We all know (even if it’s only deep down inside) that antiperspirant is bad for you. While the American Cancer Society says there is no definitive connection between antiperspirants and breast cancer, it should be common sense to realize that coating your skin in aluminum can’t be good. If it stops your pores from leaking, it’s clogging them. But this post isn’t about whether it’s good or bad to use antiperspirants. It’s for those of us who have made the decision not to use them!
I’ve tried numerous brands of “natural” deodorant, and this is how it went (without photos because I’m not vain and I don’t think the world wants to see my armpits):
Please keep in mind that each person will have a different experience with each brand. Our bodies are so similar, yet so incredibly different. This is MY experience, and some factual information to help you make an informed decision about what to try next. NO, I was not paid for this. I’m a normal consumer, just like you.
Lume
- $14.99 per stick (ouch)
- $19.99 per cream tube (double ouch)
- Can subscribe for a lower price of $13.99 (I seriously despise this subscription trend)
- Comes in a solid stick, a cream stick or a cream tube
- Safe to use anywhere on your body
- Aluminum free
- Baking soda free
- Paraben free
- Vegan
- Cruelty free
Pros:
- IT WORKS. Hard truth folks because I know this brand is super pricey. Hands down the BEST deodorant I have ever used. I sweat like a man and while it doesn’t stop the sweating, it stops the smell.
- Doesn’t burn when used after shaving
- Doesn’t make my pits break out in a rash
Cons:
- Pricey
- Some of the scents are disgusting. Though they claim to have reformulated some of them to be more appealing. I haven’t purchased any in this new reformulated batch, but I’d be willing to try.
Schmidt’s
- $9.99 per tube
- $11.49 per spray ($11.49? Interesting number)
- Comes in a stick and a spray
- Aluminum free
- Baking soda free
- Paraben free
- Cruelty free
- Vegan
Pros:
- Good price point
- Scents are really nice
- Does work but not for as long as I hoped
Cons:
- My armpits will eventually develop a rash after extended use. Extended use being less than one full tube. Usually around halfway through I’ll have to find something else to use
Biossance
- $15 (more ouch)
- The website has more popups than I care to deal with
- Made with squalane, not squalene.
- Paraben free
- Aluminum free
- Cruelty free
- Vegan
Pros:
- It was okay.
Cons:
- Pricey
- Doesn’t work
- Made me break out in a rash fairly quickly
Crystal – Mineral stick
- $7.50
- Contains 1 ingredient… Mineral salt.
Pros:
- Does actually work… not for an extended period of time but it was alright
- Cost effective compared to other brands
Cons:
- Can’t be placed on a stone countertop. Stone melts salt.
- Only usable for a short time before irritation occurred.
Pit Liquor
- $16 for spray or roll on
- $21 for limited edition
- Alcohol based
- Can subscribe for a $2 discount (there’s that damn subscription again)
- Vegan
- Kills bacteria
Pros:
- Works but not for an extended period of time
- Comes in a glass bottle, not plastic
- Smells good
- Cool concept
- No rash!
Cons:
- Pricey
- Stings a bit after shaving
Native – Regular
- $13 for a regular stick
- Subscribe for $2 savings
- Aluminum free
- Paraben free
- Vegan
- Cruelty free
- NOT baking soda free
Pros:
- Price is ok-ish
- Smells nice
- Works for a short amount of time
Cons:
- Caused a rash like pretty much all of the others.
Each & Every
- $17 (yup. I know.)
- Aluminum free
- Baking soda free
- Cruelty free
- Vegan
- Sustainable packaging made from sugar cane
- Can buy multiples for a discount
- Can subscribe for a discount
Pros:
- I really liked this one. It worked well for me
- Smells lovely
- No rash
Cons:
- Pricey
- Doesn’t work as well as Lume but it’s my close second if I have to pick something other than Lume.
So, there you have it! Please remember that just because something does or doesn’t work for me, doesn’t mean it will do the same for you. You may love Native, while I love Lume. It’s personal and that’s how it should be.
Point of note: Deodorants only neutralize odor. They don’t prevent you from sweating. So, when I say something “works” I’m referring to how well it controls the smell that seeps out of your armpits.
The Craftie Gnome 