Why You Should Try a Deodorant Cream

My daily deodorant routine has always been a no-brainer. Grab the stick, slather it on the pits and go. The biggest change-up was when I switched from using conventional deodorants to a more natural version in order to ditch the parabens, artificial fragrances and other nasty chemicals. Tom’s of Maine deodorant has worked well for me and since I tend to stick with what works, it’s been my go-to brand for a long, long time.

Be adventurous – try a deodorant cream!

Recently, I’ve been trying something new. Instead of the stick, I’ve been reaching for the cream. Cream style deodorants seem to be gaining in popularity, most likely because people are willing to change things up a bit in order to get effective products they can feel good about. Deodorant creams typically contain fewer ingredients than conventional deodorants and the ingredients used are safer, more natural and better for your skin. The trade off is a tiny bit of extra effort (applying cream to your armpits and then washing your fingers) – but that’s not a lot to ask, now is it?

Read my full review – Natural Deodorants that Work 

But do they work?

I’ve been using deodorant creams almost exclusively for a couple of months now. At first it seemed odd to be dipping my fingers in a jar and smearing cream under my pits but it didn’t take long to accept it as my new routine. The products I’ve tried are definitely keeping up their end of the bargain – no stinky pits for me, even after intense exercise! The only caveat is that the active ingredient in most deodorant creams is baking soda, which may sting your skin after you shave (apparently not everyone experiences this, but I do). On shaving days, I either wait a couple of hours to apply the cream or I grab my trusty old stick deodorant if I’m running out of the house and can’t wait.

My husband even gave cream deodorant a go. He reported back that it stood up to power yoga just as well as anything else he’s used and it smelled a heck of a lot better (he hates those artificial “men’s” fragrances). FYI – he also noted that it’s easier to apply if your pits are a bit damp instead of completely dry.

We both agreed that while it’s hard to break the pit-stick habit, once you’ve switched to cream it’s no big deal.

These are the brands we’ve tried:

Purely Great

The Scoop: Purely Great is an all natural deodorant cream made with only three simple ingredients (plus essential oils for scent). The product is free of preservatives, aluminum and parabens. One jar provides 2-3 months of daily protection. I love that this deodorant cream is so easy to apply. Smooth it on using your fingers or the handy wooden applicator. Note: stir the product before using as the vegetable glycerin tends to rise to the top.

The Ingredients: baking soda, cornstarch, vegetable glycerin and essential oils (All ingredients are non-GMO and vegan. Baking soda and vegetable glycerin are organic.)

The Price: $12.99 for 45 gm jar (about 1.6 oz) or buy 2 jars for $20.99 + free shipping using this link (expires May 31. 2014).

Schmidt’s

The Scoop: The people at Schmidt’s set out to create new standards for deodorant: a luxurious feel, health-conscious formulation, captivating scents, and an experience that outlasts the competition. After giving them a road-test, I would say they met their goal big time!  Not only do you keep away the stink but you get a free aromatherapy experience with scents like Bergamot-Lime, Ylang Ylang Calendula and Lavendar Sage!  Note: In cooler weather the product is solid and must be scraped out (a plastic applicator is included) and softened with fingers before applying. In warmer weather, you can simply dip in with your fingers.

The Ingredients: shea butter, baking soda, arrowroot powder, cocoa butter, Vitamin E, hop extract and essential oils

The Price: $9 for 2-oz jar.

Soapwalla

The Scoop: Rachel from Soapwalla set out to make effective skincare products that would not exacerbate her skin issues due to an autoimmune condition. One of the products she created was a deodorant cream which quickly gained a cult-like following through the blogosphere. I tried it (and loved it) years ago, but clearly wasn’t ready to give up my pit stick for good. Now that I’m ready to commit to creams, this one will be on my short list for sure. The creamy formula is easy to apply and your skin will drink up the nourishing oils.

The Ingredients: jojoba oil, sunflower oil, rosehip seed oil, shea butter, cornstarch, baking soda, Kaolin clay, glycerin, vitamin E and essential oils. Many ingredients are organic and non-GMO.

The Price: $14 for 2-oz jar

Are you ready to make the switch to a deodorant cream?

(Disclosure: I received free samples of Purely Great and Schmidt’s deodorant in exchange for my honest opinion.)

photo credit: wallyg via photopin cc