A healthy lifestyle, clean foods, nontoxic personal care products. These are all high on our list of must haves. Soaking wet pits are not. How to not sweat when making the switch to natural deodorants?

You use organic cosmetics, nontoxic shampoo, natural body lotion. Have yet to make the change to natural deodorant? This is a trouble spot for many.

Personal preference definitely comes into play when choosing deodorant. But there is one thing all of us can agree on. A deodorant must work. In other words, it has to keep you odor-free and as dry as possible.

Yes, natural deodorant is known for allowing swamp pit to happen. Old school natch deods contain no perspiration prohibiting ingredients and allow the body to sweat naturally. This type of deodorant works to control odor that occurs when sweat sits on skin and forms bacteria. And many do a good job of keeping stink at bay.

The selling point of natural deodorants, other than the obvious avoidance of chemical exposure, used to be the sweat factor. That your body is supposed to sweat to eliminate toxins is a fact. But sweat stains are socially unacceptable, not to mention uncomfortable and gross, so this argument fell flat with most consumers.

Here’s the deal: It no longer has to be this way. You can use chemical-free deodorant without making several shirt changes a day. Natural deodorants without perspiration control are so 2000-yuck. Let’s hop into the now and use nontoxic armpit protection that keeps you fresh as a daisy and provides some dampness defense.

Of course, the natural ingredients used to ward off sweat are not as effective as chemical antiperspirants. Aluminum Zirconium Trichlorohydrex, the ingredient used in conventional deodorant/antiperspirants to stop sweat, blocks pores and prevents perspiration from coming to the surface of the skin. The ingredient may be good at its job, but what about the health issues?

Aluminum Zirconium Trichlorohydrex is a known skin irritant and has potential to cause DNA damage in humans. Studies have also linked the ingredient to Alzheimer’s disease, citing that aluminum may cause the formation of plaques in the human brain contributing to dementia. And the list of harmful effects on the human body due to aluminum goes on.

Aluminum isn’t the only toxin rolling around in mainstream antiperspirants. Petro-chems, parabens, propylene glycol, and synthetic fragrance are the usual nasty suspects found in most of these products.

Disheartened? Hang on. There are several high quality nontoxic deodorants to choose from and measures you can take to make them most effective.

How to Not Sweat: 5 Tips to Staying Dry With Natural Deodorant (Plus Product Picks!)

1 Stay the Course // Not gonna lie, things get worse before they get better once the switch has been made. It’s common to experience some extra wetness when first using an aluminum-free product. Right before a public speaking event or first date are not ideal occasions to try natural for the first time. Have faith. As your body acclimates to your new products, things will get drier.

2 Stock Up // Yes, I said products. Plural. One of the best ways to make sure your deodorant stays effective, rotate amongst a few. Having three or four options in your dry pit arsenal, and alternating them out each week or two, seems to be key in staving off odor and wetness. I am not sure of the science behind this method, but it works.

3 A Chill Diet // Foods hot in temperature obviously warm you up and cause perspiration. Onions, garlic, coffee, and alcohol are also foods said to get sweat stirred up. Go easy on these when you want to stay dry.

4 Dress for Success // Wear light breathable fabrics and clothes that aren’t too tight to prevent underarms from getting damp. Layering also helps to ward off heat waves and sopped pits.

5 Powder Room // A puff of powder helps to absorb wetness and freshen up underarms. Burt’s Bees Dusting Powder is a talc-free option.

Ok, so which products are best? All of the following natural deodorants are free from harmful ingredients. They also contain sweat absorbing ingredients, like cornstarch, bamboo fibers, baking soda, or arrowroot powder.

Soapwalla Deodorant Cream

Schmidt’s Natural Deodorant

Bubble & Bee Organic Pit Putty Cream

Blissoma Scentless Stick

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Image of woman with sweat mark via Shutterstock

The post How to Not Sweat (or Stink) With Natural Deodorant appeared first on EcoSalon.

Make your own natural deodorant and not only protect yourself from toxins but also radiate freshness!

For most of us, deodorant is part of our morning ritual and is as necessary as brushing our teeth or hair before we hit the daily grind. But did you know that deodorants and antiperspirants are often made with toxic chemicals that can contribute to breast cancer?

Aluminum is an active ingredient in antiperspirants that blocks sweat glands so that you stay dry. If it builds up in your system, aluminum can be toxic. Other potentially dangerous substances found in deodorants and antiperspirants include parabens, propylene glycol, TEA & DEA, triclosan, FD&C colors, and talc. And because of the armpits proximity to the breast and the regular absorption of aluminum and these other preservatives and additives into the skin, antiperspirant and deodorant application has been linked to cancer and Alzheimer’s Disease.

In a 2003 study conducted by the European Journal of Cancer Prevention of 437 women with breast cancer, those who used deodorant at least two times per week and shaved their armpits at least three times per week developed breast cancer some 15 years earlier than those who did neither.

While far more studies are needed to confirm the causation, aluminum and other toxins’ influence on breast cancer are enough to cause concern. The best way to avoid the possibility of contributing to the onset of cancer is to control what goes in your deodorant by purchasing one of the many natural deodorants on the market, or by making your own version. This homemade deodorant recipe is a great start!

Homemade Natural Deodorant

 Makes enough to last 6 months

Ingredients

• ½ cup coconut oil (solid)
• 1/4 cup baking soda
• 1/4 cup arrowroot powder
• 15-20 drops essential oil of choice

Directions

Place the baking soda and arrowroot powder in a bowl and mix until evenly combined. Add the coconut oil and mix thoroughly, either in a food processor or with the back of a fork. Add the essential oils as you mix.

Image: Amber Karnes

The post DIY: Go Eco (and Healthy) with Your Deodorant appeared first on EcoSalon.