Have you ever struggled to find a deodorant that prevents BO, doesn’t irritate your skin, and is affordable? We have, too. Finding the right deodorant can be tricky, so we are here to help. You may have heard about the benefits of switching to all-natural deodorants, but if you haven’t, let’s break it down.
Natural deodorants don’t contain chemicals like parabens, aluminium, and phthalates, which may cause irritation to dry or sensitive skin. Staying clear of these ingredients means that natural deodorants allow us to sweat, unlike many antiperspirants, which prohibit this. Is this a good thing? The bottom line is yes, it is good to sweat. This is a natural part of any healthy body and allows for toxins and body temperature release.
Another huge benefit of using natural deodorants is that the ingredients are less harmful to the planet. Natural products often use eco-friendly and biodegradable ingredients like fruit and plants. The trick is finding a natural deodorant that works. Many women I’ve talked to find that natural deodorants don’t last as long as non-natural alternatives, resulting in unwanted BO throughout the day (not that BO is ever truly wanted).
Finding the right balance between a product that is gentle on the skin, doesn’t cause irritation, and works well can be hard. No one wants to smell bad after only one hour, and I personally love a product that lasts, so I don’t need to reapply continuously.
I’m super fussy, as someone who has suffered bad reactions from different deodorants. I have dry and easily irritated skin, and deodorants from alcohol and harsh chemicals often cause my skin to freak out (aka not-so-attractive underarm rash).
Indulge yourself in this ‘AKT’ of self-care, or at least that’s the advice from the marketing team at AKT Natural Deodorants. AKT natural deodorant balms come in various scents and have an optional applicator and applicator assistant, ensuring you use the right product for each application.
The applicator assistant is super handy as I never know how much to use for a specific product. It is shaped like a metal key, and you wrap the tube of the deodorant balm around it for each use, effectively pushing out the right amount of product. Truthfully speaking, I ditched the assistant and used a little more than recommended, but not too much more.
The applicator is a detail I love; AKT took inspiration from Gua Sha here. In case you are unfamiliar with Gua Sha, it’s an ancient Chinese practice popular today by many health and beauty influencers for lymphatic drainage. I won’t lie; I can get around a little Gua Sha myself; it’s very therapeutic. No detail was spared either, the applicator is made from premium brass by Gua Sha specialists in China…oh la la.
Importantly, AKT did not irritate or dry out my skin. I tried a few of the natural deodorant balms, including Petitgrain Mandarin Neroli, and they all smelled delicious. I applied in the morning, commuted to work, went for a walk at lunchtime, and commuted home. At the end of the day, I did not have BO and still smelt nice. Success. If I were going out for the night, I would probably reapply, but I do that with all deodorants, including non-natural ones. I also sampled Cedar, Eucalyptus, Orange and Amber, Violet and Tonka. My favourite scent has to be Petitgrain Mandarin Neroli, but of course, taste is subjective.
AKT definitely has a higher price point. If you are on a lower budget for deodorants (we don’t blame you if you are), then this is the right choice if you use it sparingly. That said, with this product, you get what you pay for, and if you can afford to splash out a little, it’s worth it.
If you are wondering what’s inside (you should be), AKT lists all the ingredients here so you can see them yourself.
Make Waves was easy and quick to apply, which is ideal for the busy. The product smelt good and did not irritate my skin. While it did not last as long as AKT, applying was easier and quicker, so this is a great option for us busy bees. The applicator even comes in a selection of colours so you can choose your favourite, mine is the aquarelle lilac colour.
It lasted as long as I needed it, through a workout, all day while working. One downside is the reusable applicator is quite bulky, so it would take up some room in a handbag. Overall, it was a major thumbs up from me, even more so because it is one of the more affordable options on the market. Although it lasted less time than AKT, if you can reapply at some point during the day and are okay with making space for it in your handbag, this may be your perfect option.
Another brilliant point from Make Waves is their offering, which includes natural deodorants and anti-persipants. This way, you can choose which type of product you want to combat BO. The natural antiperspirant is a good option for anyone who actively wants to minimise underarm sweat. For anyone wanting a product that will still allow sweat, remember that sweating is good (although it’s hard); the natural deodorant will be your choice. I sampled the natural deodorant in Coconut & Vanilla and the antiperspirant Sandalwood & Patchouli. Both smelt good and were super-gentle on my skin and clothes.
Wild was nice to apply and smelt good. It did not irritate my skin, ding ding ding. Plus, it even has cute refillable packaging. I tried the Jasmin and Mandarin blossom scent which was lovely and gentle. Although it didn’t last as long as my old-time favourite, Niva Pearl & Beauty, it lasted longer than some other natural deodorants I have tried. This is a good option if you want something that will last a day at work, not a day at work or an after-work event. I definitely had BO when I hopped into bed that night. The natural deodorants from AKT and Make Waves lasted longer.
Like AKT and Make Waves, Wild uses eco-friendly packaging. The mini deodorants come in a compostable cardboard applicator while the larger sizes come in a reusable applicator. One benefit of Wild is that it is easy to apply and not bulky, making it easy to bring on the go. This could be a great choice if you are looking for something to keep in your handbag.
Are you wondering what’s inside? So were we, which is why we’ve researched for you. Wild lists the following ingredients as the makeup of its deodorant base and even provides a breakdown of what each element does.
If you try any, let us know which worked well for you.
Following on from natural deodorants, let’s look at some haircare products. Or better yet, let’s explore how to achieve healthy hair from the inside out.
