We test the new natural ways to stay fresh all day
NOW that we’re trying to be kinder to our bodies and the planet, there are ‘natural’ versions of every kind of beauty product. But it’s one thing to try eco skincare and make-up, and quite another to risk the switch to natural deodorants — especially now we’re back in offices with colleagues to consider.
Made using plant-based ingredients, natural deodorants can include baking soda, charcoal or arrowroot (a starch from the roots of
tropical plants) in place of aluminium salts, which block pores and stop sweat emerging. Consumers have worried about possible links between these salts and health issues such as breast cancer, but health experts say there’s no evidence to justify such fears.
Natural formulas also tend to feature essential oils and plant-based antibacterials, such as tea tree, lavender, peppermint and eucalyptus, to kill off the bugs that make body odour.
And instead of a spray or roll-on, they often come as balms, sticks and creams in packaging ranging from cardboard tubes to aluminium tins.
So how well do they work? TANITH CAREY tried a different one every day, before hopping on her Peloton bike for 20 minutes in a sleeveless sports top. Here, she gives her verdict.
A PEACHY START Wild Natural Deodorant, €12.39 for case and refill starter pack, boots.ie
THIS stick uses
tapioca starch to soak up sweat. You can choose the colour of the case and even personalise it for an extra charge in some Boots outlets. You can then subscribe to receive 43g refills in a choice of eight smells, from Mint & Eucalyptus to Rhubarb & Raspberry.
Mine came in suave, mint-green packaging with a gorgeous peach bellini scent to get the morning off to a celebratory start. It went on smoothly but didn’t dry, though that meant it didn’t flake or turn powdery, as some aerosols can.
It blitzed my workout sweat as effectively as my old deodorants, though it was a little sticky. 4/5
PEPPERMINT PASTE
Earth Conscious Peppermint & Spearmint Strong Protection Natural Deodorant Tin, 60g, €8.35, earthconscious.co.uk I WAS thrilled with the aluminium tin — much better for the planet than aerosol cans. It felt odd to scoop up the peppermint-scented paste and massage it under my arms. But, along with bicarbonate of soda to soak up the sweat, it contains shea butter and coconut oil, so any leftover product can be used as a hand cream. There is a waxy whiteness on application, but it didn’t mark my sports top. And I was dry and odour-free after my workout. 4/5
THE GYM-DAY BALM
The Natural Deodorant Co. Orange & Bergamot Active Deodorant Balm, 55g, €12.50, hollandandbarrett.com THIS vegan formula comes as a whipped balm in a glass jar and looks more like a high-end face cream. The smell is tangy but subtle, thanks to the orange essential oils. Arrowroot powder is added to soak up sweat.
My underarms felt moisturised after application and there were no marks on my top. It’s billed as ‘perfect for gym days’ and lives up to its promise — it kept me dry and fresh on my bike. 4.5/5
CLASS IN A GLASS Urtekram Rose Crystal Roll-on, 50ml, €7.45, amazon.ie
A ROLL-ON in a glass bottle, this felt like more familiar territory — except it claims to be completely natural.
It has a romantic aroma thanks to rose geranium and lemongrass essential oils. I knew it was a winner when my husband asked why I smelled nice and I was only wearing this. It didn’t stop me sweating completely, but it’s not supposed to. 3.5/5
HINT OF A WORKOUT Salt Of The Earth, 100ml, €6.79, hollandandbarrett.com
THIS spray dried quickly and left my underarms less tacky than other products. It says it’s 100 per cent natural and it was pleasant not to feel the usual stinging when applying deodorant after shaving.
There was a slight whiff after my workout, but I suspect that’s because I tried the unscented version — it comes in lavender and vanilla, too. It’s good value, and you can buy refills to reduce plastic waste. 3.5/5
SLICK & SUSTAINABLE Ermana Comfort Natural Deodorant with Lavender, Geranium and Ylang Ylang, 85g, €10.75, ermana.co.uk
LESS than 50 per cent of packaging from our bathrooms is recycled, compared with 90 per cent in the kitchen, according to Recycle Now. Most natural deodorants try to use sustainable or refillable containers, and Ermana has done well: this comes in an elegant cardboard tube.
It glided on beautifully and dried quickly as it had a more solid consistency. After my workout, my underarms were a little sticky but, most importantly, there was no worrying whiffiness. 3/5
A CITRUS TWIST Incognito Natural Crystal Citronella Deodorant Stick, 64g, €6.25, bodykind.com
LOOKING ahead to summer, this compact roll-on does double duty; it also works as an insect repellent thanks to its citronella scent.
A 2 in crystal block that’s handy for travelling, it contains an antibacterial to tackle the bugs that cause body odour. Just wet the end with water and apply it. I was quite moist under the arms after my workout, but not uncontrollably so. And I don’t mind a light sheen of perspiration to keep me cooler.