Putting My Armpits To The Test: My 3 Month Natural Deodorant Trial
Natural deodorants can suck. Big time. I’m all for saving the planet, but when you’re in a busy job, juggling kids, or simply a smelly human being: having a deodorant that works is crucial. Feeling confident knowing that when you raise your arms, you won’t knock out the person next to you, is quite important in my books. Often natural deodorants don’t offer us the freedom of arm raising.
Last June, I found a natural deodorant that works for me (you’ll find out which one soon). It was bliss. I felt on top of the world. I still think back to that day and consider it momentous, up there with my wedding day (almost). But after sharing the news and chatting with others, I realised just how variable natural deodorants are…
Natural deodorants do not work the same for every body.
Some like roll ons, others like creams. Some people are smelly, some don’t even need to use deodorant. Some people are allergic to baking soda, while others are allergic to essential oils. THERE IS NO ONE DEODORANT THAT EVERYONE SHOULD USE.
So, I decided to take one for the team. Even though I have found the one for me, I have spent the last few months testing seven different natural deodorants. I realise it’s still only my body I have tested these on, but hey. It’s a start, and it’s my helping hand to you so you have a ball park idea of how each deodorant works.
My trial looked a lot like this. Instagram… you’ve seen a lot of my pits lately.
Without further ado, roll on into my review of 7 natural deodorants. All of the following deodorants are unisex.
I used each one for 2 weeks to give it a proper test (if I could handle it for that long).
DISCLAIMER: This is only my personal experience. The product may act differently on your body- you bear the risk when you purchase.
Babs Body Care
I tried this wee guy over a year ago, and it was fine. But after one week of use this time round, I had enough. A rash appeared and I couldn’t continue. I’ve since heard they’ve changed their formula, and also offer BAKING SODA FREE deodorants! The baking soda concentration may be why I got a rash- if you get rashes after using natural deodorant, check the ingredients as it’s probably the baking soda.
Smell of product: I love tea tree oil! The smell is divine and very unique
Packaging: Recyclable glass jar
Stains on shirts: Nope
Absorbs sweat: Less absorbent than others, but reduces it dramatically
Keeps smell away: Does stop the major smells, but won’t last a full 24 hours- around 20 hours max
Texture: Was too gritty for me, but that may reflect how old the product was
Cost: $16.00AUD/60g
Find the product here.
Kiriwai
This is currently in my top two favourites. To put it into perspective: Tim, my husband, is very skeptical about natural deodorants. He started trialling this one without me knowing, and I had to rescue it from his cupboard to take a photo, because he has started using it permanently. It’s good. Great, even.
BAKING SODA FREE- Can apply straight after shaving your armpits
Smell of product: Lime!
Packaging: Recyclable glass jar
Stains on shirts: Not at all
Absorbs sweat: Always expect some sweat drops from natural deodorants, but Kiriwai is good at absorbing it
Keeps smell away: For around 24 hours
Texture: Soft consistency, but slightly too hard- and even harder to apply in winter
Cost: $18.00NZ/57g
B.BOLD
To be honest, I stopped using this deodorant after two days because it felt like it made me smell worse!
Smell of product: Rose
Packaging: Recyclable glass jar
Stains on shirts: Didn’t try it long enough to find out
Absorbs sweat: Not very well
Keeps smell away: Made me smell worse
Texture: Soft and easy to apply
Cost: $19.90NZ/58g
Find the product here.
Black Chicken Axilla
This deodorant came with the most hype. People froth over this one! Although it certainly didn’t live up to it’s full incredible reputation, it was pretty great. I don’t love that it comes in a plastic container though.
Smell of product: Very mild peppermint
Packaging: Plastic container
Stains on shirts: As long as you only use a tiny amount (but then sometimes if you use too little, it won’t stop the smell)
Absorbs sweat: Quite well
Keeps smell away: I don’t rely on it 100%, but it was ok
Texture: Too grainy for me.
Cost: $18.50AUD/75g
Find the product here.
Ever Kind
This would be in my top 3 deodorants. It was one of the best for keeping the smells away. One thing I don’t love is that it squishes around the edges when you put the lid on. This means that product is wasted, or I have to get my hands involved and try to save it.
Smell of product: Very neutral
Packaging: Compostable tube, recyclable sticker
Stains on shirts: As long as you don’t use too much, it shouldn’t stain
Absorbs sweat: Yip!
Keeps smell away: One of the best for smell control. Definitely will last until your next shower
Texture: Smooth- perhaps too smooth which is why it smooshes
Cost: $29.99NZ/55g
Find the product here.
Bee Fresh
This is the deodorant for me. I love everything about it. Although I have started getting rashes if I use it too close to when I have shaved my armpits. It’s only just started happening now, so maybe a result of trialling 7 different natural deodorants?! Time will tell!
Smell of product: Neutral with a hint of beeswax
Packaging: Completely compostable tube
Stains on shirts: Not in my experience
Absorbs sweat: Yes- great for gym goers
Keeps smell away: For at least 24 hours
Texture: Smooth and easy to rub on
Cost: $18.00NZ/60g
Find the product here.
Good + Clean
I’m a big fan of their packaging and that it’s free from baking soda, but I don’t love the smell. It was slightly too clay-like for my personal preference to apply.
BAKING SODA FREE- Can apply straight after shaving your armpits
Smell of product: Tea tree and lemon (causes a little tickle cough when I smell it)
Packaging: Recyclable tin jar
Stains on shirts: No
Absorbs sweat: Yes- as much as a natural deodorant can
Keeps smell away: Yes, but I didn’t like how I smelt when I had it on
Texture: Clay vibes
Cost: $22.00AUD/70g
Find the product here.
Thanks to my hand model husband for both his handy work, plus putting up with my smelly and sometimes scratchy armpits during this trial.
Main Image Credit: Nectar Photography