UPDATE: After posting this blog I took the advice of Aurora and tried Crystal Essence in the Chamomile & Green Tea scent.  AND we have a winner!

I know, I know.  Pretty cliché. Girl finds herself in yoga, girl becomes yoga teacher, girl starts testing natural products, what’s next? Well cliché as it may be, removing chemicals from my daily skin care regimen has been a big priority as of late.

I don’t know the numbers or statistics or research behind using your every day antiperspirants, but what I do know is I don’t want 50 different chemicals seeping into my skin, especially near my chest, any longer.

So for the past four months or so I’ve been “experimenting” with natural deodorants.  I say “experimenting” because unfortunately they don’t all stave off our natural smell as easily as the chemical ridden ones do. Here is where I’m at so far.

Experiment #1

Tom’s of Maine Long Lasting Deodorant in Wild Lavender

• Cost: $4.99
• Review: Tom’s smelled great (if you like lavender) and was very reasonably priced.  That was about all I liked about it though.  I had to reapply multiple times per day.  I also started to feel itchy under my arms and a reddish circle rash formed.  I thought maybe my body just had to get used to these natural ingredients and learn to sweat and breathe without chemicals.  I switched after a few weeks and there is a bit of discoloring under my arms from the rash still.

Experiment #2

Kiss My Face Natural Active Life Deodorant in Lavender

• Cost: $3.99
• Review:  I liked the lavender scent of Kiss my Face.  This deodorant required less applications through out the day.  If I shower, put it on, and am not working up a sweat the rest of the day then I only have to apply once.  If I am working out and not showering right away I will apply before and after being active. The itchiness slowly stopped once using Kiss My Face but I still had the rash.

Experiment #3

La Vanilla The Healthy Deodorant in Pure Vanilla

• Cost: $14.00
• Review: I had high hopes for La Vanilla.  It was recommended by more than one person.  So I finally ordered from their website.  I decided to try the Pure Vanilla scent which I didn’t like all that much.  It reminded me of an old musky smell. I don’t believe La Vanilla made my rash any worse but it did not mask any smell for me.  I had to reapply multiple times per day even if I was not active.

So what’s the result?  Well I went back to the Kiss My Face deodorant for now.  I still have a slight rash under my arm but it’s not itchy anymore.  It’s no easy task being healthy!  Who has recommendations or experiences with these or other brands?

I’d love to hear!