deodorant

29 August 2022

Natural Deodorants Free From Sodium Bicarbonate and Essential Oils
(Note - please double check ingredients when buying as formulations can change)

If your skin can't handle essential oils and you have a possible sensitivity to sodium bicarbonate (aka bicarb or baking soda/powder) then navigating the world of natural deodorants is rather tricky. I admit I got a little fed up testing and reacting so I fell off the natural deodorant bandwagon a while back. Despite this I thought it might be of interest to put together a list of brands that offer options for very sensitive skin.

Why avoid bicarb? You'll often see complaints from people who develop a rash when using skincare containing sodium bicarbonate. It can be highly abrasive and the alkalinity can irritate delicate skin especially after shaving. From my own experience, I find the sensitivity can develop over time, I start off thinking I can cope but then it ends up irritating. This could also be dependent on the quantity of bicarb in the product. Typically if you're very sensitive it can be agreed that avoiding bicarb might be a good option.

So here's a little shopping list for you. These deodorants are free from sodium bicarbonate, essential oils and suitable for vegans 
Sarah x

26 September 2021

Lamazuna Solid Deodorant Floral Scent Sensitive
(gifted/unpaid/prices & ingredients correct at time of publication)

I've been testing a few products from Lamazuna over several months. I've had mixed feelings with the Solid Cocoa Butter and Cleansing Duo but the toothbrush has been a great success and I've now picked up another one for my husband.

The next product that caught my attention was the Lamazuna Solid Deodorant. I'll be completely honest and say I've found switching to a natural deodorant a headache and I'm yet to find a permanent solution. The problem is my super sensitive skin, eczema and allergy to linalool really limits the options. Budget is also an important factor especially during unemployment and the high street deodorant I've been using (for probably ten years) costs less than £1.

At a quick glance there are five Lamazuna Solid Deodorants available from Love Lula and two sensitive options in the scents Floral and Marine. The sensitive deodorants are free from sodium bicarbonate and essential oils. It contains zinc ricinoleate and diatomaceous earth to "effectively neutralize bad odours without inhibiting the natural and essential perspiration process".

Lamazuna is a zero waste brand so the deodorant doesn't have a stick container and is packaged in a cardboard box that perfectly fits the product. The cone shape is unique with a creamy texture. To apply this deodorant you simply wet with cold water and rub onto your underarms. 

So how effective is the Lamazuna Floral Scent Deodorant? From my experience, it's one of the better natural deodorants I've tried. I haven't noticed any irritations but I'm not using daily so it may need more time. From past experiences I often find with natural deos that sensitivity can develop with regular daily use. The creamy texture is soft on skin and feels like a product that is gentle and supportive to delicate skin. I enjoy the floral scent more than I first anticipated and it's long lasting but understandably fades throughout the day. Lamazuna states this deodorant is "odour-fighting" which I think holds some merit as by the end of the day if I shove my nose into my armpit I can smell my sweat. If like me you perspire a fair amount that's when natural deodorant can feel a little off putting. No one really enjoys visible sweat patches and it takes a lot to break dependence with high street antiperspirants.

If you are looking to switch to natural products and want to reduce plastic waste, then of course I'm happy to recommend Lamazuna Solid Deodorant. It's worth a try and depending on your budget £8.99 seems reasonable compared to others. 

Sarah x

22 July 2020

Reviews for Love Lula Green People Deodorant, Lavera Shampoo, Ooh Oils of Heaven Face Oil
(Gifted/prices correct at time of publication) 

Hey! folks I hope you are all keeping well. It's been a difficult time but testing products has been a welcome distraction. I don't know about you but I am well and truly upping my time spent on pampering myself. This month has included a mixture of items and I'll give you a quick overview and my thoughts on the following.

Green People Neutral Scent Free Deodorant - I've spoken about this many times before but natural deodorants haven't gone well for me because of my allergies. I also struggle with the price difference between mainstream and natural as I currently use a Superdrug roll-on for £1 and Green People comes in at £10.50. I'm in a privileged position to trial Green People Neutral Scent Free Deodorant so I thought I'd take the plunge. The Green People Scent Free range is one I have always recommended and regularly use their Anti-Ageing 24 hour Cream. The key ingredients to this deodorant are Organic Aloe Vera, Prebiotics, Alum & Zinc Ricinoleate. Green People deodorant has a soft and gentle feeling on skin without stickiness and I haven't noticed any issues with residue on clothing. I've been happy with the effectiveness and it works well for me. I'm currently not working so the only sweating I do comes from a brisk walk or hoovering the house and after both activities I haven't noticed stinky arm pits. I'm confident to recommend Green People Neutral Scent Free Deodorant and if you visit their website you'll see good feedback from customers.

