If you have started to "go green" and make your lifestyle a little more natural, you may want to consider switching to a natural deodorant. You are already trying to stay away from household and beauty products that contain chemicals, so why not switch over in this department also?
Why change deodorants
There are good reasons to change to a greener deodorant. Did you know that regular deodorants contain toxic chemicals? Aluminum and parabens are commonly found in most deodorants and both have been linked to harmful effects. According to P.D. Darbre in the January 8, 2004, Journal of Applied Toxocology article, "Concentrations of Parabens in Human Breast Tumours", evidence of linkage between parabens and breast cancer was found when parabens were uncovered in human breast tumours. While research has been inconclusive, aluminum has also been studied due to links between itself and Alzheimer's disease.
Natural deodorants are just that. Deodorants. They are not anti-perspirants, which are usually aluminum based. The difference is that deodorants combat smell, while anti-perspirants battle sweat.
Wait, wait! Don't run away! You won't be a sweaty mess if you leave behind the anti-perspirant. Your body might take a little while to get used to regulating itself and not having anti-perspirant applied each day, but it will come around. After a week of using natural deodorant, I found that I actually was sweating less than before I had switched over. Plus, I can feel great knowing that I am not applying harmful chemicals to my body every day.
Which aluminum free deodorant to buy
Now that more people are catching on to finding a healthier underarm option, there are many green options out there. Your choice will depend on if you want to buy it locally or online, your price range, and which form and smell you would like.
If you want something that is not going to cost too much more than "regular" deodorant/anti-perspirants and that you can find at your local chain store, than you might want to choose one of these options:
- Tom's of Maine is found in many chain stores and has a large following.
- Arm and Hammer's line of natural deodorants have worked great for me.
If you are comfortable with spending a little more and don't mind shopping online, you might want to try one of these popular choices:
- Dr. Hauschka's line of skin care items carry a heftier price tag, but also a loyal following of fans.
- Weleda is another great organic skin care line that carries deodorants.
There is also the option of trying a crystal. such as Crystal Body Deodorant, which are made from naturally occurring mineral salt.
Make your own deodorant
If you really want to get back to the basics (and save money!) that you can try making your own. Everyone in the green community seems to have their favorite "recipe", but here are some options that you can choose from:
- Plain old baking soda
- 6 tbl. coconut oil, 1/4 cup baking soda, and 1/4 cup cornstarch (or arrowroot powder)
- Apple cider vinegar
- Witch hazel with a drop of tea tree oil
Donna Jenkins - I am an English gradaute turned stay-at-home mom who loves to read and write about everything and anything. I live in upstate New York ...
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