Entries Tagged as 'deodorant'

May 30, 2013

beauty scoop | osmia organics deodorant cream

Now that summer is in full swing (OK, the weather is still kind of wonky here in Kansas City), my search for a natural deodorant is getting super serious.

If you can imagine how smelly and gross I feel in the winter, amplify that by like a billion when the humid, 100+ degree Midwestern summers roll around and I’m on high stink alert.

Luckily, I think my search is coming to a close. I have a handful of natural deodorants that I’m really loving right now, and while none of them is perfect, these few I’ll be sharing with you in the coming weeks get super dang close.

osmia organics deodorant cream

{Osmia Organics sent me a sample of its new natural deodorant cream for review. It retails for $12 for a 0.9-ounce canister. Photo Courtesy Osmia Organics}

At A Glance

Osmia Organics Deodorant Cream

Ingredients: organic shea butter, organic tapioca starch, organic jojoba oil, sodium bicarbonate, fuller’s earth clay, organic tamanu oil, organic vegetable glycerin, and a proprietary blend of certified organic and wild-harvested essential oils

Price: 0.90-ounce canister, $12

Overall Rating (1-5, 5 being best) 
4.5/5

EWG Rating
: n/a

Pros

  • Does not contain toxic ingredients
  • Contains extremely moisturizing ingredients
  • Created by a medical doctor
  • Herbal, unisex smell
  • Goes on clear
  • Not sticky

Cons

  • Odor protection fades at the end of the work day
  • Application process isn’t convenient
  • Some may not like the smell
  • Those sensitive to baking soda may experience slight irritation

Does Natural Deodorant Work? TMI Details

When Sarah Villafranco, the founder of Osmia Organics, told me she was developing a new deodorant cream, I was on her like a hawk for a sample.

She knows a little too much about me and my stinky armpits, and we even shared a few DMs on Twitter when she checked in on my underarms during my testing period.

“Sitting here writing a press release for the deodorant and wondering about your pits. How are they??”

I’m happy to report that my pits have been just fine while on the OODC (I just made that up), experiencing minor irritation only in the fine creases of my pits but nothing spectacularly uncomfortable or unsightly.

After my experience with another popular deodorant cream on the market, I’m also a little more aware of my shaving habits (don’t apply natural deodorants that contain a good amount of baking soda to your pits post-shave!) and am a little more generous with my application.

Osmia Organics packs in a ton of moisturizing ingredients (shea butter being the No. 1 ingredient!), and adding a little additional cream to your pits keeps them well-moisturized and protected from both odor and irritation.

One thing I will point out about this deodorant: It’s not really pretty. The color is a sort of brown-green-gray hue that looks funny in the canister and on your fingers, but I’ve never had any issues with clothing discoloration or the like. I just laugh at it every time I open it, and it kind of makes me happy.

OK, a second thing I will point out about this deodorant is the smell. You will either love it or hate it or tolerate it. I’m a bit on the fence with it. It’s very herbal and “green” smelling. Definitely a clean, almost nutty smell that would work for men or women, but I can’t quite place the scent.

I’m thinking it’s the tamanu oil that gives it this scent — and with that said, I’d rather smell like earthy tamanu oil than my own stank.

If you’re wondering about how this natural deodorant cream feels, imagine something somewhat similar to Soapwalla, but with a creamier, softer touch that is easier to mix and feels truly like a luscious moisturizing cream as you apply.

All in all, I love this natural deodorant and will be placing regular orders for it. While no, it doesn’t last through my 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. work day plus commute, my former toxic deodorant didn’t either, and like I told Sarah:

“I think that’s normal for natural and I would always reapply if I were to go back out. Unless I were hanging with people who also stank.”

Have you tried Osmia Organics Deodorant Cream? What do you think about cream deodorants? Tell me in the comments section!

 

By Kim Wallace
16 comments
filed in: beauty, deodorant
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April 18, 2013

beauty scoop | soapwalla deodorant cream

I really thought I had found the one.

When I tried Soapwalla Deodorant Cream a few months ago, it passed so many of my tests.

soapwalla deodorant cream

{Soapwalla sent me a sample of its deodorant cream to test and review. It retails for $14 for a 2-ounce tub. Photo Courtesy Soapwalla}

  • Handle a stressful, sweaty day at work? Yes.
  • Handle a 90-minute heated Ashtanga class? Yes.
  • Handle a sniff test from the Teacher Man? Yes.

I was ready to proclaim victory in my search for the perfect natural deodorant for me until day four hit.

Hello, big, nasty, red rash.

To be clear about why this surprised me, let me tell you a little about my skin.

  • I’m super-oily, not sensitive at all and have a few dry patches here and there.
  • My armpits get stinky and I’m naturally just a very sweaty girl.
  • I’m not allergic to anything besides strawberries, which I eat anyway (and get this little red bumps on my body … nothing too crazy)

What bugged me about my trial period with Soapwalla wasn’t even that I got a rash after using the one deodorant during my testing time that actually worked.

