I Switched To All-Natural Deodorant For 6 Months And Here's What Happened

I'm a sucker for anything all-natural.

Nowadays, it's totally normal to incorporate green products in almost all aspects of daily life, from beauty products to household cleaners.

But, I've had trouble converting over to natural deodorant.  The reason? It just didn't work for me until now.

Before getting too far into this, I have to tell you natural deodorants do work. But, you have to go through a small period of detox first. Trust me, I tried it.

This process ended up more intense than I imagined as I tried out a series of brands over the last six months. My experience seemed crazy until I spoke to esthetician Andrea Lembkey, owner of Dermaplus Skin + Body, who was able to explain a lot of what I experienced in a way that made so much sense.

“When you transition to all-natural products, there can sometimes be a 'purging' stage,"  Lembkey explained. "This is a result of all the toxins and pent-up bacteria releasing out of the skin. So you may have an initial transitional phase, but like we tell our clients trying new skin care, push through those first two weeks. The results will be worth it."

I couldn't agree more. Below, I'm outlining the pros, cons and smell factors of the natural deodorants I tried. It's about to get real.

The Healthy Deodorant by Lavanila

Lavanila The Healthy Deodorant, $14, Amazon

My first go at this experiment was with Lavanila's Healthy Deodorant range. Weirdly enough, this was a recommendation from a guy I met on an airplane.

Pros: I loved the scent, and the texture was really nice. It went on easy and dried like a powder, but didn't stain my clothes.

Smell factor: While the scent of this stick deodorant was lovely, my personal scent was not. Let's just say you wouldn't have wanted to be around me during this trial.

Cons: This was the very first product I tried, so it could have been the whole “purge phase” Lembkey mentioned that put me off.

Should you try it? Give it a go, but don't judge prematurely.

Baking Soda Free Deodorant by Meow Meow Tweet

Meow Meow Tweet Baking Soda Free Deodorant Cream, $18, Amazon

The next product I used was a deodorant from Meow Meow Tweet I hadn't seen yet. It's a grapefruit-scented cream you apply with your fingers.

Pros: Aside from the super cute packaging, the product's effectiveness was almost immediate! Out the gate, this one worked 100 percent.

Smell factor: The scent of the product was meh, but I actually didn't mind it because it was mild. I didn't have any smelly issues throughout the day.

Cons: The only thing I was not a fan of initially was having to put this on with my fingers.

Should you try it? Yes!

Natural Deodorant by doTerra

doTerra Natural Deodorant, $9, Amazon

These doTerra sticks are easy to find, and you can even get them on Amazon. Full disclosure: Beware the authenticity of the actual product when you go that route.

Pros: The tea tree scent is yummy and helps soothe skin, relieving razor burn.

Smell factor: Let's be real, this did not work. I smelled like I just ran a marathon wearing Old Spice.

Cons: Aside from it not working for me, it was really sticky throughout the day.

Should you try it? Even though I didn't love it, I have friends who do.

Lavender Vanilla Deodorant by Honest

Honest Lavendar Vanilla Deodorant, $16, Amazon

I had to try the Honest Company deodorant because I use its diapers, dishwashing soap, baby soap and dryer sheets. I love them all.

Pros: I really loved that I could spray this one on. 

Smell factor: After a couple hours of wear, I did not smell so hot.

Cons: The scent of this deodorant is definitely unique. Even for a hippie-dippie, essential oil-loving gal like myself, I found it to be pretty intense. Not bad, though.

Should you try it? This is another situation where a very good girlfriend of mine absolutely swears by this deodorant, so I have to wonder if it's just me? Def give it a go!

Lime & Vetiver Deodorant by Captain Blankenship

Captain Blankenship Organic Lime & Vetiver Deodorant, $19, Amazon

Next on the list is Captain Blankenship. I was actually gifted this deodorant from a friend who owns Pretty Parlor, an all-natural salon.

Pros: It. Smelt. Divine. Period.

Smell factor: This one worked alright. It wasn't my favorite, but it definitely wasn't my least favorite.

Cons: There wasn't anything that stood out as a con. It worked for the most part. At this point, I was a pro at the whole "use your finger" thing.

Should you try it? Yes!

Ylang-Ylang + Calendula Deodorant by Schmidt's

Schmidt's Ylang-Ylang + Calendula Deodorant, $8-11, Amazon

This Ylang-Ylang + Calendula Deodorant was sent to us, and I have to say it was a nice surprise.

Pros: If you haven't smelled ylang-ylang before, you're missing out! The essential oil is meant to work with your natural pheromones to bring out a sensual scent. So, deodorant that smells sexy? A definite pro. 

Smell factor: This one was a winner. It's a toss up between this and Meow Meow Tweet as to which actually worked the best. I smelled amazing!

Cons: Absolutely none.

A very special shout out to beauty photographer Kurt Andre for being my smell tester throughout this process! That's true friendship.

Transitioning into natural deodorant is a commitment. One hack to getting through the weird smell zone? Pack your deodorant in your purse and re-apply throughout the day. This worked for me, and I promise you it's so worth the results.