I successfully made the switch to natural deodorant

There are no ifs, ands or buts about it… I’m a sweater. Not as in the cozy winter wardrobe staple—as in someone who perspires, sometimes profusely (especially when nervous or stressed). Natural deodorant has been a topic of conversation amongst my friends for several years (especially as our kids approach puberty and start to stink) but I have been a staunch defender of my aluminum-based antiperspirant because I’m not a fan of pit stains, and I don’t want to offend those around me.

As I shared yesterday, my number-one swap after becoming astutely aware of the ingredients in my personal-care products was dry shampoo—and my deodorant/antiperspirant was a close second. I receive PR emails about “clean” deodorants just about every day, and I knew it was time to give it a go. I happened to have Kai’s Rose Deodorant sitting in my beauty closet, and off I went.

For my first foray, I applied it after my post-workout shower and walked to pick up my son at the bus stop in 83-degree weather. Honestly, I was shocked that my pits remained dry and I didn’t have to halt my experiment. I will admit that I was extremely paranoid, so I reapplied when I got home. The next morning, I applied it again and took a Pilates class. Paranoid again, I told the entire class about my “switch” and apologized in advance in case I started to emit an odor. After class, my instructor literally stuck her face in my armpit and confirmed I was good—and that I literally smelled like roses.

The next day I played tennis, and it was a hot, humid morning. Yes, my pits totally got slippery (thanks to the lack of “antiperspirant” ingredients) but I swear I didn’t smell. In fact, during my second post-natural-deodorant shower, it was strangely nice to actually feel my armpit skin without the antiperspirant coating that never 100% washed away. (Which is kind of gross now that I think about it.)

There was no going back after that, and I can confidently say I’ve successfully made the switch. Sure, I apply the Kai more often than I applied my Secret (after I shower, in the morning before working out and occasionally before bed). I also picked up a travel-sized Native to keep in my bag because the struggle with BO paranoia is real. I will confess that I still plan to use my Secret for special events when I don’t want anyone to see me sweat—but those occasions are few and far between.

As an aside and for the record, I do NOT believe that traditional antiperspirants cause breast cancer (show me a scientific study that proves it does and I’ll change my tune). I’m at high risk for breast cancer and no breast specialist, radiologist or gynecologist I’ve seen has EVER suggested that I avoid antiperspirant. I made the switch in an effort to “clean” my personal-care routine—and if I was able to do it, I feel like just about anyone can.

Kai*Rose Deodorant
EWG/Skin Deep® Score: 6 (via the “Build Your Own Report” tool)
Note: Includes fragrance that may increase risk of allergies or irritation, but not cancer or endocrine disruption

Native Deodorant
EWG/Skin Deep® Score: 1-3 (depending on scent)