It was that the rash didn’t even appear until day four!

Typically during test periods you allow 24 hours for a reaction. I was good until 96-hour mark!

I reached out to the Soapwalla Chef, Rachel Winard, to get some feedback on my skin sensitivity. Here’s what she had to say:

“First, I recommend stirring the deodorant really well before you use it again. I wonder if the deodorant cream melted and resolidified, but during the time it was liquefied the clays and powders (which are heavier than the oils) sunk to the bottom of the jar.

Mix the cream for a good 15 seconds before your next use — almost whip it with your finger or a chopstick to really incorporate the ingredients — and try again (and let me know how that works).

99 times out of 100, this solves any irritation issues, as the concentration of the product is recalibrated. This might help explain the intermittent quality of the itch/redness.”

I’m definitely wondering if this is the issue — with homemade deodorants that use powerful natural ingredients, of course they will settle!

I’ve yet to get another jar of Soapwalla (because I want to continue searching through the other natural offerings on the market), but believe me this is still in the back of my mind to re-test.

Rachel also gave these tips for getting the most out of Soapwalla Deodorant Cream:

“Please also try shaving different days from application — sometimes the baking soda and essential oils will irritate the microabrasions that happen when you shave (razors can be pretty violent on delicate armpit skin).

I have asked a few dermatologists about various kinds of skin reactions. One mentioned that a reaction (including redness, dry skin patches and itching) can be caused by excess dried skin getting caught in the pores by the deodorant.

This made sense to me, especially since baking soda acts as its own sort of exfoliant during the day, and I started exfoliating my pits every week, and saw a dramatic improvement almost immediately.

I use a bamboo glove for the pits and a dry brush for my limbs and torso. Please use a very light touch — the skin is delicate and doesn’t need a lot of pressure. Also, please don’t do this when the irritation is at its worst; wait a day or two.”

As I continue my search for the perfect natural deodorant, I haven’t completely ruled out Soapwalla. I’m going to get another jar and follow Rachel’s advice to a T.

(And can we please give a finger snap to Rachel for providing such thorough feedback and advice via email — THAT is customer service!)

I can tell that my skin is particularly sensitive to the baking soda in the formula — I’ve had similar reactions with other baking soda formulas — so I’m going to be sure to mix, mix, mix!

Baking soda is one of the great natural ingredients that keeps odor at bay, so I definitely don’t want to be without it, though Rachel does make custom blended deodorant free of certain ingredients that may cause skin reactions.

Here’s the full ingredients list:

Organic Jojoba Oil; Organic Sunflower Oil; Organic Rosehip Seed Oil; Shea Butter; Organic Corn Starch; Baking Soda; Kaolin Clay; Vegan Organic Kosher Glycerin; Custom blend of essential oils, including Organic Lavender; Organic Tea Tree; Sweet Orange; Organic Peppermint; Organic Bergaptene-free Bergamot; Organic Non-GMO Vitamin E

What’s been your experience with natural deodorants and Soapwalla? Have you had similar reactions? Have you taken the steps above to minimize them? Tell me what you know in the comments section!

By Kim Wallace
7 comments
filed in: beauty, deodorant
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January 7, 2013

beauty scoop | crystal body deodorant stick

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.

crystal natural deodorant

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

Cons

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!

By Kim Wallace
16 comments
filed in: beauty, deodorant

August 12, 2012

beauty scoop | every man jack deodorant

So, I’ve approached the teacher man about adding some guys’ grooming content to the blog. He has agreed, but today’s post is not by him.

It’s by me.

Yes, I have tested men’s deodorant on my pits. And I’m ready to reveal how stinky/not stinky my experience was.

every man jack deodorant

{Every Man Jack deodorant costs $6 for a 3-ounce stick. Photo Courtesy Every Man Jack}

At A Glance

Every Man Jack Signature Mint Deodorant

Ingredients: Aqua/Water/Eau, Propanediol, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice*, Sodium Stearate, Witch Hazel Distillate, Gossypium Herbaceum (Cotton) Extract, Calendula Extract*, Myrrh Gum Extract, Alpine Lichen Extract, Grapefruit Seed Extract, Chamomile Extract*, Mentha Viridis (Spearmint) Leaf Oil, Crithmum Maritimum Extract, Chondrus Crispus (Carrageenan) Extract, Fragrance/Parfum. *Certified Organic

Price: 3-ounce stick, $6

Overall Rating (1-5, 5 being best)
2.5/5

EWG Rating
n/a

Pros

  • Does not contain aluminum, propylene glycol, animal byproducts, parabens or phthalates
  • Does not test on animals
  • Affordable pricing and easily accessible
  • Cooling sensation upon application
  • Goes on clear
  • Not sticky

Cons

  • Odor protection fades at the end of the work day
  • Packaging is not unisex
  • Contains fragrance

Does Natural Deodorant Work? TMI Details

On a recent haul at Whole Foods, I decided to throw this stick of Every Man Jack into my basket because I’d been having a stinky time with finding a great natural deodorant that works.

