Once you go natural (with your hair), I think something is stirred inside you to go natural with everything else. Well, at least for me. One of the first things (after my hair) that I went natural with was my deodorant. My husband has not used any anti-perspirant or deodorants in like 15 years and believe it or not, he does not smell (ummm, there are those days, but it is so not as bad as you would think). His was not a natural choice, but he realized that the anti-perspirants were messing up the under arms of his light colored shirts.
I've tried a number of brands that can be found in any local drugstore and Whole Foods. What I've found with most natural products is that you have to keep reapplying throughout the day and end up smelling musty anyway. I found a really good one by Addidas, which wasn't COMPLETELY natural but did not contain aluminum zirconium (the ingredient that keeps you from sweating and keeping the funk away) in it. For those of you that don't know there is a link between aluminums and breast cancer. Anywho, the Addidas was the first brand that I tried that I didn't have to reapply. Went to the gym and it was still going strong. Ninety degree weather...no problem. But after I moved to Philly, I could not find it anymore? So, there led me on another search for deodorants. Here are three that I've been reviewing for a couple of weeks.
L'Occitane Roll-On Deodorant
This product worked really well. We've been having a heat wave in the east and this more than held up. It has three essential oils in it that makes for a pleasant scent, which lasts. It ran me $16 at Sephora. Okay, let me just say that this was recommended by a Sephora beauty rep as a natural product. For the most part it is, but when I looked closely at the ingredients, it contains a type of aluminum I've never heard of but of course had to research. Aluminum Chlorohydrate, though not as severe (or so I read) as Aluminum Zirconium, still has some type of link to cancer. As long as there is SOME type of link, I will not repurchase and I will no longer use. I do give this a 4 out of 5 because of the non-smelly factor. If you have the pennies to spare and you don't give a hoot about ingredients, then I say go for it!
Lavanila (in coconut)
This one was recommended by a friend and can also be found in Sephora. Actually, my soul purpose for going to Sephora a few weeks ago was to purchase this product and I ended up coming out with the L'Occitane, as well. Lavanila is completely natural and has a nice sweet scent (there are three to choose from). Like the one mentioned above, it holds up even during severe heat and sweating. Now, after awhile it will decrease a little bit, but it is only noticeable if you are pushing your nose up against your pits. This one ran me $18. Yes it's a bit pricey. The tube is a nice size and you only need a couple of swipes for each arm. Again, if you have the pennies, it is worth it.
Naturally Fresh Crystal Deodorant
My sister put me on to crystal deodorants, so I sent the hubby out to purchase one for me. This one ran about $6 and is activated by applying a little water. I decided to try this on my way to a doctor's appointment one morning. WHY??! This did not NOT HOLD UP at all and it was MUEY hot! I was 'musty' after an hour and felt a little embarrassed while seeing the doc. I will not give up hope on the crystals and will possibly try another brand. I do wish I could get hubby's six dollars back.
After I purchased the products above, I did a search and came across this link which lists the top nine natural deodorants. The prices range from $8 to $23. I will be doing some more investigating in the future. Ultimately, I want a product that works well, holds up in the severest of conditions and has a reasonable price point. If you have any recommendations, please let me know.
Let me state, it is REALLY hard going natural especially when it comes to personal hygiene and is not for everyone. I DO NOT LIKE TO SMELL!! So the first few months (maybe year) was really hard for me. But after your body gets used to it, the 'musty' is not that bad. You of course cannot go days without reapplying, like with commercial deodorants, but personally for the price of my health, I do not mind.
I am finishing my biology B.S. with a concentration in cancer biology and can say with certainty that there is definitely not conclusive evidence of a link between aluminum and breast cancer. Both the National Institute of Health and the National Cancer Institute have stated that they "are not aware of any conclusive evidence linking the use of underarm antiperspirants or deodorants and the subsequent development of breast cancer." Basically, if you prefer natural deodorant, good for you, but don't avoid deodrants with aluminum because advertisements have scared you into thinking that you're less likely to get breast cancer as a result.