A year and a half ago, I tried to stop using antiperspirant. For about 3 months, I used a natural deodorant made with baking soda. Unfortunately, I developed some sort of allergic reaction to what I thought was the deodorant and stopped using it. However, I eventually discovered that my allergy was actually to the soap I was using while shaving, not the deodorant.
For over a year, I continued to use antiperspirant, although I used it much less frequently, didn’t apply it immediately after shaving (when skin is raw and more likely to absorb chemicals), and used a deodorant that contained only 16% aluminum (my former brand was 25% I believe). Now that I am expecting again, I’m thinking more and more about all the aluminum and parabens and phthalates in my deodorant that are no doubt being absorbed into my body and possibly concentrating in my breasts. I don’t want to breastfeed my child while using a product with so many nasty chemicals and ingredients that I have otherwise eliminated from my home.
So about a month ago, I resolved to try natural deodorant again. I am using a brand called Lafes. I found it at the natural grocery store, but it looks like you can buy it online as well. Over 70% of the ingredients are organic, and it uses natural salts and essential oils to control bacteria. I also appreciate that there are no synthetic ingredients in the deodorant. Granted it is winter, but I feel like so far I’m happy with the switch. I definitely sweat now, but I don’t find that I smell. I still have antiperspirant in my bathroom, but I’m really happy not to be using it for the time being.
About Lafes deoderant, from their website:
Most of our deodorants are made with mineral salts, similar to those found in the earth’s crust. Mineral salts eliminate bacteria that cause body odor. Lafe’s deodorants are not antiperspirants; we believe that perspiration is a healthy and natural process for the body. Our deodorants are formulated to eliminate the cause of body odor, bacteria, naturally. Each product has a natural antibacterial agent, along with certified organic ingredients such as hemp oil, aloe vera and essential oils.
Lafe’s deodorants are a healthy alternative to antiperspirants. Antiperspirants plug
up the pores of the skin, which is an unhealthy process, as perspiration in a healthy process allowing toxins to be released from the body. We believe, as do many others, that long-term use of antiperspirants may contribute to breast cancer and other diseases common in the western world. Lafe’s deodorant line does not contain any parabens, propylene glycol, synthetic preservatives, artificial fragrances, or petroleum-based chemicals.
