This is a post from EcoStiletto on 3/4/10. Darlings, I have been talking about this very issue with ALL of my clients for years now…those nasty anti-perspirants are terrible for your beautiful body and your clothing. Please read on for a very educational slant on deodorants and anti-perspirants.

It’s not your fault. The deodorant you bought bragged about its all-natural ingredients. You read the label expecting your aloe-filled pit pores to smell like a lavender field in Provence. So, how come you smell like a plumber in 90-degree heat?

Welcome to Biology 101: Deodorants and anti-perspirants are very different. Anti-perspirants actually stop the body’s natural process of sweating; they prevent your pores from releasing toxins.
 As the gateway to your lymphatic system, your underarms’ job is to fight infections. You want to keep those passages free and clear to avoid potential health risks.

In general, we’ve sworn off the ‘spirants.

But, many deodorants on the market—even some being marketed as “natural”—include some pretty gnarly chemicals, such as:

Aluminum. Some studies have found a link between Alzheimer’s disease and aluminum. A 1993 World Health Organization “Public Health Report” cited autopsies that found high concentrations of aluminum in the brains of those afflicted with Alzheimer’s disease. This is a memory you might want to hold onto.

Propylene Glycol. Commonly found in our cosmetics and hair care products, propylene glycol is a form of mineral oil also used in automatic brake and hydraulic fluid, and industrial antifreeze. Nice. It serves as a humectant in beauty products, helping retain moisture content and preventing things from drying out. Unfortunately, contact with propylene glycol has been linked to liver abnormalities and kidney damage.

Honey, you’re rubbing this stuff all over your pits.

But back to your stinky-plumber-syndrome. Just like other beauty products, all deodorants are not created equal. Some help mask odor and soothe while others are duds like that guy you found on yourfuturegroom.com. So what to buy? No worries. We sweated it out for you, and guess who came up smelling like a bed of roses? These picks are aluminum, paraben and propylene glycol free:

LaVanila Healthy Deodorant.It’s 100-percent natural and fights odor with powerful antioxidants, antibacterial agents, active botanicals and essential oils. At $18, it’s a bit on the pricier end, but your pits are worth the extra pocket change. Go Vanilla nutso with Vanilla Grapefruit, Vanilla Coconut, Vanilla Lavender, Vanilla Grapefruit and, of course, Pure Vanilla.

Hugo Natural Dual-Action Formula. Not as glamorous as LaVanila, but definitely kept us dry and happy much longer than expected. The stick glides on a bit chalky, but you’ll smell like a flower garden.

DIY. Make your own natural deodorant: Mix equal parts cornstarch and baking soda and a few drops of your favorite essential oil in a glass jar. Pat on with a washcloth. Like a spray? Try combining 1/4 cup witch hazel, one tablespoon glycerin and a few drops of essential oil into a small spray bottle. Works like a charm.

Don’t sweat the small stuff, ecoista! You’ve got it all figured out.

Do you care about what you’re putting into your mouth and on your body? Would you prefer thighs that don’t touch? Are you a sucker for the environment? Get your daily snack for social change, and take a stand for what you believe in, damnit. From the co-author of New York Times Bestseller, Skinny Bitch, Healthy Bitch Daily is your online lifestyle resource that keeps it real, with fun topics on nutrition, health, fitness, beauty, style and staying eco-chic. Find something new to talk about at the dinner table.