Natural Deodorants

Sweat is natural but odor doesn't have to accompany it

Natural deodorant is becoming more commonplace, and reviews for them abound. However, going 100 percent natural means living with perspiration, which is a natural function of the body. Proponents of natural health say that blocking the body's sweat glands with antiperspirants isn't good for the body, although most experts agree that enough sweat to cool the body is released from other areas of the body so that underarm antiperspirants don't pose much threat. That being said, most natural deodorants don't contain any aluminum-based compounds and, therefore, do not contain antiperspirant ingredients. The best, however, contain odor-fighting ingredients to neutralize odors.

Crystal Body Deodorant Stick (*Est. $6 for 4.25 oz.) is popular with experts and consumers alike because it is 100 percent natural and odorless. Users also love the price and say that the Crystal deodorant lasts up to a year in some cases. It is made of mineral salts and ammonium alum, a white crystalline double sulfate of aluminum, which, according to the manufacturer, is too large to be absorbed by the skin unlike the aluminum compounds found in antiperspirants. Manufacturers say that it prevents odor by forming a barrier on the skin so that bacteria can't form. Testers are pleasantly surprised for the most part by the effectiveness at preventing odor, although several say that Crystal deodorant does nothing to slow down perspiration. The stick must be moistened before applying, which takes some getting used to, users say. It goes on completely clear and works well in both physical and stressful situations, according to Slate.com. Some users say the application process feels very much like rubbing a rock on skin, which can cause some irritation, especially after shaving. Crystal Body Deodorant is also available in its original incarnation as a small rock (*Est. $5 for 5 oz.), as a deodorant spray (*Est. $3 for 4 oz.) and as a roll-on deodorant (*Est. $4 for 2.25 oz.); the spray and roll-on formulas do not have to be moistened.

Weleda Deodorant (*Est. $13 for 3.4 oz.) is also popular among those who prefer a spray application. It comes in a pump spray bottle and is available in three scents -- sage, citrus and wild rose -- all derived from pure essential oils. About 25 consumers at MakeupAlley.com give the deodorant an above-average rating and say that the deodorant smells amazing but fades quickly, a trait that many actually prefer. Editors at Natural Health magazine say that Weleda Deodorant dries in seconds. They also appreciate the smaller travel size (*Est. $8 for 1.02 oz.), which fits perfectly into a purse for reapplication throughout the day. The manufacturer recommends applying the deodorant several times a day to keep odors at bay, which can be inconvenient. Several consumers also point out that the glass bottle Weleda is packaged in doesn't lend itself to easy toting.

If price is not an issue, Dr. Hauschka Deodorant (*Est. $23 for 1.7 oz.) is also praised for doing an excellent job of preventing odor. Editors at Natural Health magazine say that this roll-on deodorant has better odor control than most antiperspirants. Marisa Belger at MSNBC.com agrees, saying that Dr. Hauschka is her "all-time favorite" natural deodorant and that it works even in stressful and strenuous situations. Dr. Hauschka Deodorant is available in two scents -- floral and fresh -- and uses zinc ricinoleate to absorb odors.