Traditional deodorants are overflowing with horribly toxic ingredients like aluminum (linked to breast cancer and Alzheimer’s), Parabens, PEGs, petrochemicals, and synthetics. When applied liberally every single day, you can imagine what the buildup of these chemicals do to your body as you grow older.
But the truth is, nobody likes to be the smelly person in the room. Although it requires slightly more work it is very possible to smell great while remaining toxin-free. I believe that a well rounded regimen can completely eliminate any funky odors that might spring about, even if you are an excessively sweaty mess running laps during a summer day. Everyone is unique and your regime really depends on your needs and lifestyle but here is what works for me. This process works for me through hours of circus training, yoga or running outside in the heat.
- Eat a healthy vegan diet consisting of whole foods. (no refined foods, sugars, and preservatives).
- Wash with Dr Bronner’s Tea Tree soap. It is naturally antimicrobial!
- Allow pits to dry completely. Then apply Weleda citrus spray. I typically keep my arms up and frolic around my apartment like a lunatic until they dry.
- Apply some baby powder to help with sweating. I currently use Burt’s Bees Baby Bee powder, but will be switching to another brand after I am out. (BB’s works wonders but is owned by Clorox – a very un-vegan company!) Perhaps Farm Baby?
- Halfway through the day, or right before embarking on intense physical activity I refresh the Weleda spray with a small bottle in my bag.
I think the best way to combat the stinkies is with a healthy diet, a combination of products and re-application.
Here are my favorite products that work by neutralizing odor causing bacteria, instead of just masking smells like many natural deodorants tend to do.
Miessence Tahitian Breeze Roll-on Deodorant
Aubrey Organics Calendula Blossom Natural Deodorant Spray
