The bad, the ugly and the smelly… and Why I don’t use regular deodorants – Why Wednesday

I am tired of not discussing this part of my life – and am just going to lay it on the table.
I am getting really tired of trying to find a deodorant that isn’t toxic AND that works (ie. I don’t really enjoy stinking!).

“Regular” deodorants leave a gross chemical film on my armpits, and will only come off with merciless exfoliating. They also leave my armpits covered in small red bumps that are itchy. I grew up using regular brands (secret, dove, degree, lady speed stick, etc.) and thought that was what all deodorants did, and didn’t think much of it.
My mom experiences the same thing, and uses “man” deodorant, and though I have done this in the past, I’m not very confident the men’s options are any healthier.
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A person’s armpits are the second most absorbent area of the body, behind the genital region. Putting all of those chemicals (including aluminum, parabens, talc, etc.) does block the smell/sweat, but it also traps secretions/toxins your body is trying to rid itself of. All those years of poison can really affect the body!

This is an example of a “regular” deodorant – Secret. This is from ewg.org – a very helpful site to reference your most used products.

If you want to learn more about the different questionable chemicals found in most conventional deodorants, check out this great article found on organics.org – It’s a great, more thorough reference of why you should consider using a natural deodorant alternative.

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I’ve known that typical store bought deodorant is bad for a while, but there is a huge social stigma around not using deodorant, and/or stinking, so I have tried many different natural alternatives. I also just straight got tired of poising myself. I’ve tried Toms, Green Beaver, Tisserand Tea Tree, Lush solid deodorant, and just straight Coconut oil and tea tree oil.
I’ve tried a couple of other brands, though I am unable to remember the name. One of them was a locally made product that came in a cardboard tube.
That being said – do any of them work well enough for me to review them? NO. Some of them worked ok for a short amount of time, or just not at all. Some of them work for about 6 hours. Some of them even made me smell worse after a while, even if I hadn’t really sweat.

I am damn tired of this! I do not want to have to use harsh chemicals to be a socially acceptable person.
I am tired of shelling out 7-10$+ on one stick of deodorant that was just a waste of money.
I am currently using coconut oil and tea tree oil (mixed into my hand after I shower), but that works for about 6-8 hours, and only if I don’t get hot. So now, I am at a cross road. I need a new deodorant, because like most options I’ve tried, the longer I use it, the less effective it gets. Aka TICK TOCK.

Anyone have any known working options? I guess I don’t mind spending another 7-10$+, but it better work.
If I find anything that works, I promise I will review it and share it with the world! 🙂

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Some natural products I mentioned – feel free to check them out as they may work better for you! The name of the brand is a link to EWG.org.

Tisserand – http://www.tisserand.com/Tea_Tree_Deodorant_p/sk462.htm
Tom’s of Maine – https://well.ca/products/toms-of-maine-long-lasting_33837.html
Green Beaver – https://well.ca/products/green-beaver-natural-deodorant_10858.html

Originally posted February 24/16.