Finally, it’s starting to warm up – which means the potential for getting a bit sweaty. But while anti-perspirants might stop you sweating, they use ingredients that include aluminum to form a temporary blockage in skin ducts, so that sweat doesn’t make it to the surface. Doesn’t sound too healthy, does it?
Thankfully, there are some alternatives in the shape of natural deodorants that are free from pore-clogging aluminum, alcohol, and parabens (which have been shown to have mild hormone-like effects). They don’t promise to stop you sweating, but they can neutralise odours and help you feel a bit fresher. Here are my top five.
First up is Green People Natural Rosemary Deodorant (£8.95) which contains prebiotics, zinc ricinoleate and alum for antibacterial action and effective odour control, but the fragrance is light and just ‘rosemary’ enough without being reminiscent of roast lamb.
MADARA Herbal Deodorant (£10) contains Northern Sage and natural minerals and is designed to reduce odour and help you stay fresh all day. I like the large roll-on and the subtle scent. You’ll need to top up for a night out but because it’s natural stuff, another layer or two throughout the day doesn’t matter.
My go-to on a really warm day is Primavera Energising Natural Roll-On Deodorant Ginger and Lime (£14.00). It promises 24-hour protection from body odour: a tall order for a natural deodorant but it’s worth remembering that this one does contain 15% natural alcohol, which some of the others don’t. The result is that it does feel zingier on application but it’s an impressive amount of freshness for a natural product.
My favourite purse-friendly option is the first fragranced product in the ‘Salt of The Earth’ range: Pure Aura Scented Natural Deodorant Spray (£5.99). Love the pump spray and it worked really well even during a sweat-inducing trip to my son’s swimming class. Another benefit is that it doesn’t leave marks on your clothes. Nice work.
Finally, a luxe option from The Organic Pharmacy. Their Deodorant Spray, (£19.95) comes in a gorgeous heavy glass spray bottle with a sleek silver label. The spray itself is a gentle deodorant spray uses rosemary, witch hazel, lemon and sage to give a spa-tastic scent. It’s a teeny bit sticky on first application but works well and it’s a handy size to keep in your handbag for freshening up throughout the day.
