Here at Health Hut, we're really excited about natural deodorants that really work. Gone are the days of second-guessing if your deodorant is going to hold out until the end of the day. Confidently swipe and sweat with the best natural deodorants.
This is your guide to finding the best natural stick for your pits.
It's no secret that we sweat (some of us a little more than others), which is amazing because that's what our bodies are designed to do — keep us cool on hot days and rid our bodies of the stuff we don't need.
Here are some reasons why you may be thinking about making the switch to a natural deodorant:
- Traditional antiperspirants with aluminum temporarily clog your pores; you can expect to stay dry, but all those things your body wants to get rid of stay inside
- Aluminum (and other chemicals) can mix with your natural body odour, making your sweat a little more funky than it is
- Traditional deodorants work by creating an acidic environment under your pits so bacteria (the good and the smelly) can't grow and live happily
Natural deodorants work similarly to traditional deodorants — they let you sweat and make you smell better. AND they use ingredients that are supportive of the body. Win-win-win.
A PERIOD OF GRACE
When making the switch to natural deodorant you'll want to give your body some time to adjust. After all, we're working with many complex living organisms. This can be anywhere from a few days to many weeks. Hang in there, because natural deodorants really do work. Just like anything else, you may need to try a couple to find your perfect match.
Give yourself some grace, especially if you've been using an antiperspirant. There will be a build-up of chemicals stored in the sweat glands, and you can expect a smelly period as these are released from the body. To move through this awkward phase faster, apply deodorant both day and night.
During this period, drink lots of water as this helps to flush things out. Wash those pits daily with SSSOAPS Batch 093. Let the soap sit a little longer, like a charcoal mask for your armpits.
BAKING SODA — YAY OR NAY?
Baking soda is used in many natural deodorants including Salt & Stone's extra strength formula and Nala's regular and extra strength formulations.
Here are the pros of baking soda (sodium bicarbonate):
- It's 100% natural
- It creates an alkaline environment to keep smelly bacteria at bay
- It works!
Here are the cons:
- The alkaline environment can be too harsh for those with sensitive skin and may cause irritation or a rash
- It can be abrasive and may leave skin dry and raw
If you have sensitive skin, look at Corpus and Salt & Stone's Sensitive Skin formulas for alternative ingredients to baking soda, like tapioca starch. Nala's unscented deodorant for sensitive skin is also made sans sodium bicarbonate.
DEODORANT ROUND UP
SALT & STONE: PROBIOTICS FOR YOUR PITS
Pick up a stick of Salt & Stone to bathe your pits with probiotics (this encourages the good bacteria to prosper naturally, leaving you almost odourless), seaweed extracts and hyaluronic acid to moisturize.
Corpus uses plant-based enzymes and diatomaceous earth to care for those with sensitive skin. If you're looking for a refined and complex scent profile, you'll want to pick up one of these minty green sticks in sustainably considered packaging.
LIVING LIBATIONS: FREE YOUR PITS
Long-time natural deodorant lovers, these are for you. A fun and playful alternative to the pit stick is Living Libation's Poetic Pits. These ultra-rich mini rollers are pure essential oils. Yes, they're a personal scent in disguise as a deodorant. Those who use, are obsessed.
Dive into summery scents with notes of ripe peaches and coastal breezes. Nala also makes Health Hut's only unscented deodorant.