I went with “Cedarwood & Juniper,” which actually smells like cedarwood and juniper! It’s aluminum-free, paraben-free and animal testing-free, but the scent and ingredients are this product’s only strengths. Schmidt is a decently-priced option that comes in several unique fragrances, including “Ylang Ylang & Calendula” and “Rose & Vanilla.” They also have a fragrance-free option. Onto the ratings! Schmidt - Cedarwood & Juniper ($8.85) I have sensitive skin, so some artificial fragrances cause burning and redness. I would guess that I’m an averagely sweaty person with an average amount of body odor. Some Disclaimers About Me, Your Friendly Queer Test Subject would I wear this deodorant to a a Tracy Chapman concert in 1991?).
I’m rating these products based on: scent, effectiveness, staining, price and “queer factor” (i.e. I’ve used a variety of natural deodorants, but I’m still looking for “the one.” So I decided to try some of the more popular brands and rate and review them for you! I chose brands that were aluminum-free, under $20, available at major retailers and made of at least 99% “natural” ingredients.
I’ve been using natural deodorant for several years now, and I’m happy with the results. I waited patiently with pit stains for a couple of weeks, and my body’s sweat and odor finally leveled out. They also recommend using a natural starch powder like arrowroot or cornstarch after applying your natural deodorant to soak up the excess sweat. Did I do those things? Nope! I just washed my armpits with soap and water whenever I started feeling particularly grimy. Some dermatologists recommend using a clay mask on your underarms during this time to speed up the detox process. Once your body has rid itself of your old Lady Speedstick particles, you’ll stink like a normal human instead of seventeen football players. While you sweat all that aluminum out, the excess moisture fosters bacterial growth, which is where the stench comes from. scare you - it’s temporary! Your pits are detoxing from the aluminum that was previously plugging up your pores. Yes, that means you’ll be a little sweatier and a little smellier for one to four weeks. When you’re switching from antiperspirant to natural deodorant, your body needs some time to adjust. Plus, natural deodorant comes in scents that are much more appealing than “musk” or “powder fresh.” The Transition Period
LUME DEODORANT TARGET SKIN
Skin is the largest organ of the human body, and the thought of a bunch of chemicals seeping into my pores gives me the creeps. My grandmother had (and defeated!) breast cancer, and I want to do everything in my power to reduce my risk. I prefer to stay on the safe side, so a few years ago, I finished my last stick of Old Spice Swagger (don’t judge) and switched to natural deodorant. Any product that messes with our hormones can pose a cancer risk, but the precise link between parabens and cancer is still up for debate. A 2018 study found that the presence of aluminum might change how the body makes or responds to estrogen, and many antiperspirants also contain parabens, which are known to disrupt hormone function. According to the American Cancer Society, there isn’t enough evidence to support this claim. Some experts warn that aluminum-containing antiperspirants cause a high concentration of toxins in our lymph nodes, which could potentially lead to breast cancer, especially in people who also shave their underarms. Is aluminum-containing antiperspirant actually harmful to your health? The answer isn’t clear. If you need a push to get started, I tested and rated natural deodorants to help you make your selection. Trust me - when you’re making the somewhat smelly transition to the natural deodorant life, social distancing will be your best friend. But if you’ve ever wanted to give it a shot, do it now! Do it before you go back to the gym or the packed dance floor or the crowded airplane or wherever you’ll be sweating when it’s finally safe(r) to sweat there. If your body tends to have bountiful sweat and odor, natural deodorant might not be effective for you. It might be better for our health! It makes us smell like the woods! And it works - well, not always. Yes, the cliché queers go wild for natural deodorant. Bronners? How many times have you watched a new lover set the mood by switching on an oil diffuser? And how many times have you peeked inside your crush’s medicine cabinet and found a stick of natural deodorant? How many times have you had shower sex next to a bottle of Dr. The cliché queer has three known loves: iced coffee, astrology and natural products.