Natural Deodorants That Work!

If you haven’t switched to using natural deodorant yet, what are you waiting for?

Most of the things you put on your skin will be absorbed into the bloodstream, so it’s important you are mindful of what you put on your skin and the potentially harmful effects these may have.

Let’s quickly look at some of the common toxins in antiperspirants.

Phthalates: linked to ADHD, asthma, breast cancer, obesity, autism spectrum disorders, reproduction issues and infertility, and more
Parabens: interefere with the way your body produces hormones, linked to cancers such as breast cancer and prostate cancer
Aluminum: linked to increased risk of Alzheimers and disrupts your estrogen levels, increasing risk of breast cancer and prostate cancer
Propolyne Glycol: may cause damage to your Central Nervous System, heart and liver; also a skin irritant
Triethanolamine (TEA) and diethanolamine (DEA): known to affect the kidneys and liver, also a carcinogen (cancer-causing)
Triclosan: a pesticide, when mixed with water produces the cancer-casuing gas chloroform, may contribute to making bacteria resistant to antibiotics
Fragrance: a sneaky term used in many products to hide hundreds of potentially harmful toxins

Many people try natural deodorants but complain they don’t work. In our experience, it’s because they didn’t detox their armpits before switching and/or they didn’t choose a good natural brand of deodorant. Sometimes you have to try a few different brands to see what works best for you. Below, we are sharing a recipe for a good armpit detox, the brands of natural deodorant we have personally found to be most effective, and a recipe to make your own deodorant if you enjoy a good DIY.

ARMPIT DETOX:

An armpit detox will help to speed up the adjustment period during your switch to natural deodorant and it will help your body rid the toxins that have built up over time from the use of conventional deodorants. This is an important step to finding natural deodorants effective. Don’t skip it.

It usually takes about 2-4 weeks to detox your armpits completely. You can repeat the detox as often as necessary. Some people will detox again every 3-6 months while others wait to repeat the detox when they begin to feel the natural deodorant is not as effective as it once was.

Ingredients:

1 Tbsp. Bentonite Clay
1-2 tsp. water
1 tsp. Apple Cider Vinegar

Instructions:

Mix bentonite clay with apple cider vinegar and water in a glass bowl until about the consistency of sour cream or yogurt. DO NOT use a metal bowl nor a metal spoon.
Spread evenly across the armpit area. Allow it to sit for 5-20 minutes. Start slowly and work your way up as you see how your body handles it.
Some redness may occur due to increased blood flow. It shouldn’t be painful though. If it is, just remove the mask.
Wash it off in a warm shower or with a warm washcloth.
Repeat daily until armpits no longer smell.

NATURAL DEODORANTS YOU CAN BUY:

The following are natural deodorants our Root + Gather Community Leaders have used and vouch for as effective!

DIY NATURAL DEODORANT YOU CAN MAKE TO SAVE MONEY:

Ingredients:

1/4 c. Baking Soda
1/4 c. Arrowroot
6 Tbsp. Coconut Oil (organic, cold-pressed, non-refined)
A few drops of your favorite essential oils. Try oils like Eucalyptus, Lavender, Bergamot, Cedarwood, Valor, etc.

Instructions:

Melt coconut oil on lowest heat setting on stove or simply place outside in sun until melted.
In a medium-size bowl, mix together the baking soda and arrowroot.
Mix in melted coconut oil.
Add oils as desired. (suggestion: start with 6-10 d, adding more or less to your liking)
Store in small glass jar or old deodorant container for application.
NOTE: Coconut oil will melt as it warms, so if your home is naturally warm just store it in the fridge. Also, be sure the jar is sealed tight when traveling.

OTHER THINGS TO DO TO REDUCE ARMPIT ODOR: