Truth be told, it took me some time to come around to using an aluminum free deodorant. I had friends who talked about their experiences with the products on the market, but didn’t feel like it was anything I wanted, or really could take on for myself.
Really, I was a little off-put hearing the stories of transition, how anything eaten could effect your daily odor and even more so the reason I avoided, was the concern that it would increase sweating rather than reducing. When I did build up the courage to try a couple brands that were backed by others and considered the best on the market, I experienced some mild, but strange side effects, very close to the explanations I’d gotten from friends around me. Feeling defeated and discouraged, I decided to go back to the old trusty.
Knowing of the health concerns linked to the use of aluminum in deodorant, I was eager to finally make a transition that would benefit me in the long run but didn’t want to go through and waste money like I’d done before on the popular brands TOMs, Native & Schmidts just to name a few. I also figured that with there being so many new brands competing and making slightly better products I might have a chance, so last year during lockdown, I figured I’d give it another shot in hopes that something would work. So far, I’ve found 3 brands that have held me and my sweat and odor down! All approved since they’ve been able to make it through the desert heat here in Texas and all my workouts. So far, I’ve had the best experience with: Kosas – Chemistry, Hey Humans & A-Type
Kosas – Chemistry
Kosas is where it all began. After much research, I came across this brand, not at all convinced the pretty packaging or highlighted ingredients would work and decided to try it out anyway. To my surprise this deodorant worked extremely well. It comes in Serene Clean and Fragrance free. I opted for Serene Clean for a light fresh fragrance that isn’t harsh or irritating. I liked the fact that it was not only a roll on but also that it contained Aloe, but also Hyaluronic & AHA properties which acts as a brightening agent reducing any darkness from shaving. I am so glad I made the choice to go with Kosas as my initial transition. The only downside is its only available online or at exclusive to Sephora and the price ($15), although I will note that this lasted me almost a full year so it was more of an investment than a financial burden.
Hey Humans
First off, this deodorant smells amazing! The brand ‘Hey Humans‘ itself is environment conscious so all packaging is biodegradable; no plastic and something neat is that it was created by the one and only Jada Pinkett Smith and is exclusive to Target, making it much more budget friendly. I really like this one. It does sometimes become a little difficult to actually get any product out since it sticks to its packaging, but thats resolved if you warm it up for a few seconds in your hands. I purchased in the Rosewater Ginger which smells heavenly and lasts all day!
Type A
This deodorant is gender neutral (for all the men who actually reach for women’s deodorant vs men’s branded), comes in several different light scents and is a cream application which is my first time knowing of a cream deodorant. If you’re needing a little extra protection, theres a “Supercharged” as well. I picked up at my local H-E-B store and was very satisfied with its performance after a spin workout. Most aluminum free deodorants do not work with sweating, but Type A held it down!
We’ve been subject to so many harsh chemicals in our daily use products so getting rid of aluminum from my basic deodorant that lacked luster, was so important. I’m glad I stumbled upon brands that changed my mind about going natural.
Let me know if you try any and which ones you like!