Deodorant is tricky. In the early 2000’s, panicked claims of aluminum’s carcinogenicity went viral after a study appeared to directly link aluminum and breast cancer. Since then, the National Cancer Institute has calmed these fears. But a solid body of research remains, demonstrating that aluminum is, at best, a controversial ingredient in personal care products. It is a neurotoxin and inhibits over 200 biologically important functions, causing various adverse effects in plants, animals and people.
I’ve tried so many natural deodorants over the years, often with disappointing results. Most wouldn’t even be empty before I’d throw them out. Although not perfect, Lavanila Laboratories’ The Healthy Deodorant stands out as exceptional among safe deodorants.
Inside the Ingredients
Ingredients: aloe leaf juice, propanediol, corn starch, sodium stearate, silica, carrageenan, stearyl behenate, lemon peel oil, inulin, saccharomyces ferment, alpha-glucan oligosaccharide, yeast beta glucan, honeysuckle flower extract, lichen extract, valerian root extract, goldenseal extract, tea tree flower/leaf/stem extract, goji berry extract, fragrance (botanical blend).
| Extremely Safe | Reasonably Safe | Proceed with Caution | Insufficient Data |
This ingredient list is very different from mainstream drugstore deodorants. No controversial aluminums. No paraben preservatives. No petrochemicals, triclosan, silicone, sulfates, phthalates or propylene glycol.
The Healthy Deodorant uses plenty of food-derived ingredients. Propanediol and corn starch are derived from corn. Sodium stearate and stearyl behenate are derived from coconut. Carrageenan is from seaweed. And even the inulin comes from artichoke.
Deodorant, not Antiperspirant
The downside of this deodorant is that it isn’t clear and it does little to protect from wetness. But sweating is a normal and healthy bodily function, so other than embarrassing social implications, this ain’t so bad. Also, it may need to be re-applied once or possibly twice during the day. But they also make a cute mini version which fits easily into a purse.
Where to Purchase
Lavanila Laboratories’ The Healthy Deodorant is $14. Purchase it here. The vanilla lavender scent is delicate and never cloying.
*This post is not sponsored. All opinions are my own. **Products get makeovers too. Be sure to double-check if this product has recently been re-formulated before using it yourself.