Deodorants hide body odour by blocking the growth of odour-causing bacteria.
Healthy alternatives
Fragrance-free
All Good – Deodorant
Coastal Classic Creations – Wave Crest Deodorant Powder
Each and Every – Deodorant
Freedom – Natural Deodorant
Green Beaver – Unscented Natural Deodorant
Honestly pHresh – Phree Unscented Prebiotic Deodorant
Kinko – Microbiomix Balancing Deodorant
Kiss My Face – Active Life Stick Deodorant
Miessence – Aroma Free Deodorant
Purelygreat – Cream Deodorant
Real Purity – Certified Organic Stick Deodorant, fragrance-free
Rocky Mountain Soap Company – Liquid Crystal Deodorant
Terressentials – Super Protection Deodorant
Thinksport – Natural Deodorant
Tom’s of Maine – Unscented Long Lasting Deodorant
With fragrances (essential oils)
Anarres Natural Health – Detoxifying Cream Deodorant
Attitude – Super Leaves Deodorant
Be Well Company – The Best Deodorant
Cleo and Coco – Charcoal Deodorant
Druide – Deodorant Pur and Pure
Earthwise – Natural Deodorant
Honeybee Gardens – Deodorant Powder
Jusu Body – Natural Deodorant
Madame Lemy – All-Natural Deodorant
Prep U – Natural Deodorant
Primally Pure – Deodorant, Charcoal
Qet Botanicals – Dry Putty Deodorant
Thirsty Naturals – Deodorant
DIY
For a natural and effective deodorant, opt for a simple recipe with only 3 ingredients:
- 5 tablespoons of coconut oil
- 1/2 cup of baking soda
- 1/2 cup of arrowroot powder (or cornstarch)
Pour the liquid coconut oil into a container, and add the baking soda and starch while whisking the mixture (this will prevent lumps from forming). Store in a cool place until the deodorant firms up. There you go!
For more details on this recipe, go to Simple Green Smoothies.
For more homemade recipes, you can consult Wellness Mama or The Healthy Maven.
Ingredients to avoid
- Aluminium: neurotoxic, skin sensitizer
Aluminium is also the subject of many debates in cosmetics. Although its effect is not fully confirmed, it is suspected of having a carcinogenic effect. A 2003 study showed that girls who started shaving their armpits and using aluminium-based deodorants developed breast cancer earlier than other girls. In addition, researchers at the University of Reading in England have found aluminium in breast cancer tumours. It is therefore an ingredient to be monitored and avoided.
- Benzyl alcohol: irritant to eyes and upper respiratory tract
- BHT: possible carcinogen, endocrine disrupter
- Ceteareth: possible carcinogen
- Isobutane: neurotoxic
- Parabens: endocrine disruptors
- Synthetic fragrances: allergens
- Talc: possible carcinogen, irritant to skin, eyes and respiratory tract
- Triclosan: endocrine disruptor