It's happening, the sun is shining and the warm temperatures are going strong! All things we love, but the heat can certainly make staying fresh throughout the day a bigger concern.
If you are looking to make the transition over to a natural deodorant or searching for different options that will keep you smelling great even through the warmer months - we've got you covered. Read on to get the full scoop and our favourite all natural deodorant options!
The 101 on Natural Deodorants
First things first, let's clarify this misconception: sweat itself is odourless. Body odour happens when bacteria begin to break down sweat on the skin. It's the bacteria that cause odour, not your sweat! Unlike conventional deodorants or antiperspirants, natural deodorants won't prevent you from sweating or clog your pores. Natural deodorants work by inhibiting bacterial growth, absorbing excess moisture, and neutralizing odour.
There are a few key ingredients that make natural deodorants effective at doing this:
Kaolin Clay: Absorbs moisture.
Baking Soda: Neutralizes odours, absorbs moisture and inhibits bacterial growth.
Arrowroot Powder & Corn Starch: Absorb moisture.
Magnesium: Neutralizes odours and inhibits bacterial growth.
Essential Oils: Provide a natural fragrance and some also have anti-microbial properties (tea tree, lavender, rosemary, lemon).
Charcoal: Helps draw out impurities.
Coconut Oil, Shea Butter & Aloe: Moisturize the skin and soothe irritation. Coconut oil is also anti-microbial!
Zinc Oxide: Anti-microbial.
How To Choose A Natural Deodorant
Now that you know the basics, you might be wondering how to choose a deodorant that is right for you. Here are some key questions to run through when choosing:
Do you have sensitive skin?
If you find you have extra-sensitive skin, you might be reactive to baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) as it can be irritating to some. Consider using baking soda-free options such as:
Soapwalla Sensitive Deodorant Cream Citrus
Wildcraft Spray Deodorant in Clary Sage & Lavender and Cypres & Cedarwood
What application format are you comfortable with?
Natural deodorants come in a wide variety of applications including spray, stick, creme or paste and roll-ons. This one is based on preference, but if you are just transitioning to a natural deodorant option, we find a deodorant stick makes for the smoothest transition.
Looking for extra protection?
If you are finding you need extra protection, opt-in for a super-strength option like Lovefresh Super Strength, which packs in extra baking soda and extra clay for added odour protection.
Choose your scent!
Here's the fun part, natural deodorants come in a wide variety of essential-oil based scents, so choose your favourite!
Go waste-free!
If you are looking to cut down your household waste you may want to consider a waste-free cream-based deodorant option in a reusable glass container such as:
Living Libations Underarm Charm
Lovefresh Deodorants also come in glass jar versions!
*Get our full list of tips and swaps for an eco-friendly bathroom here.
Our Favourite Natural Deodorants
Our bodies are all unique and different, so there's no one deodorant that will be a great fit for everyone. Sometimes it takes a little bit of trial and error to find the perfect fit. This is why we carry a wide variety of tried and true options!
Here are some of our favourite staff picks:
Tara: Living Libations Poetic Pits Lavender
Camila: Nala Sandalwood & Bergamot
Julie: Routine Deodorant Reuben & the Dark & Stormy
Jenn: Wildcraft Clary Sage & Lavender