While I know it’s all marketing and advertising, something in my mind told me that because it was a men’s deodorant, it might just work for me and my crazy sweaty pits.

And you know what, it did work out for me!

So, then, why did I give it a 2.5?

There were several days during the testing period that, when the odor protection faded, I was left with a mega BO stench. With my first natural deodorant review, I was never left with a blatant BO smell…just a “musty” stench.

Had Every Man Jack’s natural deodorant left me with that same “musty” smell instead of the bad BO on those select days, I would have given it a 3, as I did with the first review, instead of a 2.5.

That said, I did like this deodorant better than the second natural deodorant I reviewed (which has been returned). I also think this deodorant will suffice during winter when the temperature isn’t so extreme.

Also, I just can’t get enough of the way it feels when I apply it. The signature mint scent gives a cool rush to your pits, and the product itself is soft and smooth — not sticky.

So, Every Man Jack natural deodorant will keep its drawer space in my bathroom for now, but I’m still on the hunt for a natural deodorant that will last all day and not leave me with too much of an offending odor.

Check back next week to see if I’ve discovered a holy grail of natural deodorants!

Ladies: Do you ever try men’s deodorant or other products that need to be “strong” for you?

Gents: Would you every try a product marketed to women to get a desired effect?

Leave me some comments and let me know how you feel about just having “unisex” products…that work!

By Kim Wallace
0 comments
filed in: beauty, deodorant

August 2, 2012

beauty scoop | desert essence deodorant

I’ve made it through another round of natural deodorant testing! This time, however, I was only able to bear my own stench for a week before resorting to my conventional antiperspirant.

(For the back story, make sure to check out my first natural deodorant review and my deodorant confession if you missed them.)

I picked up Desert Essence Lemon Tea Tree Deodorant at Whole Foods a few weeks ago to add another natural deodorant to my very-unscientific testing period.

desert essence lemon tea tree natural deodorant

{Desert Essence Lemon Tea Tree natural deodorant costs $6.25 for a 2.5-ounce stick — but I think I got mine on sale for $4.99 at Whole Foods!}

At A Glance

Desert Essence Lemon Tea Tree Deodorant

Price: 2.5-ounce stick, $6.25

Overall Rating (1-5, 5 being best)
2/5

EWG Rating
n/a (a few other Desert Essence natural deodorants have ratings)

Pros

  • Does not contain aluminum, propylene glycol, animal-derived ingredients, parabens, artificial dyes, petroleum compounds, SLS, silicones, PEGS, PPG, MEA, DEA, TEA, phthalates or EDTA
  • Does not test on animals
  • Vegetarian/vegan
  • Unisex scent and packaging
  • Minimal packaging
  • Affordable pricing and easily accessible

Cons

  • Sticky consistency — it feels kind of “tacky” after you apply it…think of an “almost-dried glue” feeling
  • Odor protection fades at the end of work day (or around 6-8 hours) — use this if you’re indoors all day and not running around!
  • Probably not appropriate for working out…unless you don’t mind B.O.

Does Natural Deodorant Work? TMI Details

As you may remember, I love Desert Essence jojoba and tea tree oils, and admire the brand very much — so of course I gravitated toward its line of natural deodorants!

I chose the Lemon Tea Tree natural deodorant over the other available scents because I wanted a combination of a germ-fighting ingredient (tea tree oil) and a fresh-smelling ingredient (lemon). The scent is light and reminds me of a citronella candle (not necessarily a bad thing if you like that scent!).

One thing I really dislike about this deodorant, however, is the consistency: While it’s in a solid, glide-on form, the product feels very “tacky” on the skin. You’re not damp, you’re just…sticking to yourself like glue.

I got over this after the first day (or maybe I just got used to it), but sadly, this deodorant just wasn’t strong enough for me. I get ready around 7 a.m. every morning, commute to work, and am home by 6 p.m.; I could usually start to smell myself by about 3 p.m. when I was testing this natural deodorant.

There was one day when I felt a little fresher while wearing this deodorant — probably because I was wearing a quality, non-sleeveless cotton shirt — so maybe this deodorant could work during the winter when I’m more covered up?

If you’re a very light sweater (I have a few friends who say they are lucky enough to be able to go sans deodorant…even in the summer!) and just want a little safeguarding and scent, then Desert Essence Lemon Tea Tree deodorant could work for you.

But if you’re like me and need maximum protection even when you’re in an overly air-conditioned office for nine hours a day, then keep looking. I sure will be!

Do you use Desert Essence natural deodorants? What do you think of them? Tell me your smelly or sweet experiences in the comments section!

By Kim Wallace
12 comments
filed in: beauty, deodorant
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