Natural Deodorants
“When a patient is diagnosed with cancer and their treatment protocol includes radiation therapy, there is a good chance that they will be told to discontinue their use of standard antiperspirant deodorants. This is because in some cases, the chemicals that are found in these products can have an accelerating effect on radiation dermatitis, a side effect that leaves the skin that has been exposed to radiation red, sensitive, and inflamed. - Fifth Season Financial
(If you want to skip to the reviews…scroll down!)
I was a breast cancer patient that was asked to discontinue using my standard Secret deodorant and look into aluminum free options. At the time, I was directed to using Toms. I used it here and there, but also kept wipes with me as well if needed since I didn’t always feel clean and fresh. Once I completed radiation I tried to decide what to do. As someone who sweats a lot working out, but mostly from my anxiety I wanted to be sure that I not only was clean but smelled good too. How would I get rid of the antiperspirant that kept me dry and odor free? My focus became on not having a bad smell and staying dry so I chose to go back to Secret Clinical strength. I used this for the next year along with Toms. It was then one day I received an ad for Native. Native was created to inspire and empower people to look closer at the ingredient lists behind their daily personal care products. I ordered a sample box and started using them daily.
Even though research studies have found that using antiperspirants won’t increase the amount of radiation delivered to the skin, I still want to be sure that I’m putting the best on my skin and in my body. Fragrances, alcohol and aluminum can irritate the skin and as someone with sensitive skin I’m all about the best of the best in clean and natural products. As I started Liv & Let, I looked into companies doing things the clean and natural way. It’s amazing how in 5 years, the clean and natural deodorant department has grown exponentially. If I tried every natural deodorant I’d have to clean out my bathroom cabinets, but I am interested in trying as many as I can to find the best for me.
After a few years of testing natural deodorants, here are my favorites. Many of the brands I tried can be found in The Giv Shoppe and included in a Giv caring crate!
Violets Are Blue
IMAGE: Violets Are Blue Magnesium Deodorant (photographed by Lauren)
As a breast cancer survivor, Cynthia shared that deodorant is the MOST important product to her in regards to protecting herself going forward. She did not want aluminum in her life, let alone in her armpits. After two and a half years in the making Violets Are Blue Magnesium Deodorant - unscented, essential oil, baking soda, arrowroot powder free deodorant- finally came to fruition.
Magnesium is so important for women and it is more easily absorbed through the skin than taken orally. It aids in alleviating migraines, muscle aches, menstrual issues, ph balancing (hence the odor fighting miracle) and hormone balance.
Why I love them:
I love that it’s a company helping women, with 10% of the purchase price of all products going toward skincare donations for cancer patients. Also it’s a beautiful thing that a cancer survivor realized what was important to her and wanted to share it with the community and beyond. I also learned something and that is Violets Are Blue’s product is a deodorant, not an anti-perspirant. Anti-perspirants contain aluminum, which has been linked not only to Breast Cancer but to Alzheimer's disease. You need your underarms to sweat to get rid of toxins.
Where you can find them: The Giv Shoppe & violetsareblueskincare.com
Milk and Honey
IMAGE: Milk + Honey Regular Strength -Lemon Vanilla (photographed by Lauren)
When looking for a spa in the Austin area I came across Milk and Honey. I never made it to the spa, but the products caught my attention. I was in my trying new deodorant phase and I thought why not! I ordered a few to try along with some other items. I first tried the Regular Strength - Lemon and Vanilla and then wanted to test the Baking Soda Free- Lemon and Vanilla. This gentle, aluminum-free, baking soda-free deodorant was designed to nourish sensitive skin while keeping you feeling (and smelling) fresh all day.
What I love: First I love that again here is another woman-owned business! Next regarding the product the smell is amazing. I understand the deodorants not having a smell, but when transitioning from an anti-persperant to a deodorant it’s difficult smelling your body odor! Also, it’s great to see aluminum free, Esthetician Approved, paraben free, cruelty free, Propylene Glycol Free, gluten free.
Where you can find them: Not in the shoppe yet so click here.
Little Seed Farm
Little Seed Farm started with a husband and wife moving from NY to a farm in TN. It is perhaps the only 100% grassfed commercial herd in the country. At Little Seed, they talk a lot about sustainability. They use only the highest quality natural and organic ingredients, supporting responsible farming techniques and ethical business practices worldwide. The lush, healthy pastures and woodlands sequester carbon dioxide and restore soil health and native biodiversity.
