Introducing Deodorant Cream

Introduction

Like many of you, for years we’ve been looking for a natural deodorant that actually works, and have never been quite happy with the ones we have tried. So, we decided to make our own!

After extensive research and months of formulating and testing, we’ve recently launched our own line of deodorant creams. These all-natural, vegan and gluten free cream formulas have many benefits, and are effective and easy-to use. Not sure what deodorant creams are? Don’t worry, we’ve put together the following overview just for you. Keep reading to learn more.

What Is Deodorant Cream?

Deodorant creams work to fight body odor caused by the interaction of sweat and bacteria on our skin. They have a semi-soft consistency that can range from lotion-like, to a thick texture similar to body butter. Deodorant creams are usually sold in small lidded jars so that they can be easily applied by hand using your fingers or an applicator stick.

Deodorant Cream Versus Other Types of Deodorant

There are many types of natural deodorants on store shelves, including roll-ons, sticks, powders, and sprays. