) I did a sniff test or two. No stink! Scouts honor.
Another awesome thing, my underarm skin has never felt better. No irritation or itchiness like some of the other products we've used. And, Truly's is 94% organic my friends.
My husband and I are both converts and can proudly say, “Yes, natural deodorant's really do work!”
The only way this get's cooler. Are you ready? Truly's shipped me extra deodorant to giveaway for two lucky winners! ***Contest Closed***
This giveaway and review is sponsored by the awesome Truly's.com but all opinions are my honest (and hubby's) opinion.
You can read our full disclosure here if ya want.
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Kathy
Melissa,
That sounds awesome……I would also love to know what shampoo you have been happy with?
K
Dena
The best deodorant is Lavilin! I’ve tried so many over the years, and none of them out there come close to Lavilin. I work out a lot, and sweat a ton, and Lavilin keeps the odor away. It’s not an anti-perspirant though, so if you sweat, you’ll have to get used to it. Recommended!!!!
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5 Baby Steps to Better Health and Wellness - The Humbled Homemaker
[…] Do Natural Deodorants Really Work? […]
Susan Johnson
I don’t use a natural deodorant but this looks like a good product. I will have to try it.
Cynthia
I use Tom’s lavender. Love it! I have made my own but I didn’t think it worked as well.
Jan Foster
I’ve always had to use a powerful deodorant to ensure no body odor. Hormones? Maybe, I don’t know. Recently, however, I tried using a pure essential oil instead of deodorant. I was thrilled to discover that the EO worked, although it felt a bit sticky at first. But, in a pinch…..
I definitely would like to try Truly’s. I’ve begun replacing harmful products with safe ones and need to get rid of the deodorant I’ve used for so long.
Patricia Havens
Not only would I like to win this giveaway I have just ordered the sampler and one of the creamsicle deodorant . I have been concerned for a long time about chemicals we are ingesting in various ways so this is one something I can actually do for myself to protect myself .
Patti
I would truly be amazed if this really works…I have had a terrible time finding something reliable!
LaurenS
I use plain coconut oil. Which works most of the time. I was going to buy a crystal deodorant, but am glad I read about them first since the crystal is an aluminum salt and just as bad as conventional deodorants. I would love to try Trulys
Jillian Hudson
It sounds great but the cornstarch is a total no-go. I’m severely allergic to corn. I guess I’ll have to stick with my crystal deodorant.
Julie Schmidt
I would love to try a natural deodorant. After reading the facts about commercial made one’s, it’s scary.
Bonnie
I have tried Toms and it didnt work for me so I would like to try Trulys and some day make my own. My grandkids are getting to the age to start using deoderant and I would like to see them use a natural one.
stdema
I use coconut oil and baking soda, but would love to try Truly’s. I would like to get the rest of my family away for all the chemical deodorants they use now.
kelly
I’ve been making my own for years and love it!!! I love that I can put my own essential oils in it to make it smell however I like.
Kristie Truett
I have tried many different ones and unfortunately haven’t found one I like. But I’m still on the search. I have a son that has an extreme allergy and reacts to so many of them or he doesn’t like them. I’m hoping to have a different experience with this one. Thanks for the tip!!!!
Sue D
For over a year now I have been making my deodorant and feel much better about it than commercial anti-perspirants.
Sherril McGann
I have never tried a natural deoderant but I am interested in trying this one.
Tracy Spangler
I do make my own deodorant. My first try used just coconut oil, arrowroot powder, baking soda and essential oils. The second time I made it with Bentonite Clay and Coconut Oil, and I’m very happy with this one. I’d love to try Truly’s Creamsicle deodorant. It sounds good enough to eat, and apparently I could eat it if I were so inclined, since their ingredients are edible! Thanks!
Pam K.
I don’t use a natural deodorant but this has certainly made me consider it. Like most other natural products, it is more expensive than what I now use, so it would be great to win the product to try before having to spend so much for it.
Erin
I’ve been trying to find an all natural deodorant thanks for doing all the research! 🙂
Sharon Miller
If I win the giveaway I will try a natural deodorant! It’s a whole new thought for me.
Samantha
I love her quote “Funny how the same ingredients in my cake make such a great deodorant”….lol I’d love to find a natural deodorant that works.
Genny Miller
My poor husband is chemically sensitive to just about anything. I’m begging for help, because he needs something. Right now he isn’t using anything. Shh….but he needs something that will work badly. I would be forever grateful! 🙂
G
I have used the mineral stones (mostly salt) for years, when I can find them for sale. I have tried making my own deodorants in the past, but was kinda ‘meh!’ on the outcomes. The best one was swabbing on straight witchhazel with a cotton ball or cloth. NOT recommended after shaving!
Dana Packer
I have been using Tom’s deodorant for a few months, but like you, have noticed that after a few hours, I reek! No odor protection whatsoever!
Kristen
I have tried several “natural” deodorants and they don’t work very well. I would love to try something for my active daughters to use.
Leslie D.
Yes, I already use an all natural deodorant, but I’d love to try this brand!
Denise G
I have always been leary of natural deodorants since a co-worker that had an odor problem told me they used natural salt instead of anti-persperant, it didn’t work. Would like to try this to see if this one really works!
Denise P.
I definitely want to try this one–I’ve been looking for a natural deodorant and had a bad experience with the last one, which had lichen in it and made me smell sort of like a wet forest after the first week of using it. This was not a good thing.
Jennifer
Thanks for the review really excited to hopefully have found “the one” 🙂
Kathy M.
I have been using natural deodorant from another company, but I do have irritation. I may have to give Truly’s a go!
vivian
I don’t use deodorant but I am trying get my husband to stop using an antiperspirant.. Just too many chemicals and I think he can’t get over the initial feeling of feeling sweaty.
Heather
I used to use coconut oil and baking soda now I use primal pit paste. I would love to try Truly’s!
Sharon
Powdered Sugar in a deodorant? What will they think of next. But hey, if it works….
Melissa K. Norris
It helps keep jam and jellies fresh, so why not our underarms Sharon? Lol
Cheryl
My hubby actually uses Crystal roll-on, but I don’t like it. I would love to use something healthy and not harmful that actually works. I had no idea there was such a thing until now. I would love to try Truly’s! Thank you for the info!
Leslie
I already use a homemade deodorant (as you and I have “discussed” already in the past ;)) but I would LOVE to try this brand. Tom’s natural deo did NOT work for me plus I still didn’t like the list of “natural” ingredients in it. I love the sound of the smell of creamsicle.
By the way, I almost went in reverse of how you did with switching to natural ingredients. I started with my cleaning products because of my and my husband’s intolerance to fragrances (this includes lotions, deos, even hairspray, clothes detergent, hand soap, etc, etc). I then switched to things in the kitchen and my pets. I would LOVE to feed my pets real food like I’ve read about is healthy and natural for them but honestly, I can’t spend the time or money on that right now…maybe in the future!
Dee Fedor
I have never tried one. I would like to try one!