I Tried This: Good-For-You Deodorant (That Actually Works!)

I’ve heard there are people who don’t sweat but I’m not one of them! Sweating is not only a natural process but it also helps your body detoxify by flushing out toxins, boosts circulation and heart health, and cleans up the skin by expelling impurities. Still, sweat can stink (literally and metaphorically)! Unfortunately, the traditional deodorants you grew up with are loaded with toxic ingredients that could be negatively affecting your health in both the short and long term. Aluminum, the main ingredient in traditional deodorant/antiperspirants, has been linked in some studies to increased risks of both breast cancer (it’s applied right near your lymph nodes) and Alzheimer’s. While the jury is still out on the direct connection, there are so many alternative choices now on the market, there’s just no reason to risk it with a potentially harmful product. Even logically, aluminum is a heavy metal, and that’s nothing you want inside or on the outside of your body. 

Even with the proliferation of natural products, it’s hard to sort through which work, and which are just an exercise in frustration. I’ve tried many of them – some were hard to apply; some were thick and crumbly; and some just didn’t work at all. However, there were a couple that while – not preventing you from sweating entirely – were total winners (for both me and my male partner) and were an easy-to-apply alternative. Try one of these wonders and you will barely miss your old standby.

It had been a minute since I had last used a roll-on deodorant, but I quickly adapted to the Bali Secrets line of roll-on quick-drying deodorants. These come in several scents, including Unscented; and while I first found the Original Essence to smell slightly woodsy, I eventually grew to prefer it. Bali Secrets formulations are organic and vegan, and are especially gentle since they don’t contain any baking soda (this natural deodorant substitute can irritate some sensitive skin). They are also wonderfully free of aluminum, chlorohydrate and zirconium; are GMO-, phlalate- and triclosan-free; and have ingredients that have been rated safe by EWG.org. This has become my easy, everyday go-to. For more information or to purchase click here.

Milk + Honey, a company committed to clean, natural ingredients, has a line of three solid deodorants – Regular Strength, Baking-Soda Free, and Extra Strength. All are free of artificial fragrances, sulfates, parabens and preservatives, and never tested on animals. The packaging is beautiful and the formulas glide on. While I started with the Regular Strength, I found that I preferred the Extra Strength and found it to be completely non-irritating to my skin. It’s great to travel with (unlike Bali Secrets, because of it’s liquid formula), and it has been the most effective for me in controlling sweat. This was a true winner in my book. Find out more and purchase here. 

Runner Up: Since initially publishing, I’ve found a new fave. Ursa Major Hoppin’ Fresh Deodorant is a stick formula that is super smooth and literally glides on seamlessly. It’s non-staining, aluminum-free, and includes a blend of peppermint, eucalyptus and rosemary for a super-fresh feel. It’s also gluten- and cruelty-free. I’ve found it’s perhaps a slightly lighter version of the two other winners but still holds a primary place in my small stable of products. I’m wearing it now in fact! This stick is also another great one for travel, and you can purchase it here.