It’s been a while since I’ve shared a natural deodorant review with you.
It’s not that I’ve been keeping anything secret — it’s just that this search for a perfect natural deodorant, well, stinks.
One of the first natural deodorants that actually worked a little better for more than these is Crystal Body Deodorant Stick … but it’s far from perfect.
At A Glance
Crystal Body Deodorant Stick
Ingredients: Mineral Salt (Potassium Silicate), Ammonium Aluminum
Price: 4.25-ounce stick, $7
Overall Rating (1-5, 5 being best)
2/5
EWG Rating
0
Pros
- Does not contain aluminum chlorohydrate, aluminum zirconium, parabens or phthalates
- Does not test on animals
- Recommended by national cancer treatment centers
- Affordable pricing and easily accessible
- Goes on clear
- Not sticky
Cons
- Odor protection fades at the end of the work day
- Application process isn’t convenient
- Ingredients questionable to health according to some natural health and beauty experts
Does Natural Deodorant Work? TMI Details
At first, I was thrilled with the Crystal Body Deodorant Stick.
Though the application process was a bit annoying (you have to wet the crystal — it’s essentially a rock — and then roll it on), the Crystal Body Deodorant Stick was more effective at keeping me odor-free throughout the day than other natural deodorants I tried.
However, like with most other natural deodorants I tested, by about day three or four, the effectiveness wore down, and I found myself with that same musty stench by the end of each work day. And the application process annoyed me even more.
Le sigh.
While I’ve moved on from the Crystal Body Deodorant Stick in my search for the perfect natural deodorant, it’s not just because it doesn’t provide as much odor protection as I like; it’s also because I’m lost as to whether crystal deodorants are even really that natural.
Dr. Mercola notes that while the potassium and ammonium alum ingredients in crystal body deodorants are “natural mineral salts made up of molecules that are too large to be absorbed by your skin,” they aren’t exactly aluminum-free — and isn’t that the very reason we all bend over backwards trying to find safe, natural deodorant?
The natural beauties over at No More Dirty Looks also have a post dedicated to the crystal deodorant conversation, but don’t seem to take a stance on these natural deodorants, either.
As for me? I’ve put away the Crystal Body Deodorant Stick not for the lack of clarity around the safety of the product, but for the lack of power in protecting me against my own stench.
The search continues …
Have you tried any crystal-style natural deodorants? Did they work for you? Where do you stand on the potassium and ammonium alum ingredient issue? Tell me in the comments section!