I have always been leery of the chemicals I put in and on my body. The winter of 2017 I decided to make a lot of changes due to my own failing health. I decided I was going to start medical school, loose weight and finally detox from aluminum deodorant that I had been wearing for over 20 years.
In my head the deodorant free journey would mean in a week or two, the smell would go away and I would naturally smell like a lovely field of flowers. I was suddenly going to start sweating roses and peonies. I WAS WRONG! The main problem is that my armpits just stink. Even when I'm not sweating, I smell like I just got out of the gym. Have to thank my gene pool for this.
The realization that I need to wear some kind of deodorant, sans aluminum, got me on the idea that I can make my own deodorant. DO NOT MAKE YOUR OWN DEODORANT, unless you know how your skin reacts to things such as bicarbonate soda (Baking Soda). It left me with an odd discoloration on my skin that was rather unpleasant and sensitive for a while. This discoloration and sensitivity has since past. We are talking about my journey and what worked for me, making my own deodorant was not one of those things.
I remember sitting in class and wondering why I started to detox WHEN I KNEW I WOULD BE AROUND A LOT OTHER PEOPLE. My classmates never said anything but I'm sure I didn't smell pleasant.
I found that keeping my armpit hair waxed or as short as possible helped enormously. Also this topical recipe added in my natural body odor not smelling so bad:
Tablespoon of apple cider vinegar
Bentonite Clay
-Add the clay slowly to the vinegar to make a paste, I liked mine thicker so it wouldn't run down my arm. Apply onto armpits. You'll want to keep your hands raised for a minimum of 10 minutes. I laid down and watched a show during this time. I kept the paste on till it dried and then showered. Keep in mind this paste smells terrible. I did this a couple times a week and it helped me not stink for a solid 24-36 hours. Keep in mind this paste has to be made right before use. Of course stop if irritation occurs.
I kept a baggy of witch hazel on a cotton pad (I made reusable ones) and it would give me a stink free hour, in case I went into a meeting or dinner with friends. I used T.N. Dickinson's Witch Hazel Found Here
I was sick of smelling. I NEEDED TO FIND SOMETHING THAT WORKED FOR ME. Clearly the field of flowers scent that I was expecting was a pipe dream. In my haste and frustration, I bought something like 20 different deodorants, all of which didn't work before I was back to the internet hoping I could find anything that would help me tolerate myself. I finally found 2 deodorant combinations that actually worked for me.
1. Freedom Natural Deodorant. I love it in the scent Frankincense Peach. It smells like the Peach & Cream Instant Oatmeal I ate as a child. The only downside, it's way too dry by itself, having to rub it in caused its own irritation, if you have any hair on your armpits this may be easier. So I use Nubian Heritage Mango Butter 24 Hour Deodorant first all over my armpit to lubricate and then dot the Freedom on. I understand that between the 2, you are paying roughly $26. HOWEVER, I go through 3 bottles of Nubian to every 1 of the Freedom Deodorant and the last I bought the Freedom Deodorant was February 19, 2019, which means it has lasted 2 years so far. This combination keeps my stink under check all day. No smell, no need to witch hazel. I can go to the gym and go to the store afterward and not have to worry that people will run from me screaming. I have used the Nubian Deodorant on its own, but it only works for roughly 4-5 hours before my own odor takes over.
2. Kopari Charcoal Deodorant. I bought this out of sheer curiosity at a local store, I've seen all the weird commercials and ads. I was surprised that it works well and is very moisturizing, easy to apply without any of the fuss of the Freedom Deodorant. However, I do not like the scent, it is true to the charcoal smell, this scent is not that strong and doesn't last all day, so it's very tolerable. At the end of the day, I still do not smell my natural body odor. I have only had it for a couple of weeks, so I am not sure how long the tube will actually last.
Information about Freedom Natural Deodorant in Frankincense Peach:
Found on the Amazon Listing
100% NATURAL INGREDIENTS: Cruelty-free, gluten-free, and made without parabens, phthalates, or synthetic fragrances. Safe for all skin types and sensitivities, including kids.
ALUMINUM & CHEMICAL FREE: Using only natural ingredients has the added benefit of being good for the body, not harmful. Our ingredients do not interfere with your body's natural processes or health.
ALL-NATURAL FRAGRANCE: A bouquet of cypress, coriander, lavender, coconuts and lemons. It’s like walking in a luxury spa.
Net Wt 1.9 oz / 55g for roughly $18. I haven't found this anywhere but online.
Image from Amazon
Information about Nubian Heritage Mango Butter 24 Hour Deodorant:
Found on the packaging
Made with Shea & Cocoa Butters
Aluminum Free
From naturally derived ingredients
Enriched with NON-GMO certified Propanediol, a tested and effective natural deodorant ingredient derived from corn. Vegetable Glycerin and Shea Butter provide a silky glide.
2.25 oz / 64g for roughly $8. I found this locally at Walmart.
Image from Nubian Heritage Website
Information about Kopari Charcoal Deodorant:
Found on the Amazon Listing
GOES ON CLEAR: Our natural deodorant glides on smooth without leaving a sticky, white residue.
NATURALLY BASED AND MADE WITH ORGANIC COCONUT OIL: Our light coconut milk and driftwood scented unique blend of coconut water, coconut oil, and sage oil conditions and soothes even the most sensitive underarms.
NON TOXIC, NATURAL FORMULA: Our 100% plant based active deodorant works with your body’s natural functions to aid in odor reduction. Long lasting formula to leave you smelling like fresh coconut milk all day long.
2 oz/ 57g for roughly $14. I found this locally at TJ Maxx or Marshalls.
Image from Amazon
-V
Disclosure: I purchased all these items with my own money and the company had no prior knowledge to this promotion. All opinions are my own.
*I make a commission through any items you purchase through my Amazon Link(s).