By April Streeter | Tue Jul 28, 2009 10:23
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Buy Green: Deodorants
Try one of these aluminum-free alternatives to smell sweet when the heat is on.
Though there's a social stigma around body odor, deodorant doesn't necessarily need to be a daily habit. Instead, save deo for the days when heat and stress plus the need to be close to people could combine to make you a bit stinkier than normal. A little sweat is healthy—cooling down the body and releasing toxins—and your personal odor (if it doesn't overpower) is scientifically proven to have a lot to do with attracting a mate.
When you do need to roll some on, choose those that don't contain potentially harmful aluminum chlorohydrate or petroleum-based ingredients which are even present in 'natural' choices, such as the very popular Tom's of Maine, which has propylene glycol on its ingredient list. The five deodorants listed below are purer alternatives for those necessary occasions.
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Crystal Body Deodorant Stick (Original) From Crystal
Why We Like It: Crystal Body Deodorant Stick is the market leader in the mineral salts deodorant category. The hard, glass-like rock is crystallized ammonium alum, and it works by preventing the bacteria that causes body odor. Should be applied when your underarms are damp.
Eco Factor: There aren't any extras with crystal deodorants—it's just the mineral salts and nothing else. On the down side, most crystal deodorants hail from Thailand—but a stick will last for months, if not years.
Stink Factor: If used correctly, most bodies will have nothing to worry about with a crystal deodorant. If you are very, uh, fragrant, have a stick at the office for touch ups.
Where: Major health food stores, or Crystal.
How Much: $7 for a 4.25 ounce stick
Image courtesy of Crystal
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T'eo Deodorant From Lush
Why We Like It: The T'eo bar double-sided deo bar is based on sodium bicarbonate (baking soda to you and me)—long known as an odor absorber.
Eco factor: Lush deodorants are not all created equal—some still contain petroleum-based propelyne glycol and/or talc. But T'eo gets its strength from cream of tartar and baking soda plus essential oils from citrus and tea tree. Extra plus: minimal paper packaging.
Stink Factor: T'eo is made, according to Lush, for armpits that like to make their presence felt. So it is effective—you'll have to see if you like or can live with the mildly antiseptic quality lent to the bar from the tea tree oil.
Where: Lush or at retailers around the world.
How Much: $8.15 for a 3.1 ounce bar
Image courtesy of Lush
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Lavanilla Healthy Deodorant From Lavanilla Laboratories
Why We Like It: Lavanilla Healthy Deodorant is not geared for the manly among us. While Lavanilla Laboratories makes four different formulations of deodorant, vanilla is among them all. The soft, powdery scent will last through a "tide of perspiration."
Eco Factor: If you can take vanilla with grapefruit, or vanilla with coconut or lavender, or even if you like your vanilla unadulterated, then you'll love the fact that Lavanilla's products have no aluminum, parabens, or propylene glycol. They are based on aloe juice.
Stink Factor: Definitely sweet-smelling, and definitely for vanilla fans.
Where: Lavanilla Laboratories
How Much: $18 for 1.7 ounce stick
Image courtesy of Lavanila Laboratories
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Lemon Sage Organic Deodorant From Erbaviva
Why We Like It: Erbaviva Lemon Sage Deodorant is a good alternative for those that prefer a spray-on product. Erbaviva?s deodorants (also available in Jasmine Grapefruit) are based on organic grain alcohol, a natural bacteria stopper, plus the addition of organic essential oil blends. And it includes none of the nasties.
Eco Factor: Erbaviva makes many organic products for babies, and is committed to sourcing high quality products and essential oils.
Stink Factor: The formulations are fragrant but not overly so, and fairly gender neutral.
Where: Erbaviva
How Much: $18 for 3.4 ounces
Image courtesy of Erbaviva
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Chamomile and Lemon Verbena Organic Deodorant From Nature's Gate
Why We Like It: Nature's Gate Organic Deodorant is free from all the stuff you'd want it to be, and is based on vegetable glycerin. According to the company, a combination of witch hazel and oak gall create a powerful odor-blocking agent. It's also the most affordable choice on our list, and is available in stick and roll-on.
Eco Factor: The long ingredients list is a bit daunting and contains two items—sodium stearate and Stearate-100—that can cause skin irritation in some.
Stink Factor: This choice comes closest to mimicking more mainstream deodorant scents—that can be a good thing if you are transitioning.
Where: Widely available at grocery and health food stores or at Nature's Gate.
How Much: $6 for a 1.7 ounce stick
Image courtesy of Nature's Gate
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