Lavera Hair Care Family Shampoo - I've always been a fan of Lavera products, it was one of the first brands I came across and up until I was diagnosed with linalool allergy, I was regularly using their colour & care shampoo. I chose this Family shampoo for my husband but it also happens to not list linalool in the ingredients. The key ingredients are apple and quinoa which promises to give a gentle and effective wash. My husband is partly bald so I'm keen to find shampoo that not only cleans hair but protects his sensitive scalp. As the name "family" suggests this shampoo is suitable for all, perfect for those who like a fuss free routine and are not targeting a specific issue. As it is Plastic Free July, I note that Lavera shampoo bottles are made from 100% recycled milk, juice and water bottles and can be recycled. 

Ooh! - Oils of Heaven Organic Plum Conditioning Face Oil - I've always been a fan of plum kernel oil because it has the most wonderful scent which will remind you of almonds and marzipan. When the majority of my routine is without fragrance then I get very excited by ingredients that have a natural aroma. Plum Oil is rich in Vitamin A, E, oleic acid, linoleic acid and anti-oxidants. It's an emollient that nourishes and hydrates and can be of benefit to dry and mature skin types. I think this is a lovely light silky oil which penetrates my skin easily without greasy residue. Over the years I have written about products that contain plum kernel oil so it's wonderful to be able to use as a stand alone ingredient. I honestly adore this oil so I was pleased to see Ooh! Oils add it to their range and was quick to order. As long as you enjoy the unique scent then I'm pretty confident you are going to want to try this for yourself, I highly recommend.

20 February 2018

Love Lula Elsa's Organic Skinfoods, Madara, Stop the Water, Sukin
(Disclaimer – I'm part of the Love Lula Blogger Programme and can select PR samples each month, I am not obligated to review and all opinions are my own. Prices correct at time of publication)

Elsa's Organic Skinfoods Sensitive Deodorant (unfragranced) - up to this point I haven't been using natural deodorants because I've experienced reactions and prefer stick/roll on packaging (many come in jars).  I thought I'd have another punt and chose Elsa's Sensitive Deodorant as its a stick applicator, it does not contain sodium bicarbonate (which I suspect irritates my skin) and it's fragrance free (eliminates linalool, one of my sensitivities).

I need to hold this deodorant against my underarm for a few seconds to get the product to melt otherwise application drags across the skin. It doesn't always go in my favour on cold mornings and I've experienced mild soreness from rubbing. I'm a delicate flower thanks to all my skin ailments. So far I've found Elsa's deodorant works well throughout the day but I have a desk job so I'm not running around the place. I haven't noticed any bad odours but I guess the ultimate test won't happen until the summer months. At this stage I'd say that Elsa's Organic Skinfoods Deodorant has left me with a good first impression but I'm not ready to ditch my regular deodorant just yet.

Madara Cleansing Milk - unfortunately I experienced soreness across my cheeks on more than one occasion so I stopped using this cleanser. I had tried samples in the past without problems so it just goes to show how our skin changes over time. I use Madara hand cream and tinting fluid on a daily basis without any issues so it's just this cleansing milk causing me problems. 

Stop The Water While Using Me! Cucumber Lime Liquid Soap (200ml) - as the brand name suggests these products are a reminder that saving water is important. Stop the Water created the 'Good Water Projects' and donate a share of revenue to projects that provide fresh and clean water where it is needed most. The cucumber lime soap is suitable for vegans and lime is the dominant fragrance note. It feels nice, lathers well and doesn't seem to contribute additional dryness to my already flaky winter skin. A 200ml bottle costs £14 which is more than I would normally spend on a hand wash.

Sukin For Men Body Wash - I really like Sukin as they offer good affordable options. I selected the body wash for my husband but since it is free from linalool I've been pinching it for myself. On first use I was very surprised by the delicate orange aroma because from past experience natural skincare for men tends to have musky, earthy and strong scents. This body wash lathers up very well with my konjac sponge and feels pleasant on my skin. I could see myself replacing once empty and I wouldn't be put off by the labelling for men, I'd say it's unisex.

