According to the National Cancer Society, “Reports have suggested that these products contain harmful substances, which can be absorbed through the skin or enter the body through nicks caused by shaving. Some scientists have also proposed that certain ingredients in underarm antiperspirants or deodorants may be related to breast cancer because they are applied frequently to an area next to the breast.”

Since our skin is our largest organ, we need to take measures to ensure that what we put on it is as natural as possible. There are five harmful chemicals found in deodorant that can play a part in causing health problems: Aluminium Compounds, Parabens, Propylene glycol, Triclosan and Steareths. If you’re looking for a new deodorant or perfume, check the back for these ingredients and avoid that product if they are listed.

Thankfully, there are plenty natural non-toxic options out there. My husband and I have personally tried more than 10 different natural options. After checking them out, I highly suggest the below 5 products:

1 – Axilla Black Chicken Deodorant Paste

This unique blend of natural and organic ingredients target and effectively neutralise odour without harmful chemicals or sweat blockers. This means your body can continue to do what it does naturally without smelling funky.

This awesome deodorant paste:

* Contains only natural and certified organic ingredients

* Does note contain harmful Aluminium Salts or compounds

* Is completely invisible upon application

* Does not contain synthetic fragrances

* Contains pure essential oils and botanical extracts

* Does not contain alcohol, Parabens, Propylene Glycol, Triclosans or other harmful chemicals

* Vegan friendly and not tested on animals

* Made with love in Australia

This is hands down the favourite of deodorant for men and women.

2 – Schmidt’s Deodorant Paste – Bergamot & Lime

This is another good deodorant paste, but is a touch harder to put on in comparison to Black Chicken. The Bergamot & Lime is a zesty, refreshing scent. The paste is neurtralised, with the natural antiseptic properties. Free from Aluminium, free from crystals, yet keeps you fresh and does not block your sweat glands.

3 – Crystal Deodorant Roller

For those that prefer a roller over a paste, the only natural roller I can find that actually works is the Crystal Roller. It is made from natural mineral salts to neutralise bacteria and prevent body odour, even after strenuous activity. There are a few options of scent. My favourite is the Chamomile and Green Tea blend.

All Crystal deodorants have:

* No harmful chemicals

* No Aluminium Chlorohydrate or Zirconium

* Hypoallergenic

* Dries instantly

3 – DoTERRA Whisper Essentail Oil 

An easier option for perfume is using essential oils. This DoTERRA oil is my favourite, with a musky, warm, spicy, soft, sweet smell and people often comment on.

As stated from DoTERRA its primary benefits are:

• Combines with each individual’s chemistry to create a beautiful, unique, and personal fragrance
• Provides a warming, musky aroma
• Entices and intrigues the senses

The ingredients are :- Fractionated Coconut Oil, Patchouli Leaf, Bergamot Peel, Hawaiian Sandalwood Wood, Rose Flower, Vanilla Bean Absolute, Jasmine Flower, Cinnamon Bark, Vetiver Root, Labdanum Leaf/Stem, Cocoa Seed, Ylang Ylang Flower

4 – DoTERRA Balance Essential Oil 

This DoTERRA essential oil is also a good option for perfume. It’s more of a fresh, sweet and woody scent and one I like to use when I am feeling out of balance

Its primary benefits are

• Promotes a whole-body sense of relaxation
• May help ease anxious feelings
• Evokes feelings of tranquility and balance

The ingredients are:- Spruce Leaf, Ho Wood Leaf, Frankincense Resin, Blue Tansy Flower, Blue Chamomile Flower, and Osmanthus Flower essential oils in a base of Fractionated Coconut Oil.

Do you have a Deodorant that you love and its not on this list? Please share your favourite.

Often I get asked the main things I personally take advantage of when it comes to keeping happy and healthy. So, with that in mind here is the first of a monthly segment on the blog that will showcase 5 things I’m loving right now in the world of wellness:

1 – Meditation with Head Space App

We’re very blessed to have meditation apps on our devices these days. It makes something important very easy to do and accessible to almost anyone. I highly suggest adding meditation to your daily routine. After using many different types of apps, my favourite by far is Head Space. You get a FREE 10 days of meditation, which is ideal for creating a habit of sitting down for just ten minutes each day and working on your mental health. Check it out, share with your friends and family and give it a go.

2 – The China Study Book

My favourite book at the moment is The China Study . I read this book over 6 years ago and  now reading it for the second time. It still bows me away. The China Study examines the relationship between the consumption of animal products (including dairy) and chronic illnesses such as coronary heart disease, diabetes, breast cancer, prostate cancer, and bowel cancer. The authors conclude that people who eat a whole-food, plant-based vegan diet—avoiding all animal products, including beef, pork, poultry, fish, eggs, cheese, and milk, and reducing their intake of processed foods and refined carbohydrates—will escape, reduce, or reverse the development of numerous diseases.

The book is based on the China–Cornell–Oxford Project, a 20-year study—described by The New York Times as “the Grand Prix of epidemiology”—conducted by the Chinese Academy of Preventive Medicine. T. Colin Campbell was one of the study’s directors. It looked at mortality rates from cancer and other chronic diseases from 1973–75 in 65 counties in China; the data was correlated with 1983–84 dietary surveys and blood work from 100 people in each county.

3 – Black Chicken Deodorant

Each day, as we get ready to head out of the house, we all put on our favourite deodorant and fragrances and cosmetics. Most are unaware of the products we use on our skin are often full of toxic chemicals. After using these products day in day out, it can then cause many skin issues and other health related problems. Black Chicken Axilla is a 100% natural alternative that actually works. I won’t use anything else. Stay tuned for a dedicated post on skin products and deodorants in general. 

4 – Doterra Oils – Whisper

Adding on to the above information, we all like to head out to a special event smelling nice with your favourite perfume. My favourite is a beautiful Natural Oil Blends from ‘Doterra’ named Whisper.  The blend of Bergamot Peel, Ylang Ylang Flower, Patchouli Leaf, Vanilla Bean Absolute, Jasmine Flower Absolute, Cinnamon Bark, Labdanum, Vetiver Root, Hawaiian Sandalwood, Cocoa Bean Absolute, Rose Flower. Simply beautiful and will rival any fashion boutique label you’d pay top dollar for.

5 – Tim Ferriss

I love utilising any spare time with Podcasts. They’re free, entertaining and a perfect way to broaden your mind. Currently my total favourite is with Tim Ferriss. Tim approaches life very differently than most people. In his Podcast he interviews world class performers from lots of different fields; from health researchers, to chess prodigies to military strategists. You get an insight into the habits and tactics that these people use to get to the top of their profession. Always interesting information I don’t think I’d ever hear about anywhere else. Do yourself a favour and give it a listen.

Cover image from Ben White at Unsplash