Out of all the cosmetics we place on our bodies, I think deodorants/antiperspirants have to be the most commercialized and toxic. Yes, I place deodorants in the cosmetic category. Why? Because they are not really needed. Does that mean that I will go commando with my pits? Umm no.
So, let’s start with the basics…
First, there is a difference between deodorants and antiperspirants. Deodorants kill odor producing bacteria and use fragrance to mask the odor. Antiperspirants block your sweat glands, preventing you from sweating. Second, sweat doesn’t cause odor. The bacteria in your pits break down your sweat causing the odor. So, it doesn’t really matter if you sweat a little or a lot. If you are lucky enough to have these bacteria in your pits, you’re going to get stinky.
Now for the most important…
Most store brands contain parabens, aluminum compounds, phthalates and possibly triclosan. All of these chemicals have one thing in common. They all can disrupt our hormones in one way or another. If you search these chemicals, you will find articles blaming them for cancer, Alzheimer’s, infertility, ADHD and the list goes on. Is this true? I have no idea! If you search on the FDA website, they say there isn’t enough evidence to prove these chemicals cause any major health issues if used in small amounts. But, they are used in everything from the floors in our homes, fabric we wear, cosmetics we place on our body and even food we eat!
I realize that eliminating one small source of these toxins seems pointless, but this is a product I use every day. These chemicals can absorb through the skin, and I apply it umm, sometimes, after I have just shaved. This was reason enough for me to toss the commercial junk and go for a more natural approach.
My first experience with a natural deodorant was a salt crystal deodorant. It actually worked well, however it didn’t take long for my skin to get irritated. My sister was using apple cider vinegar, but I didn’t have the patience to wait for my pits to dry. We both went back and forth trying different products for a long time before we decided to just make our own.
We wanted a deodorant that absorbed quickly and worked! After a lot of research and trials, we finally found the right combination of ingredients that absorbed quickly. We chose essential oils for their antibacterial, antimicrobial and antifungal properties. It helps that they all smell amazing as well.