Wouldn’t Want to Smell Ya - Adding a Touch of Green to Your B.O.

Written by:
Melissa Moog

Melissa is a WAHM who happily gave up her high tech career to become a mompreneur focused on helping families make the best green choices.

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Ok, this is not an attractive topic but it is definitely an interesting one! I’ve been on the hunt for a “green” deodorant that truly keeps the beautiful scent of sweat at bay. I’ve tried all of the brands that Trader Joe’s offers like the Tom’s of Maine Stick but by the middle of the day I can tell or shall I say smell that I’ve exerted a little perspiration. I don’t search for the scent but because I have a super sniffer it would be hard to ignore anything that doesn’t smell too nice. So, I’ve resulted to falling back on my old, reliable, blue bottle of Secret - that’s until I can find a “green” product that works.

Like I said this is not the coolest of eco-friendly topics but for those of you taking baby steps in choosing healthier deodorant options with no toxic ingredients such as aluminum or fragrance this entry will interest you. You may be asking why we should avoid these chemicals so here’s what I found out in simple terms. The jury is still out but research on what your personal care products are made of and how toxic they are can be seen on the Environmental Working Group’s site Skin Deep which provides reviews on a ton of brand name products like Johnson and Johnson’s.

For example some deodorant brands contain the following toxic chemicals:

Aluminium Chlorohydrate - an active ingredient in many deodorants has been linked to developmental and reproductive toxicity

Fragrance - linked to a class of health problems that can range from subtle developmental delays and chronic nerve degeneration disease

I was happy to see that one of my favorite eco-friendly sites which I learned about from a friend called “The Ideal Bite” did a recent product review on some of the best “green” deodorants out there. They came up with the following:

• Weleda Wild Rose Spray - a couple spritzes of this flowery concoction will keep most Biters fresh throughout the day ($15).
• Miessence Tahitian Breeze Roll-on - our fave roll-on has a summery scent; reapply every few hours ($10).
• Crystal Body Deodorant Stick - it didn’t work for a couple of us, but some swear by its unscented mineral salts; the stick lasts a year or more and works on feet as well ($7).
• Alba Clear Enzyme Stick - light lavender smell with soothing aloe vera, and baking soda to sop up sweat ($6).

And for more product reviews from actual users of various deodorant brands check out The Green Guide.

I haven’t tried any of the above mentioned products yet but I’m planning on it. Hopefully, I’ll find a product that really works this time! If you’ve gone on the hunt for a great green deodorant and found something that works please share your fabulous find with me here.