Having to choose between a natural deodorant and a commercial antiperspirant is a hard mission.
A natural deodorant only masks the odor.
A commercial antiperspirant stops odor and perspiration.
So, should you choose an antiperspirant?
One of the main sweating benefits is to detox harmful heavy metals and toxins. So do you wish to keep those toxins inside your body?
Since I started this blog, I have been doing my best to choose natural personal products. It might be a bit easy to switch to a natural eye cream or a natural cleanser. But when it comes to natural deodorants, it could be tricky, and a little bit harder to find the perfect one that works.
Two years ago, I made the big move to natural deodorants, and I am thankful that I made it!
November was my lucky month, since I received a box of natural deodorants from Lafe’s Natural Body Care, and I was like a small child with a big box of gifts (hehe), big enough that it took me over five weeks to try them!
About Lafe’s Natural Body Care
Lafe’s is a family owned, personal care company, and 100% green; all of the electricity in their office and warehouse is generated by wind energy.
All Lafe’s products are:
・Proplyene Glycol Free
・Parabens Free
・Triclosan Free
・SLS/SLES/Sodium Laurel Sulfate Free
・PEG Compounds Free
・Petroleum Free
・DEA/TEA/MEA Free
・VOCs Free
・FD&C Colors/Dye Free
・Mineral Oil Free
Lafe’s has a wide range of body care products including lip balms, soap bars, deodorants, shampoos & conditioners, and baby care products.
Regarding deodorants, there are six different scents for the roll-ons, five twist-sticks and Just deodorant sprays, including unscented products for those with sensitive skin.
These natural deodorants are aluminum free, gluten free, and propylene glycol free and are made with certified organic ingredients.
My Thoughts
Among the different products, my favorite is BLISS natural deodorant twist-stick; an organic deodorant with a fresh aroma of roses and iris that leaves me feeling clean, dry, and refreshed.
But then when I have a busy day, I would prefer to use the ACTIVE natural deodorant twist-stick, which has a sweet citrus and bergamot scent.
ACTIVE gives better protection for hot and stressful days, and I managed to go through the day without the need to re-apply, and I did not smell the next morning.
I am happy with the fact that these deodorants do not leave any white residue under my arms or yellow stains on my clothing.
Lafe’s Crystal Rock Deodorant
This is my first time that I try a crystal rock deodorant, and honestly, I was not sure about how to use it. Luckily, it is easy!
- Simply wet the stone and apply to clean underarms.
- Make sure you don’t use too much water.
- Rub up and down or in a circular motion and continue until your underarm is dry.
The ingredient list consists of one ingredient; Potassium Alum (Natural Mineral Salts). The salt helps to kill bacteria that cause underarm odor. Thus odor may be reduced or eliminated, but you may still sweat (especially in humid and very hot weather, or if living a lifestyle that is stressful most of the time).
It also has been used in the East to whiten the skin underarms.
Lafe’s Crystal Rock Deodorant gives me good protection on a regular day (not that equal to the ACTIVE natural deodorant twist-stick, still I was satisfied with the results).
Also, it does not stain clothing or leaves a white (or yellow) residue. If you would like to give this a try, you can order the mini stick, and if you are satisfied, order the full size.
Things to Keep in Mind
When switching from an antiperspirant to the crystal deodorant (or a natural deodorant in general), it might be associated with an increase in body odor, and you may sweat more than you used to. This is usually referred to as an adjustment phase.
When I switched to natural deodorants, it took around 3 weeks for my body to adjust with the new change, and I had to shower every single day.
It was not easy since my body perspired heavily at that time, but it does worth the change.
If you sweat heavily, I recommend using ACTIVE or BLISS; both work well for me when I need extra care. This is my personal opinion, though you might like SOOTHE and FRESH more; especially that they have a slightly stronger scent, but for me, I prefer light scents.
Also, I suggest that you invest in disposable underarm shields, I use this brand.
In general, all Lafe’s twist-stick deodorants are easy to apply, and unlike some natural deodorants, they have a smooth formula that is not greasy, or grainy.
Roll-ons, on the other hand, takes a bit to dry, so if you do not mind little wetness underarms, that’s fine, but don’t worry, it only lasts for a few minutes; just make sure it dries before you put on your clothes.
Regarding Lafe’s deodorant sprays, I did not get the chance to try them, yet. But I am planning to do so soon.
Lafe’s Organic Lip Balm (Winter Mint)
Winter Mint is a natural lip balm that is also certified organic by the USDA. It contains ingredients that work well for moisturizing your lips like beeswax, vitamin E, and essential oils like peppermint.
Lips tend to dry more during winter, and this little lip balm is an effective solution for chapped lips, and for preventing them from drying. You can choose from three lip balms, winter mint, tangerine lemon, and unflavored lip balm. There are also tinted lip balms in three colors.
I tried the Winter Mint lip balm, and I like the way it glides on my lips, leaving them smooth and preventing them from chapping. When I use it, my lips stay hydrated for hours, and I only need to use it a few times a day.
I hope that you find these products from Lafe’s body care helpful, and help you make the switch to natural products.
Now it’s your Chance to Win!
Lafe’s Body Care Giveaway (Worth Over $100!)