Have you tried any of these products? If you'd like to catch up on my December reviews then click this link - Skin & Tonic, Isla Apothecary, Ere Perez

Sarah x

16 July 2015

The Green Woman and Fit Pit Deodorant
I love to support local companies and was thrilled to discover The Green Woman on Twitter. I know many of my readers are keen to discover natural deodorants (Fit Pit is Vegan & Organic) so I reached out and asked if they would like to be interviewed for my blog.

Tell us a little bit about how The Green Woman began? 
Our co-founder Eve left a career in Chemistry to focus on climate change work. She stopped using mainstream cosmetic products and began making her own natural alternatives for the basics she needed. 

Eve gave a selection of her products to her sister Suzanne (a Graphic Designer), who had been looking for organic alternatives since becoming a mum. She loved them so much and thought others would too, so after much discussion, a few hugs and a year of hard work The Green Woman was born!

The Green Woman and Fit Pit Deodorant

What does The Green Woman do to limit its impact on the environment and how does the company support a more sustainable future? 
Ethics are the heart of every decision we make, from our mission as a company right through to the day-to-day running of the business. Everything we do is made ‘with love and a conscience’ and is always ‘100% organic, vegan and earthkind’.

We never use plastic and our packaging is always reusable, compostable or recyclable. All our products are pure and organic so a little goes a long way, so we can use less packaging too. We use reclaimed materials wherever possible - our ‘mini’ glass jars are salvaged from a hotel and our packing boxes and materials are all reclaimed from local businesses. We also give money off for any jars returned to us in reusable condition. Change the business not the climate!

The Green Woman supports a number of ‘Green’ projects including ‘The Buzz Tour’ and ‘Reclaim Power’, and 10% of our profits will be given to projects supporting work against climate change.

Why is natural/organic skincare important to you? 
Your skin in the largest organ in your body and much of what you put on it goes in. If you look at the ingredients listed on the back of mainstream cosmetic products they are usually extensive and mostly unrecognizable. We believe that you shouldn’t have to be a chemistry expert to understand what you are putting on your body and what the long term effects might be. If there is less demand for these chemicals less will make it into our environment too. We believe in reducing the chemical loading on your body by providing simple organic alternatives that really work. 

The Green Woman and Fit Pit Deodorant

What do you find most challenging when formulating products? 
Finding organic suppliers for specific ingredients is often very difficult. There is currently low demand for organic ingredients in comparison to mainstream ones, so it’s not always cost effective for suppliers to offer organic. We want to help drive the demand for organic ingredients so that more suppliers will consider going organic in future and make it more accessible for other companies too.

What have been the highs and/or lows of establishing The Green Woman? 
Every time we get a 5 star review it’s a big boost for us and really makes our day. It’s a fantastic feeling to know that we made someone feel that way about us.

Probably our hardest point so far was during our testing phase. All our products have to go through a strict approvals process, which is reliant on third parties. It takes a lot of waiting and buckets of patience. But it’s worth the wait!

What does the future hold for The Green Woman? 
Following on from the success of Fit Pit, we are continuing our focus on basic body care needs and are now developing our next range of products. ‘Green Cream’ is a 100% organic, vegan moisturizer that will be ready in 2016.

Do you have any skincare tips to share with readers? 
We would say less is definitely more when it comes to products. Trust in your skin, let it breath and if you do need to use something use it sparingly. Coconut oil is a great all rounder and has many uses. As well as a great moisturizer it makes a great makeup remover too. 

The best skin regime of course is plenty of water, a good diet, fresh air and sleep!

.....end of interview....

Thanks so much to Suzanne for agreeing to take part in this feature. Check out the The Green Woman website to buy products (mini sizes are available) 

Sarah x

1 October 2014

Schmidt's Natural Deodorant
Update 2017: Schmidt's have been acquired by Unilever

This has been the hardest post to write because Schmidt's natural deodorant has been getting a lot of positive attention in the Green Beauty Community. After seeing Chesca’s review (Fern & Moss) I decided to order a couple of trial sizes. I went for Lavender & Sage and Bergamot & Lime. My experience of natural deodorants is limited and this is the first time I have tried a solid “paste” rather than a liquid roll on.

