The other day, someone put the fear in me when it comes to deodorants and antiperspirants by mentioning the potential cancer-causing chemicals harboring within them.
It’s something I had never stopped to think about, having been a stick and gel user for the past, oh, 14 or 15 years of my life.
Looking at the back of my current antipersirpant — Speedstick Gel 24/7 in Fresh Rush (I’ve never been one for the girly scents) — I realized any label that reads “If swallowed, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center right away” should set off major red flags.
And really, what is cyclomethicone, propylene glycol and phenyl trimethicone anyway??
A staunch vegan friend of mine has been using Tom’s of Maine deodorant sticks for the longest time, praising its effectiveness and natural ingredients — each ingredient used is biodegradable and has gone through minimal processing. The brand looks for organic farms that use sustainable farming, requires its sources don’t test on animals and has the American Botanical Council as a partner.
Tom’s of Maine, in addition to deodorant in four types, carries toothpaste, mouthwash, floss, soap, shave cream and children’s products.
Plus, any deodorant that comes in Lavender, Lemongrass, Honeysuckle Rose, Woodspice, Bay-Lime and Cucumber-Grapfruit trumps Fresh Rush any day of the week.
Organic deodorant is not trying to do this; its function is to prevent you smelling, rather than preventing you sweating. This is why you won’t get the super dry “sure” effect with a natural deodorant, but an effective one such as the green people organic deodorants will help to combat the smell.