A Clean Deodorant That Actually Works
By Jaclyn Tracy
Summer is here and that means warm temperatures for many. For some, it also means humid, sticky weather.
Personally, I am extremely active and I love the outdoors. On weekends, you can find me hiking, rollerblading (yes, rollerblading), running, biking or gardening. What comes with doing these outdoor activities in the ninety degree Ohio heat? Smelly perspiration.
Deodorants and antiperspirants are not the same thing. Sweat is not what smells, it’s the bacteria that feed on our sweaty pits that causes the odor.
One thing you should know about clean deodorants before purchasing is that they will not stop you from sweating. That’s because natural formulas lack aluminum, the ingredient in conventional antiperspirants that plugs up sweat glands.
Why is aluminum an issue?
In the 1960s and 1970s, research studies linked aluminum to the development of Alzheimer’s disease but these have since been deemed inconclusive. However, Aluminum compounds can interfere with estrogen in our bodies. Some research has suggested that these aluminum compounds may be absorbed by the skin and cause changes in estrogen receptors of breast cells. Because estrogen can promote the growth of both cancer and non-cancer breast cells, some scientists have suggested that using the aluminum-based compounds in antiperspirants may be a risk factor for the development of breast cancer.
Traditional deodorants and antiperspirants also contain parabens, which are compounds formed from organic acid and alcohol that act as preservatives in deodorant, antiperspirant, shampoos, lotions, cosmetics, and many other personal care products. By hindering the growth of microorganisms, parabens give products a longer, more stable shelf life. Worse yet, parabens have been found in breast cancer tumors, but because these diseases are complex, it is nearly impossible to draw definitive conclusions about the origin.
A statement from the American Cancer Society concluded, “There are no strong epidemiologic studies in the medical literature that link breast cancer risk and antiperspirant use, and very little scientific evidence to support this claim.”
However, the Editor in Chief of Harvard Women's Health Watch, Celeste Robb-Nicholson, M.D., still suggests, “If you'd prefer to err on the side of caution, check natural or health food stores for products that don't contain parabens. In addition to shampoos, lotions, and cosmetics, some hair-care products such as mousses and gels, sunless tanning products, and breast-enhancing creams, also contain parabens.”
When it comes to using product on my own skin, I choose to take the extra precautions. So I tested these five different deodorants:
Pretty Frank (formally, Primal Pit Paste)
The key is finding a clean deodorant that works for you. It is truly a personal journey. Clean deodorants all approach B.O, in a different way, some apply botanical and clay powders to absorb wetness; others use essential oils and plant ingredients to target odor.
A sustainable approach includes assessing both how the product ingredients are farmed but also how is the product is packaged. Conventional deodorant tubes are made of plastic and they are sadly rarely recycled. Keywords I look out for when searching for a sustainable, natural deodorants include:
Non-Toxic
Paraben Free
Aluminum Free
Biodegradable, Compostable or Refillable/Reusable Packaging
Palm Oil Free
Beyond environmental concerns, it’s also good to look for product’s that have ethical ingredient sourcing policies that are labeled cruelty-free, which means the products and ingredients were not tested on animals at any stage during product development.
The only natural deodorant I recommend out of the five I tested is Meow Meow Tweet Tea Tree Deodorant Cream. The reason I am not recommending the others is because they did not control odor—for me.
I love the Meow Meow Tweet Deodorant Cream because I consider tea tree oil to be the most magical essential oil out there. It has been used topically for generations to help protect skin against harmful bacteria. It’s commonly used to treat acne, athlete's foot, lice, nail fungus and insect bites.
I also use tea tree oil if I ever have an acne outbreak and now, I use it in my deodorant too.
Beyond tea tree oil, the Meow Meow Tweet deodorant is made with baking soda, arrowroot and clay combine to help keep your pits dry and control odor. Organic plant oils and shea butter moisturize and soothe sensitive underarm skin, while aromatic essential oils combat bacteria responsible for underarm odor.
Though the cream does effectively absorb some moisture, it is not an antiperspirant.
MEOW MEOW TWEET
Meow Meow Tweet is my favorite clean, sustainable deodorant.
Meow Meow Tweet is a small-batch skin care company that creates vegan products with pure, all natural and organic ingredients. It offers deodorant in both stick and cream form. They’re not just ethical but also extremely effective.
Sustainable Practices:
All their deodorants are 100% vegan, cruelty free.
All products are made with organic, unrefined plant oils and butters, steam-distilled and cold-pressed essential oils and organic and wild-crafted botanicals.
Many of their ingredients are USDA certified organic.
The packaging is 100% recyclable, but since biodegradable packaging is always preferable to glass, we recommend the compostable cardboard sticks.
Price Range: $
Our Picks:
One note for travel, the coconut oil can separate and leak out of the glass jar, so we’ve heard, just something to be aware before hopping on a plane.
What clean deodorant do you use? Email us hello@thesistain.com and you could be featured in our extensive review on clean deodorants.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Jaclyn Tracy's goal with SISTAIN is to make a greater difference by educating, activating and making sustainable consumerism not only easier, but aspirational. She believes success is in the collective impact, getting a whole group of people to change their behavior by committing to choosing sustainable brands, less waste and imperfect progress. Jaclyn is also the co-founder of Brand Effect, a holistic digital marketing agency.
