Natural Deodorant That Actually Works

I get asked certain questions more than others. “What’s your all time favorite mascara?” See my faves here.

“What’s the best drugstore foundation?” See this post.

“Why don’t you like Game of Thrones?” Too much horse violence.

and finally, “have you found a natural deodorant that actually works?”
My answer to that used to be, “nope, I still stink. None of them work.”

I’ve tried over 14 different kinds of natural deodorant and each and every one has failed me. Read about them here and here.

A successful natural deodorant for me must meet the following qualifications:

• Cruelty-free
• Baking soda free, as I’ve had skin sensitivity to this previously.
• Pleasant, natural scent. I hate rose, jasmine, lemongrass and patchouli.
• Aluminum and paraben free. I have previous thyroid issues and it just seems best for me to avoid.

So, ask me again if I’ve found a natural deodorant that works. Go ahead, I’ll wait.
“Why, thank you for asking because YES I HAVE!” 

Just like Pixel pooping in his litter box instead of just right outside of it, I thought this day would never come. I had given up. I had completely ruled out natural deodorants, proclaiming them all ineffective for my stinky chemistry. Then my Instagram friend Maria came in with the save. She asked if I’d want to try just one more, from a brand called SmartyPits. She gave me a sampler pack of their sensitive skin formula, which is baking soda free.

PRICE
On the SmartyPits site, mini singles are $4.99 and full size deodorants are $11.99. If you’re an Amazon Prime addict, full sizes are $15 and travel sizes are $9.50 each.  On the SmartyPits site, shipping was only $1.95. and is free with orders of $45 or more.
They have sampler packs for $17.99 which are a great way to determine what scent you prefer and are perfect for travel or gifting.

FORMULA
These are in twist up stick packaging and similar to other natural deodorants, a bit messy to apply. I’d prefer this in a paste instead. They don’t crumble when applied but rather build up on the ridge of the packaging.

SCENT
I tried out each scent, finding that Tweed & Spice was my favorite. I like masculine scents so pick this one if you do too. The others scents are nice, though Coconut Mango was my least favorite. They also make an unscented version.

INGREDIENTS
The reason that SmartyPits Deodorant is different from all the others I’ve tried and why it works lies in one ingredient. It contains a plant-based prebiotic called Inulin. I’ve haven’t tried any other natural deodorant with prebiotics and I think it’s what makes all the difference for my personal chemistry. It also contains magnesium, which might also make it more successful.

Full ingredient list
Arrowroot Powder, Magnesium Hydroxide, Fractionated Coconut Oil, Avocado Butter, Cera Bellina Wax, Coconut Oil, Fragrance, Vitamin E, Inulin

THE COMPANY
SmartyPits was founded by Stacia Guzzo after her mom beat breast cancer. The products are made in small batches by Handcrafted Honeybee in California. 30 cents from every stick of our regular size SmartyPits is donated to City of Hope’s programs for breast cancer research and education. The SmartyPits site even has a handy quiz to help steer you in the right direction if you’ve never used natural deodorants before.

HOW I TESTED IT
I wore SmartyPits to work, doing makeup for 5+ hours at a time in close proximity to my clients in cramped, bridal suites.
I played my husband in sweaty ping pong matches.
I applied it at night after showering and didn’t reapply the next morning.
I danced very hard to my fire playlists to the point that I was out of breath and my husband was afraid of me.

RESULTS
Not only did I experience zero B.O., but I’ve actually noticed my armpits being smoother, softer and experiencing less razor burn and ingrown hairs. This is the only natural deodorant that I have ever felt confident enough to wear to jobs. I know. I still can’t believe it myself.

Do I recommend SmartyPits Deodorant?
I think you know that the answer is a resounding yes. If every other natural option has failed for you too, you should give this one a go before you give up all together.

Ok, gotta go. I need to order more SmartyPits deodorant.