What I love: The deodorant cream is aluminum and baking soda-free and is made from nourishing and gentle organic ingredients. I love the options in scents and how easily it goes on. It’s the first cream deodorant I have used. While it took some time to get used to it, it has left me feeling comfortable leaving the house. I have had to reapply after the first application.
Where you can find them: Jasmine Green Tea is available in the Giv Shoppe. All other scents can be found at littleseedfarm.com. Reach out if you are interested and I’d be happy to look into other scents for the shoppe.
Lovett Sundries
IMAGE: Lovett Sundries Deodorant - Lemongrass (photographed by Lauren)
After asking what was in the soap we bought at the store, and not liking the answer, Pittsburgh husband and wife started making their own extra gentle bars using old-fashioned techniques and ingredients we could pronounce. Their friends and family loved our soaps and begged us to make more. That’s what got them into the sundries business.
They now feature a line of handcrafted soaps, grooming, and cleaning products that are carefully measured, mixed, and packaged by our own hands. They like doing things the old-fashioned way; it’s slower but more satisfying, and in the end, it makes their products better and more meaningful.
What I love: Lovett Sundries was the first small business company that I found after trying Native. I loved everything about the ingredients they used, where it was produced and the packaging. Jeff Lovett kindly sent me samples to try before placing an order and I fell in love with the Lemongrass and Evergreen scents. The arrowroot powder and baking soda absorb wetness and odor, and the coconut oil and beeswax condition your sensitive underarm skin. I actually felt like I could leave the house, sweat and come home still smelling good. I didn’t have to apply more than once!
Where you can find them: Lemongrass and Unscented are available in the Shoppe.
Corpus Naturals
IMAGE: Corpus Naturals No Green (photographed by Lauren)
Corpus Naturals was founded in 2018 by J.P. Mastey, a skincare expert with over 15 years experience. Long interested in natural products, Mastey nevertheless struggled to find products that performed to high standards. After many years of experimentation, he was able to create an effective, natural formula with no compromises. “Natural deodorant was one of those products I felt passionate about, and I got close several times, but close was not good enough” says Mastey. Newfound techniques, persistence, and inspiration all came together and Corpus was created.
What I love: I was really looking to support small businesses but I received a flyer and thought why not give this one a try. The scent I ordered - Nº GREEN - is amazing and smells like vacation. It also glides nicely under your arm. Every aspect of the product – from its formula to its packaging to manufacturing – happens in the United States using renewable hydroelectric and solar energy.
Where you can find it: Not available in the shoppe yet, so please click here.
Beauty Counter
IMAGE: Beauty Counter The Clean Deo - Clean Rose
In 2011, founder of Beautycounter learned that the US only bans 30 ingredients from personal-care products. (For context, the EU bans 1,400.) She’d never considered that the products she used on herself and kids might not be safe. So she started Beautycounter and set out to transform the beauty industry by creating clean, high-performing skin care and makeup—while fighting to change the laws that control what can and cannot be used in products, so that everyone has access to safer beauty.
What I love: I was writing this blog when I was introduced to Beautycounter for my daughter. I was in need of shampoo and conditioner - especially conditioner for her long luscious hair. I purchased the hair products and then started to explore for myself. I tried the eye cream and toner as I was in need to these products. I saw that they had deodorant and felt compelled to try it. This deodorant is made without aluminum, neutralizes odor, glides on smoothly and smells very nice. I went with the rose scent. Also something about the bright pink packaging got
Where you can find them: Not available in the shoppe yet, so please click here.
I’ve switched and now it’s time for you! Keep an eye out for an email and social posting for a natural deodorant giv-away in August! P.S. I just order a new deodorant created by a breast cancer survivor - Spero Hero. I’ll share my review as soon as I receive it!
A few additional facts:
Traditional deodorants work by using a combo of aluminums, fragrances and other toxins to create a barrier on your skin to trap sweat. This unfortunately can clog your pores.
It can take several weeks for your underarms to detox from the toxins that have been trapped in sweat ducts by antiperspirants, and you might experience a (temporary) odor. Trust us—The Clean Deo is worth the wait. When you go clean, you need to sweat it out.
Check out the site gimmethegoodstuff.com “What’s Wrong with Conventional Antiperspirant and Deodorant?” / “What’s Wrong with Natural Antiperspirants & Deodorants.” You will learn more about aluminimum, fragrance triclosan and parabens in deodorant.
Comment on what your favorite deodorants are!