Natural Deodorant Update

Back in November last year, I made the switch to homemade deodorant.  Its worked pretty well for me.  There was an adjustment period that I went through since it is deodorant and not anti-perspirant.....It took a while to get used to having wet armpits now and then.  And if I would have a particularly stressful day, I would begin to get a little "stinky" about the time I was on my way home from work, ugh.

Surprisingly, its only been 11 months since I started using homemade deodorant and I've only had to make 2 batches of the stuff - it really lasts a long time!

My husband tried it a few times, but it didn't seem to be strong enough for him - he was stinky by afternoon.  I did play with the ratios of the ingredients on the second batch thinking I could make it more potent, but it didn't seem to work as well.  I cut back on the amount of coconut oil in it too, but I don't think that helped much either.

A few months back i found a website, Bubble & Bee Organics, that makes a non-toxic deodorant.  Looking at the ingredients list, its almost the same.  I had purchased a stick of it for my husband to try, since I was having trouble concocting a homemade deodorant that would work for him.

He tried it, but wasn't impressed.  So, it sat on his dresser for a few more months.  

And a week ago, I saw it and got curious (nevermind, that I was getting low on my homemade deodorant and was brainstorming new ratios to try on the next batch)

So I used it.  It had a very bright lemony smell, which I didn't mind.  

It worked pretty good!  Actually, it worked better than my version!  Ha!

I think I'm over trying to figure out the correct ratios - Bubble and Bee apparently have it right.  I've been converted.  I've been using this ever since.

UPDATE (5/10/2013) - Still using this wonderful Super Pit Putty from Bubble & Bee Organics.  I recently discovered that after applying the deodorant to my underarms, if I would rub the product into the skin and make sure it got smeared all over my armpit equally that completely stopped my random "stinky" moments.  Since making the switch to natural deodorant, I find that I don't sweat nearly as much as I used to when I first started (unless I just went for a 5 mile run, obviously) if I even sweat at all.  My hubby is still using conventional deodorant, but I have just found a new concoction to try on him.  Its a mixture of grain alcohol and Tea Tree Essential Oils sprayed on your pits.  It came recommended by another guy.  Stay tuned for the results!  :)

A snapshot of our daily exposure to chemicals

I used to never give it a second thought about what I was putting on my body in the name of "beauty".  Becoming a mom changed all that - the more I research the ingredients of products that we so readily put on our body on a daily basis - the more shocked I am - and saddened.  I guess I always assumed that companies that create these products would realize that these ingredients are not good for us to put in or on our bodies and that they would have their customer's best interests at heart.  (don't forget that your skin is one large organ that allows products to soak through and be absorbed straight into your bloodstream)

A friend sent me this picture - It sums up some of the chemicals that we are exposed to through our favorite beauty products.  I am familiar with many of these through some of my research, but it still shocks me to see just how much.

There are lots of alternative beauty products out there that don't have all of these chemicals in them....and they work just as good as the chemical ones.  I hope you are inspired to give some a try, and reduce you and your family's exposure to some of these chemicals.

To Stink or Not to Stink...That is the question....

Wikipedia defines Deodorant and Anti-Perspirants as the following:

Deodorants are substances applied to the body to affect body odor caused by bacterial growth and the smell associated with bacterial breakdown of perspiration in armpits, feet and other areas of the body. A subgroup of deodorants, antiperspirants, affect odor as well as prevent sweating by affecting sweat glands. Antiperspirants are typically applied to the underarms, while deodorants may also be used on feet and other areas in the form of body sprays. In the United States, deodorants are classified and regulated as cosmetics by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Antiperspirants are classified as drugs by the FDA.


Hmm...interesting...never knew all that.  Especially the part about how differently these two products are classified......

I've read a lot about the toxic aluminum compounds that are in anti-perspirants.  I've also read a few articles that suggest not using anti-perpirants because they block or "stop up" your sweat glands in your arm pits, which is one way your body rids itself of toxins, (the others being, by urination or bowel movements).  Some go as far as saying that this might be a cause for breast cancer (starts in the armpit lymph nodes - toxins can't get out of body so they sit there and make your cells mutate).  

I personally just wanted to see if I could find something that kept me smelling good and was less toxic than the typical commerical brands on the shelves in the grocery store.  

I had asked around (family, friends, coworkers) to see if they had tried any deodorants/antiperspirants along these lines.....yes, some had (tried the crystal deodorant, Tom's of Maine, a few other brands I've never heard of) but none had found much success or were happy with the results. 

Well, darn it.  This means we will just have to go by trial and error.  I decided to start with a website(www.healing-scents.com)  I had ordered castille shampoo from.  Even though the shampoo didn't work out for me, I thought I'd see what else they had to offer.....

I found a pretty non-toxic deodorant on their site and its worked very well for me.  Its homemade by a lady in Illinois and she makes several other products from essential oils and other natural, organic ingredients.  I've tried the solid deodorant, the roll-on and the deodorant powder.  I found I liked the solid deodorant the best.  I did find that my armpits did get wet while using it if I was doing alot of strenuous or stressful activites, but I never started smelling bad (have to remember this is not an antiperspirant).  My armpits just got wet.  And to be honest, they dont stay wet for long, so it really hasn't been a big deal for me.  I've kind of gotten used to it.  I also have tried their deodorant powder (a light dusting ) over the solid deodorant and that has seemed to help some with the wetness.  

My husband tried the solid deodorant it and he liked the smell (very "herby" smelling) and it worked ok but it got stuck in his armpit hairs.....not too bueno.  He tried the roll-on but it didn't have much lasting power.  (It doesn't seem to last long on me either) So still looking for another alternative for my hubby there.


For deodorants and anti-perspirants - there may not be a perfect organic/natural alternative out there that works just like the commercial brands.  This kind of change really is a personal choice because everyone is so different.  Some people sweat constantly and constant wetness may not be an option for you.  Very understandable.  I personally don't sweat a whole lot - never have.  So, for me, a little wetness here and there under my arms, is not a deal-breaker.  but it may be for you.  However, you can bet that I will keep a bar of commercial Secret antiperspirant/deodorant on standby in case of the situation where there's no room for "error" - (think job interviews or some other socially uncomfortable event).  I'll definitely be bringing out the Secret for those occasions. 


HOWEVER, I am still searching for that "perfect" natural alternative - so I will be sure to let you all know when I find it!  And if you find it before me - please share your discovery  !!  :))))))))