Before this Tom’s of Maine natural deodorant, I wasn’t sure I even needed the stuff. Deodorant had just become part of my post-shower routine, and since my early teens, I’d just always worn it and never had an odor problem.
Then I bought this one. And though I’ve yet to hear odor complaints, my friends tend to be more nice than blunt, and I can smell myself.
So now I’m switching to this one to the left, bought at a nearby herbal store. So far, Nature’s Gate Deodorant Stick — the Autumn Breeze scented one — seems to be working, but I haven’t gone running since I got it yesterday — Will report back once I do.
Why these “natural” deodorants? Your regular deodorant is likely to contain aluminum, which wreaks havoc on the environment — especially during the mining process. And in terms of health concerns, aluminum’s under research for possible links to Alzheimer’s, and parabens, also common in many deodorants, is under research for possible links to breast cancer, though neither relationship has yet to be proven or disproven. And for animal lovers, both the Tom’s of Maine and Nature’s Gate deodorants are vegan and cruelty-free.
However, even vegan, natural deodorants must actually deodorize. I think sometimes organic and other environmentally-friendly products get a bad rap because some of them quite honestly suck — and sometimes are the only green option avalilable. At Trader Joe’s, it was either Tom’s of Maine or an interesting roll-on type deodorant I had to moisten before each use, which wasn’t gonna happen.
Over time I’ll try to create a “my favorite green things” post with a thumbs up, thumbs down on various products available in my vicinity — Are there any such green product rankings in existence?
** Update, 9/27/05: Ban deodorant is running a slogan contest. You can enter: just go to feelbanfresh.com and come up with a “ban (fill in the blank)” slogan. I entered “ban aluminum” — one of the active ingredients in Ban. Think I’ll win?
Top image via Mother Nature
The stuff you need to wet before application aka the crystal deo works really well :)
Comment by Anonymous — September 11, 2005 @ 12:28 am
@anonymous: Crystal deodorants (stone deodorants) contain alum, typically potassium alum (KAl(SO4)2·12(H2O)) or ammonia alum (NH4Al(SO4)2·12(H2O)). Technically both contain aluminium (Al) as can be seen from the chemical formulae. So if you do not want aluminium on your skin, these are not suitable. However, the Alzheimer’s/aluminium link has not been substantiated by recent research, but in general the way in which antiperspirants work (by blocking the sweat glands) does not seem very wise, and there may be other biotoxicity than the Alzheimer link. Also, avoiding any fragrances is probably a good idea since the INCI list only needs to list “parfum” (“fragrance” for you US dwellers) and what chemicals may lie behind that is anyone’s guess.
A hint to guys: shaving your armpits regularly is a single most effective way of combatting odour.
-avs
Comment by Anonymous — September 11, 2005 @ 8:08 am
avs’ comment shows I’m not the only blogging nerd researching deodorant issues :) Good to know. It seems like antiperspirant — which keeps your body from sweating normally — is just generally bad news. I remember reading in a marathon book — when I still read such things — that anti-perspirants are not a runner’s best friend. Something about armpits being a small area, but an important one — you know, one sweats for a reason.
And about shaving armpits — I wonder why, in the US, an unshaved female armpit is considered unattractive, but a shaven male one somewhat odd. Hmmm… I know some women consider the armpit shaving practice oppressive, and I agree it would be best if women didn’t feel they HAD to shave, but I have to say it works for me, from a hygine standpoint…
Comment by Siel — September 11, 2005 @ 12:07 pm
I continue to be in a constant search for a natural organic deodorant that actually works!! To date I have tried both of the products listed above, neither worked for more than an hour or so. One great product that did work all day was Kiss my Face, Active Enzyme Deodorant, however whether it was the patchouli scent I chose or something else it caused a rash under my arms, bummer! Nature’s Gate, Organics Fruit Blend Deodorant works about 5 hours. The best I have found to date and the one I am currently using is Jason, Herbs & Spice Deodorant Stick. The Jason product will usually get me though an 8 hour shift at the grocery store where I work, but not much longer than that for sure!!
As to shaving to cut down odor, men, as a rule don’t shave and I don’t find that my male friends smell more or less stinky than I do. I will continue not shaving and continue the quest for the perfect natural organic deodorant!
The Northwoods Hippie Girl, living the very green life in Northern Wisconsin.
Comment by Northwoods Hippie Girl — January 3, 2006 @ 12:39 pm
Hey Hippie Girl! Thanks for the deodorant tips! I’ll have to try this Jason, Herbs & Spice. I do have to agree — both deodorants mentioned above don’t last as long as the conventional stuff.
I’m stil not sure if I’ve just gotten too used to the aluminum, sweat-preventing stuff that basically keeps you from sweating — which def. prevents odor but is also v. unnatural — or if I need to keep looking for better deodorant…
In the meantime, I’m just applying more frequently ;)
Comment by Siel — January 7, 2006 @ 1:55 pm
sweat is not what causes body odor, it’s the bacteria that festers in that warm, damp area. However, the body does emit a special scent from there, and where else might you guess… that’s right, the groin. both these places are also key toxin disposal points (as far as i’ve read).
hm, if only people knew what “real pheremones” smelled like…
maybe i’m just a natural wonder, but washing under the arms with soap is enough to keep me smelling fresh for at least 24 hours (’til the next shower)
Comment by anon — January 20, 2006 @ 10:26 pm
I read somewhere that Koreans have the fewest sweat pores of all people — which I take to mean that I should be one of the least stinky, deodorized or not. As of yet, I can’t figure out if I really DO smell due to my distaste for conventional deodorant, or if I’m just imagining it –
Comment by Siel — February 3, 2006 @ 11:29 pm
Funny because for me I’ve found that of all the many natural deodorants I’ve tried, Tom’s is the only one that keeps me from getting too stinky. I like that it does not leave that awful white crap all over my pits or my clothes. I also like that there’s an unscented version that both keeps my own B.O. in check while not making me smell like a vase of sweat tinged flowers. Can’t stand any of that scented stuff!
Comment by Foodeater — August 12, 2008 @ 2:37 pm