The main ingredients in Schmidt are shea butter, baking soda, arrowroot and cocoa butter. Some people do report sensitivity to baking soda so I was a little concerned. I experienced very mild irritation but nothing of great significance. It could simply be from the action of rubbing the product onto my skin as I do find it is a little “gritty”. The scents are delightful and the Bergamot & Lime took me by surprise. I was not sure if it would suit my taste but I’m hooked and will look out for this combination in other products. 

Unfortunately, I find the application of this product infuriating but I am the first to admit I have very little patience. You need to scrape the deodorant out of the jar and collect the shavings into the palm of your hand. At this stage I usually ended up with half of it on the carpet. I was given the tip to roll into a ball (Thanks Naturally Paula) which does work as the product becomes tacky with warmth, you can then rub onto your skin. 

Once I tackled application next up was the stink test. I managed half a day at work and started to notice a little personal whiff, bearing in mind I have an office job and spend nine hours sat at my desk, I was disappointed. I don’t regard myself as a stinky person and sweat is only a problem when it's a hot summer day so I was a little shocked when I noticed I started to smell like Stig of the Dump. Okay joking aside, I probably was the only one picking up on my odour but it plays on your mind and I did become self conscious. The Bergamot & Lime failed me quicker than the Lavender & Sage so I guess my body chemistry is reacting to the essential oils. 

Now I know from past experience it is not unusual to have to re-apply natural deodorant because they are not antiperspirants. However I have to be honest, between the annoying application technique and needing to strip semi naked in the loo at work, I cannot be bothered with the hassle and conventional roll-ons involve less drama. 

I am sorry Schmidt’s I really did want to be part of your fan club. I certainly don’t want to put people off completely. There are many very positive reviews out there but I needed to share an alternative perspective on this one. Have you tried Schmidt's deodorant? What are your views on this product, good or bad?

Sarah x

3 April 2013

I have been testing three products from Faith in Nature and I previously reviewed one of their hand washes. I've been trying to switch over to natural deodorants with little success and I always resort back to one from the supermarket. The attraction to trying a deodorant from Faith in Nature was I liked the price point (£3.99) and re-fills are available. It is free from aluminum chlorohydrate, parabens and alcohol. I chose Aloe Vera & Chamomile because I know these are gentle ingredients for sensitive skin.

This is a roller ball deodorant so you do end up flapping your arms about waiting for it to dry. I didn't find this too much of a hassle but I must admit it's one of the reasons I prefer aerosols. I think this deodorant wears better on me than Dr Organic. I can go a work day without reapplying and by the time I get home I start to notice my own scent creeping through. I have a desk job and the weather has been cold so I haven't put this through the sweat test. It did survive a vigorous house work session but I can't comment on how it holds up during an aerobics class.

The downside for me is Ammonium alum works best when applied regularly to freshly washed skin. I don't shower every day, for a variety of reasons, so that means doing the "Pommie Wash" (flannel + sink). I will be honest, I have resorted to my nasty aerosol on more than one occasion. I am not sure I can make a permanent commitment to this deodorant.

Even though I'm undecided I would still like to recommend because I know many of my readers are committed to finding "healthy" deodorants.  I certainly think the price point is better than most and the option to refill is something I do not recall being offered by others. 

What do you think? Would you like to give this a try or have you found your perfect natural deodorant?

Sarah x

Disclaimer - PR sample, links are not affiliated, 100% my own opinions

17 August 2012

Sanex Natur Protect Deodorant
Disclaimer - Ingredient correct at time of publication

Sanex is a brand that annoys me for misleading advertising. Recently they got a slap on the wrists for their shower gel adverts and were made to change the wording. Whilst browsing the supermarket aisles I found Sanex Natur Protect 0% aluminium chlorohydrate, parabens and alcohol.

I shall put it bluntly natural deodorants are not floating my boat. They are expensive and you have to find the right one to work with your body. I am stuck between a rock and a hard place, battling my environmental guilt alongside allergies and eczema. I want the junk out of my armpits but society does frown upon smelly people.

This Sanex deodorant contains 10 ingredients compared to over double in Sure Aloe Vera Sensitive (a product I have used). Sanex has removed aluminium chlorohydrate which has caused concerns in connection with breast cancer. However, the ingredients left behind could be possible skin irritants according to information available online. Now I know not everything is reliable on the internet but I think it's important to analyse ingredients.

