SPOTLIGHT: Aluminium-free Deodorants, Part 1...

Been many moons since I started a new series on the old blog, and the perfect opportunity presented itself when I entered search mode for an effective natural aluminium-free deodorant. Judging by the answers to one of my giveaway questions, there seems to be quite a bit of interest in this arena. And given I had some time off work around the October long weekend, I was able to also put the selection below through the not-in-aircon test, which is essential in my opinion. While those five days weren't exactly topping the temperature gauge, it was pretty steamy, and I was quite active, so I was able to put them through their paces to see which ones pass the stinky kats test. The results were interesting, to say the least, and while deodorant is a totally personal product due to its impact on the skin and the interaction with an individual's biochemistry, some of the recommendations I received worked brilliantly (thanks lovelies!). So with that in mind, I'm hopeful that there may be one here that suits you too ♥...

This first round of choices was limited to the solid stick or roll-on variety because that's always been my preference. I've never been keen on aerosols (too many accidental face sprays lol), and I've always avoided the wet spray kind because I don't like to start the day with drippy underarms, but I may give a couple of those a shot in another round just so I'm covering all bases of what appeals to other folks. I should add that I've been using one successfully (will be reviewed in Part 2) all throughout winter (so I'm not exactly transitioning) but found it to be not quite effective enough in a Sydney heatwave, hence my search for an alternative. This selection is a mixture of supermarket and specialist website products, so let's get started ♥...

Myaura Organics All Natural Deodorant Stick - Bergamot Lime Coconut (Supermarket, RRP $9)

This one also comes in a couple of other varieties, including Vanilla & Jasmine, but this combo is the one that appealed the most. Incidentally what I've found so far with all of the stick varieties is that the cream is softer than mainstream ones, and so there's always some product that squishes around the top of the container after application - I can live with this though, I just wipe it off with a finger and stroke it under my arms. I may come up with a less wasteful way to apply this type, so watch this space. But I digress. Ok, so the Myaura Organics deodorant stick had a clear plastic protective cover over the stick which I removed to take the photo. The fragrance is fresh and beautiful and the cream quite thick and smooth. No aluminium, zinc, preservatives or palm oil, and the vegan-friendly ingredients include arrowroot powder, coconut and soybean oil, bi-carb soda, shea butter, vitamin E and aloe vera. I was extremely hopeful and it worked well for half the day, and then rapidly lost its effectiveness - I was aware of becoming a bit stinky so I applied more, but realistically, I was not comfortable or confident. I'm keeping this for winter though as I'm sure it will be fine in cooler weather, just doesn't cut it for me on hot steamy days. 5/10 ♥...

Dermal Therapy Crystal Deodorant (Supermarket, RRP $6.95)

This was the first one I tried after commencing this journey, and it fascinated me. It's a solid stick, as hard as a rock, and you wet the top and then stroke it under your arms. The label says it's 100% natural, aluminium, alcohol & fragrance-free, hypo-allergenic and not tested on animals. I had to re-wet it a few times so that it didn't drag on my skin, and it worked brilliantly for three days - no stink, not even any wetness and I thought wow this is the one, and then I broke out in a rash. Holy crap, it was painful. I don't normally react to anything very much, but this was quite bad. Not in my armpits themselves, but in the area surrounding them. It took three days of using a regular deodorant for the rash to subside, and it was stinging like mad almost the whole time. There are no ingredients listed on the container, but their website says it is made of Crystallised Alum. Whatever that is, it's a no-no for moi. 0/10...

Thursday Plantation Tea Tree Deodorant Original (Supermarket, RRP $5.35)

I'm not at all keen on the smell of Tea Tree, so I hesitated to purchase it, but the roll-on dispenser appealed, and I figured for the price I had little to lose. Well, I should have trusted my nose because it was an epic fail. No irritation, but no deodorising power after the first two hours. Honestly, by mid-morning I stank so much I had to have a shower - thank goodness I didn't try it on a workday lol.  Binned this one I'm afraid. 0/10...

Schmidt's Charcoal + Magnesium Mineral Enriched Natural Deodorant (Nourished Life, RRP $19.95)

At last, we have a winner! (thanks a bunch Fawn ♥) So as you can see it's a rather lumpy looking stick of greyish goop, but boy is it effective. No stink and very little wetness. Certified vegan & cruelty-free with no artificial fragrance, this marvel contains arrowroot powder, baking soda, coconut oil, shea butter, jojoba oil, magnesium hydroxide, and activated charcoal. It has a very delicate vaguely lemony scent, and you hold it against your skin for a few seconds to soften it, then swipe a few times for a guaranteed 12 odour-free hours, and even then there's just the vaguest sweetish smell that isn't at all unpleasant. I'm so confident I've been wearing this to work, and it didn't let me down even when I had a job interview, which is always stressful for me. I'd give this a 9/10, and it's the best one so far ♥♥♥...

Part 2 will be up soon! 

Have you switched to an aluminium-free deodorant? Have you tried any of these?

Take care of you,

kats xxx