I have partnered with Lafe’s to giveaway one lucky winner this gift box, and it includes:
- 4 of Lafe’s Stick Deodorants
- 4 of Lafe’s Roll-On Deodorants
- 2 of Lafe’s Crystal Deodorants
- 2 of Lafe’s Spray Deodorants
- 2 of Lafe’s Lip Balm
The giveaway is open for U.S. and UK residents, age 18+, where permitted by law.
The giveaway begins on 12/07/2018 at 12:00 AM (Eastern Time (US & Canada)) and ends on 12/20/2018 at 12:00 AM (Eastern Time (US & Canada)) (the “Promotion Period”).
Leaving a comment is mandatory, all other options in the giveaway are optional, if you do any of them, you are entitled to more points and will give you more chance to win the prize.
The winner will be chosen randomly and notified via email. So make sure your email is typed correctly in the giveaway widget. If for any reason the winner does not respond within 48 hours of notification, a new winner will be selected.
Update: The giveaway is over now, but you can receive 15% off any purchase at www.lafes.com, make sure to use the code “TipsForNaturalBeauty15” when you checkout. If you use this code, you will receive 15% off, and I will get a small commission that helps me support my blog.
Read full terms and conditions here!
Good Luck!
*Though the brand sent me these products for review, all opinions are my own, and completely based on my personal experience.
4 Homemade Face Mask Recipes with Coconut Oil
I like to use a lotion with SPF.
Great choice, Kelly.
Thank you for your comment.
I would love to win this !
Good luck, Jasamyn!
I think exfoliating is so important
I believe exfoliation is important, too, Jessica.
Thank you for your comment.
Apply moisturizer when skin is still damp so it absorbs better.
Use a thick moisturizer on feet and put socks over them when going to bed.
Exercise right when you get up so you don’t have time to think about it
Great tip, Robin. It could become part of your daily routine.
When I have really bad dry skin I exfoliate with a body scrub to get the dead skin off my body. Then I follow up with lotion.
Exfoliation is the best solution for dry skin, just make sure you exfoliate your skin gently to avoid irritation.
Thank you for your comment, Kristin.
I like to use lotion with SPF in the summer.
Great choice, Tiffany. SPF is so important in summer as well as all year long.
Thank you for your comment.
Moisturize. A lot. Also use lotion with spf protection especially in summer.
SPF protection is essential all the time, thank you for your comment, Emma.
Use a body scrub
I dont like clutter, but I leave my favorite everyday face moisturizer on the sink so I remember to apply a few times a day.
I use a body scrub and lip scrub. It’s worth the extra time.
Sure it does! What are your favorite brands?
I’m currently transitioning from antiperspirant to natural deodorant, and I’m finding I can lessen the stinky phase by using a bentonite clay mask on my underarms almost every day, before I shower (I’ll do it for a week or two).
I haven’t used a clay mask underarms, but sounds like it could help, thank you for sharing!
I drink lots of water and exfoliate!
Great tip, thank you for your comment, Meghan!
Exfoliation is key! I LOVE African Black Soap. It exfoliates and you can use it anywhere (body and face). Then, use a non-greasy oil to moisturize after!
Sounds a great way to keep your skin moisturized!
Which oil do you use?
This is a weird “tip” but when it is cold our skin gets so dry, but I really hesitate to use various lotions on my hands because most of them aren’t pet safe, and we pet the cat A LOT. I started using just plain coconut oil, and it works beautifully. Cats can eat it straight and not be harmed.
Sounds like a great tip for me, Kayte!
Thank you for sharing it.
Moisturizers with SPF are important in my routine!
Good for you, thank you for your comment, Amanda!
Must moisturize is a must after a shower
Always moisturize even though your skin may not look like it needs it.
When using face lotion don’t forget the neck area.
Drink lots of water!
Exfoliate before you shave, and the next day after shaving. It helps to prevent ingrown hairs!
Great advice, Grace!
Thank you for your comment.
SPF moisturizer and drinking plenty of water.
I have to be honest. I’m horrible with taking care of myself. But I’m reading these tips here and I really need to incorporate them in my life
Good for you, Diane. It is never too late to start taking a good care of yourself.
I use a sugar scrub as most try my already dry skin out.
I don’t really have any tips except to use sunscreen.
You nailed it, Sarah, sunscreen is the best tip!
drink a lot of water and get plenty of sleep
I use a moisturizer every day and lotion right after I get out of the shower.
I like to use moisturizer in the morning and at night.
I moisturize twice a day. Once after my shower in the morning and again before I go to bed.
My favorite body care tip is I use in- shower body lotions. I love them and their fast.
I moisturize twice a day to keep my skin hydrates and drink lot’s of water!
Put lotion on when you get up and after a shower and before bed so you wont get to dry during the winter
I moisturize straight out of the shower. plus I apply lotion throughout the day
Always moisturize when skin is damp to help lock moisture in.
I use lotion every day after showering and follow up with baby oil to keep my skin moisturized.
I exfoliate and moisturize every single day!
Use SPF lotions!!
I exfoliate my arms and legs every few days in the shower before applying oil and lotion.
I find that moisturizing my body is my biggest tip! I like to use natural ways to moisturize both my face and body.
My favorite body care tip is drink lots of water. I try to drink about eight glasses a day. I find my skin looks and feels brighter. Drink lots of water and use moisturizer.
drink lots water
Good quality coconut oil & hydration .
Oooh, that looks great! Moisturizing your body is the number 1 tip I can give!
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