DEODORANTS: WHICH STICK WORKS BEST?

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ProfileIn the face of all horrors that are going on around the world right now, it seems terribly superficial to be even thinking about deodorants, however, most of us (Julia Roberts aside,) slap it on everyday and given the fact that it could be harmful, makes it worth taking a look at which of the “natural” ones actually work. I’m not someone who sweats very much while exercising or during strenuous work, but I do sweat, or should I say “perspire” when I’m nervous. This can pose a serious problem when performing in front of large groups of people or when I’m on TV. I’ll never forget doing a segment on iVillage, when it was shot outside in Orlando (at the Theme Park). My nerves of doing live TV, coupled with the humidity factor shooting through the roof, posed a massive problem. I ended up walking around the table in the segment with my arms glued like sticks to my sides – totally paranoid. The “natural” deodorant that I had grabbed at a health food store the day before proved totally useless.

I really should have known – after all, I’d spent a few years testing a plethora of deodorants to review. Now I never take a risk with a brand that I don’t know. Here’s what I do know: Most of the more effective antiperspirant deodorants contain aluminum and a bunch of chemicals that could be harmful. Some studies have even concluded that such deodorants could prove a cancer risk in that we smear these chemicals on an area of our body, which is very close to a high concentration of lymph nodes. Read this interesting article by Dr Chris Mcgrath, MD. The connection between aluminum and alzheimers is inconclusive so far, but even so, the mere suggestion of a possible connection is enough to steer even the most stoic drugstore-brand user away.180px-Right_Gaurd_bathroom_setting

I remember when I was a teenager, LOVING, the most harsh smelling antiperspirants I could find. I was thrilled with my Dad’s Right Guard Spray, with a picture of a hunky, hairy dude on the can, and spraying it was literally like setting off a fire extinguisher under my arms. They’ve now phased out those evil sprays because in the 80’s they found that the CFCs in aerosols were causing a hole in the Ozone layer.417LFd3ZaOL._SL500_AA280_

If you ever choose to use a drugstore sweat-blocking (and somewhat suspect brand), at least choose one that is unscented. When I was out of town for a TV appearance last year and my luggage got lost, there was a very limited choice at the local drugstore, so I clicked onto the Skindeep database to find which was the least bad, and found to my surprise that the Ban Unscented, had a low hazard-rating of 1 out of 10. So if you’re wedded to your drugstore favorite, always go for the unscented, as  it’ll bring the hazard score way down.

So back to which non-toxic stick work best for a sweaty girl?

1. Herbal Magic Deodorant: This really comes in tops as one that smells great (Herbal or Jasmine Scent), and really keeps me dry and smelling sweet.412gnFx1AaL._SL500_AA280_PIbundle-4,TopRight,0,0_AA280_SH20_ You can order it off from Amazon in a cost-effective 4 pack.

2.Tom’s Of Maine, Unscented Gel Stick: This is my husband’s go-to stick. He likes unscented (doesn’t really dig the idea of smelling like Jasmine flowers,) and he thinks this does a great job. I use it occasionally and agree. It’s actually called The Original Care Deodorant.

tomsofmaine3.Naturally Fresh Deodorant Crystal: These deodorants work pretty well if you’re into the crystal thing. Friends of mine swear by this brand.natfresh-deo-front-large

So that’s the skinny on deodorants for the day. Please weigh in and tell us your favorites too. oh one more thing, a plug here for my new book out in June 2010: I have an awesome recipe of a homemade deodorant, which is hard to beat..but you’ll have to wait till June!

20 thoughts on “DEODORANTS: WHICH STICK WORKS BEST?”

  1. Alvera roll on deoderant is AMAZING and so CHEAP! I can’t figure out why is never listed in a top 10! I have tried ALL of the above deoderants and none of them would get me through a full day. I don’t know how this one works so well, but I just tried it once bc it was so cheap and now me (and my friends who have switched) are AMAZED.

  2. I have tried a ton of the natural ones, and just like their chemical counterparts, none of them work for me. I found a recipe online that works so well I can’t believe it! It does not keep you from sweating but my husband and I have not had a single day when we smelled–at all! It’s simply Coconut oil, baking soda, and arrowroot powder or cornstarch. I added some lemongrass essential oil for anti-bacterial and scent purposes. We’ve been using it for over a month and it’s still working great! Can’t say that about any other deodorant I have ever used my entire life.

  3. I use Tom’s of Maine> The amazing thing is that its readily available at Target. Convenient. I use it, and although I sometimes realize I need a refresher of it, I don’t feel like I’m caked under my arms.

  4. Fortunately because my diet is so clean and healthy (vegan, organic, and mostly raw), I rarely wear deodorant because I don’t need it. However, there are those rare hormonal days that can change that and for those days I always turn to Terressentials deodorant. Amazing stuff.

  5. My husband loves Toms but I have a terrible reaction to it-underarm rash. Still looking for an alternative. Will definitely try Herbal Magic

  6. I’ve tried all 3 of the recommendations and the only one that works for me is the Jasmine Herbal Magic. I’ve been using it for the past 2 years and I’m still a happy camper.

  7. I haven’t tried all the ones listed. I use Arm&Hammer and have to reapply it once a day if I am outside and working hard. I live in hot, humid South Florida where the only thin I expect from my deodorant is not to smell.

  8. I do not like Toms at all. It gave me a rash. I thought I liked the crystals until after about a month or two of using I ended up with a rash from that too. The crystal also didn’t keep me smelling fresh. I will try the Herbal Magic next…

  9. I acually have found that the Crystal Stick works for me. It is like $7, but it can last for years. You have to wet the top of it before putting it on. It doesn’t have a smell to it, but it also doesn’t let you smell. I love it!

  10. Karen, Toms gave me a rash as well. I don’t know what it is in it that does that but there must be something I am allergic to in it.

  11. I prefer the crystal products they have worked for me for a few months now. Every deodorant that was a gel like type has always broke me out so when I found the crystal stuff I was so excited and glad I wouldn’t be sticking on anymore toxic junk!

  12. I’ve tried Toms roll on and that gave me a rash. The stick works okay, but it does not help me from smelling and I have to carry around the deodorant all day in my bag. I’ve also tried the crystal and it seems to work better than Toms stick, but not for long. I think I’m going to try herbal magic next.

  13. The Jasmine Herbal Magic smells great but I found myself having to reapply half way through the day. Haven’t tried the crystals. I’m very open to the homemade option, so I look forward to the new book.

  14. Alyssa Kaliszewski

    I’ve used Tom’s before, and for the most part it works, but I find that it doesn’t do as much as I want. How effective have you found your homemade one to be?

  15. I use Lafe’s Deodorants, they have been around forever and do not use artifical fragrancing. They truly are the natural deodorant that works.

    Also they use certified organic ingredients. Try the rollon or spray of course the crystal stick is always good too!

  16. I figured out a major trick with using natural deodorant–I start with a Tea Tree soap in the shower to pull out impurities in my armpits and clean my skin well first.

    Tea Tree is a natural anti viral and antibacterial so it works fantastic for the armpit area!

    Then–I am able to use a natural deodorant by Lemongrass Spa Products.

    Read labels carefully–I used to use the Jason Natural Deodorant until I found out that my rash was caused by the #2 ingredient: Propylene Glycol! Uggghhh

    I hope this helps others as well.
    OurLemongrassSpa.com/Jill

  17. I am using Kiss my face. It smells like lavendar.I bought it at Wegmans. In their organic section. I hope it is okay.

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