  • Isobutene a hydrocarbon gas; used as a propellant in aerosolized products and possible irritation skin, eyes, lungs 
  • Butane is a hydrocarbon, functions as a propellant and there is evidence of irritation 
  • Propane similar to Butante functions as a propellant, evidence of toxicant 
  • Cyclopentasiloxane (cyclomethicone) is a silicon-based cyclic compound; may be associated with environmental toxicity 
  • Potassium Alum is an inorganic salt scores and classified as expected to be toxic & environmental toxin 
  • Dimethicone (also called polymethylsiloxane) is a silicon-based polymer used as a lubricant and conditioning agent. Restricted in cosmetic use 
  • Parfum - I am guessing this will be synthetic
  • Disteardimonium hectorite is an ingredient based on naturally occurring clay mineral hectorite; this ingredient is used as a thickening agent 
  • Propylene carbonate is a synthetic solvent and classified as an irritant 
  • Dimethiconol is a silicon-based polymer

The choice is entirely yours. For me, products free from synthetic ingredients are always going to be a better option. You cannot beat 100% natural ingredients however could this be a compromise?

Sarah x

Shopping for a plant based, ethical deodorant? then check out Odylique (affiliate link) use coupon code SUGARPUFFISH for 20% off (no expiry date!)

29 November 2011

In the back of my mind I have always been conscious that high street deodorants contain undesirable ingredients such as aluminium chlorohydrate, parabens, propylene glycol, triclosan, TEA, DEA. All of these ingredients are a concern but the one that sticks out for me is aluminium. This is a sweat blocking ingredients used in antiperspirants. In recent years concerns have been raised about whether it can be absorbed into the body and contribute to the development of breast cancer. Now I am not here to scaremonger I just want to share my thoughts and let people make informed choices. It would be poor judgement on my part not to include an article I discovered at info.cancerresearchuk.org. Cancer Research UK states “There is no convincing evidence that antiperspirants and deodorants cause breast cancer.” Yes I admit I am confused, who's advice should I be listening to? 

What is clear to me is I have always experienced problems with regular deodorants. They can cause me skin irritations or make my nose twitch leaving me feeling like I have a cold. I tend to stick to the same brand for many years usually only needing to switch when they re-formulate because guaranteed it will no longer be suitable. Over the years I have become aware of aluminium free deodorants but I admit I have had a negative attitude towards them because they can be expensive and reviewers complain about having smelly arm pits. I decided that since I was blogging about natural products it was time to take the plunge and make a purchase. I started off looking on the high street rather than online. I was surprised to discover a couple of aluminium free deodorants at Boots - PitROK & Bionsen. I am a regular shopper at Holland & Barratt and took a look at the Dr Organic deodorant range. Dr Organic deodorant is free from aluminium, SLS, parabens and alcohol. You can choose from Aloe Vera, Pomegranate, Tea Tree, Vitamin E, Lavender and Manuka Honey. I love Lavender so it was an easy decision for me.


Dr Organic deodorant is a roll on. Personally, I am just not a fan of that sticky, wet armpit feeling and having to flap your arms waiting for it to dry. This was certainly a hurdle I had to overcome. 

So what do I think? I think the key to natural deodorant is to expect to re-apply throughout the day. I have a desk job so rarely breakout in a sweat. I started to notice a slight hint of my own body odour at home time which is not bad considering I have a nine hour work day. I admit I am not a gym bunny so can not comment on how effective it would be during exercise. My guess is I would have to re-apply before and after. I did not break out in skin irritation which is a bonus nor did I get a stuffy nose as the fragrance is natural. The soggy armpit feeling isn't a winner for me. A natural deodorant does not prevent you from sweating so you experience natural wetness. 

I’ve come to realise that you need to view these deodorants from a different angle we are programmed to believe sweating and natural odour is a bad thing. You have to take a big leap of faith to purchase a natural deodorant. From what I read online these types of deodorants may take trial and error because our skins are different. It may be necessary to try several in order to find the correct combination of natural ingredients for your armpit. 

Dr Organic deodorant does not come cheap at £5.19 for 50ml. In comparison PitROK costs £3.05 - £5.59 for a spray or stick. Bionsen costs £2.35 - £3.29 and comes in roll on, stick and spray. I have to admit I still use my regular antiperspirant but alternate with Dr Organic when I know I won't be doing an activity that will break me out in a sweat. 

Whether or not to use a natural deodorant is clearly a personal choice. I would be interested in hearing your opinions on the topic. If you already use a natural deodorant which one are you using? 

Sarah x

Disclaimer: Prices correct at time of publication

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