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Do Natural Deodorants Really Work?

Homestead-Life, Lifestyle, Natural Medicine Cabinet, Skin Care

Some of the links below are affiliate links, which means I will earn a commission at no additional cost to you, if you click through and make a purchase. Regardless, I only link to products we use on our homestead or believe in.
Do natural deodorants really work? Find out which one did and which one didn't, plus, why you might not want to use anti-perspirants after reading what some of their ingredients do.

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.

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.

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.

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 show 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. They mimic estrogen, may increase cancer risk, and linked to early puberty in girls. 

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.

Fragance- Can be a mix of synthetic chemicals (considered a trade secret, so they don't have to disclose the ingredients) including neurotoxins and allergens. 

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.

Why your antiperspirant may be harmful and learn if natural deodorant's really work.

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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Melissa Norris

Melissa K. Norris inspires people's faith and pioneer roots with her books, podcast, and blog. Melissa lives with her husband and two children in their own little house in the big woods in the foothills of the North Cascade Mountains. When she's not wrangling chickens and cattle, you can find her stuffing Mason jars with homegrown food and playing with flour and sugar in the kitchen.

Read more about Melissa

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Comments:

  1. Dee Fedor

    8 years ago

    I have never tried one. I would like to try one!

    Reply
  2. Leslie

    8 years ago

    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!

    Reply
  3. Cheryl

    8 years ago

    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!

    Reply
  4. Sharon

    May 8, 2014 at 12:33 am

    Powdered Sugar in a deodorant? What will they think of next. But hey, if it works….

    Reply
    • Melissa K. Norris

      May 8, 2014 at 2:23 am

      It helps keep jam and jellies fresh, so why not our underarms Sharon? Lol

      Reply
  5. Heather

    8 years ago

    I used to use coconut oil and baking soda now I use primal pit paste. I would love to try Truly’s!

    Reply
  6. vivian

    8 years ago

    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.

    Reply
  7. Kathy M.

    May 9, 2014 at 12:40 am

    I have been using natural deodorant from another company, but I do have irritation. I may have to give Truly’s a go!

    Reply
  8. Jennifer

    8 years ago

    Thanks for the review really excited to hopefully have found “the one” 🙂

    Reply
  9. Denise P.

    8 years ago

    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.

    Reply
  10. Denise G

    8 years ago

    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!

    Reply
  11. Leslie D.

    8 years ago

    Yes, I already use an all natural deodorant, but I’d love to try this brand!

    Reply
  12. Kristen

    8 years ago

    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.

    Reply
  13. Dana Packer

    8 years ago

    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!

    Reply
  14. G

    8 years ago

    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!

    Reply
  15. Genny Miller

    8 years ago

    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! 🙂

    Reply
  16. Samantha

    8 years ago

    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.

    Reply
  17. Sharon Miller

    8 years ago

    If I win the giveaway I will try a natural deodorant! It’s a whole new thought for me.

    Reply
  18. Erin

    May 10, 2014 at 12:12 am

    I’ve been trying to find an all natural deodorant thanks for doing all the research! 🙂

    Reply
  19. Pam K.

    May 10, 2014 at 1:05 am

    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.

    Reply
  20. Tracy Spangler

    May 10, 2014 at 2:03 am

    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!

    Reply
  21. Sherril McGann

    May 10, 2014 at 2:09 am

    I have never tried a natural deoderant but I am interested in trying this one.

    Reply
  22. Sue D

    8 years ago

    For over a year now I have been making my deodorant and feel much better about it than commercial anti-perspirants.

    Reply
  23. Kristie Truett

    8 years ago

    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!!!!

    Reply
  24. kelly

    8 years ago

    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.

    Reply
  25. stdema

    8 years ago

    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.

    Reply
  26. Bonnie

    8 years ago

    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.

    Reply
  27. Julie Schmidt

    May 11, 2014 at 2:50 am

    I would love to try a natural deodorant. After reading the facts about commercial made one’s, it’s scary.

    Reply
  28. Jillian Hudson

    May 11, 2014 at 3:10 am

    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.

    Reply
  29. LaurenS

    May 12, 2014 at 12:23 am

    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

    Reply
  30. Patti

    8 years ago

    I would truly be amazed if this really works…I have had a terrible time finding something reliable!

    Reply
  31. Patricia Havens

    8 years ago

    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 .

    Reply
  32. Jan Foster

    8 years ago

    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.

    Reply
  33. Cynthia

    8 years ago

    I use Tom’s lavender. Love it! I have made my own but I didn’t think it worked as well.

    Reply
  34. Susan Johnson

    8 years ago

    I don’t use a natural deodorant but this looks like a good product. I will have to try it.

    Reply
  35. 5 Baby Steps to Better Health and Wellness - The Humbled Homemaker

    8 years ago

    […] Do Natural Deodorants Really Work? […]

    Reply
  36. Ashlee

    8 years ago

    Hi there to all, the contents existing at this site are genuinely
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    Reply
  37. Dena

    8 years ago

    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!!!!

    Reply
  38. Kathy

    April 25, 2019 at 1:28 am

    Melissa,
    That sounds awesome……I would also love to know what shampoo you have been happy with?

    K

    Reply

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