Best Natural Deodorants

Healthy B Daily

It's not your fault. The deodorant you bought bragged about its all-natural ingredients. You read the label expecting your aloe-filled pit pores to smell like a lavender field in Provence. So, how come you smell like a plumber in 90-degree heat?

Deodorants and anti-perspirants are very different. Anti-perspirants actually stop the body's natural process of sweating and prevent your pores from releasing toxins. Your underarms are the gateway to your lymphatic system and their job is to fight infections. So taking small steps, such as using a deodorant, can help protect you from any potential health risks. But, most deodorants on the market (even natural touting products we all love) have dangerous chemicals that are not really talked about.

The two biggest culprits are:

Aluminum. Some studies have found a link between Alzheimer's disease and aluminum. A 1993 World Health Organization "Public Health Report" cited autopsies that found high concentrations of aluminum in the brains of those afflicted with Alzheimer's disease. This is a memory you might want to hold onto.

Propylene Glycol. Commonly found in our cosmetics and hair care products, it's a form of mineral oil used in automatic brake and hydraulic fluid, and industrial antifreeze. Nice. It serves as a humectant, helping retain moisture content to preventing things from drying out. The Material Safety Data Sheet warns users to avoid skin contact with propylene glycol as this strong skin irritant can cause liver abnormalities and kidney damage. Honey, you're rubbing it all over your pits.

Just like other beauty products, all deodorants are not created equal. Some help mask odor and soothe while others are duds like that guy you found on yourfuturegroom.com.

So what to buy? No worries. The gals at Healthy B Daily sweated it out for you, and guess who came up smelling like a bed of roses? These picks are aluminum, paraben and propylene glycol free:

SMASHING. LaVanila Healthy Deodorant. It's 100-percent natural and fights odor with powerful antioxidants, antibacterial agents, active botanicals and essential oils. It's a bit on the pricier end, but your pits are worth the extra pocket change. Go Vanilla nutso with Vanilla Grapefruit, Vanilla Coconut, Vanilla Lavender, Vanilla Grapefruit and, of course, Pure Vanilla. $18, www.sephora.com.

SERENE. Hugo Natural Dual-Action Formula. Not as glamorous as LaVanila, but definitely kept us dry and happy much longer than expected. Hey, he even called the next day. Do know, the stick glides on a bit chalky-like but you'll smell like a flower garden. For some, you might have to apply twice a day. $5.26, iherb.com.

SMELLY. Nature's Gate Lavender & Aloe Deodorant Stick. This pretty stick actually has organic essences fresh from a field locally grown in California. It boasts baking soda to help neutralize odor. We didn't omit any bad body odors, but strange ones? Why, yes. Nature's Gate left our armpits with a weird aroma-from-my-freshly-washed-bathroom-floor. Probably best for those who don't sweat during a status meeting. $4.89, Whole Foods retailer or www.wholefoods.com

SIMPLE. Make your own natural deodorant: Mix equal parts cornstarch and baking soda and a few drops of your favorite essential oil in a glass jar. Pat on with a washcloth. Like a spray deodorant? Try combining 1/4 cup witch hazel, 1 tablespoon glycerin and a few drops of essential oil into a small spray bottle. Works like a charm.

Don't sweat the small stuff. You got it figured out.

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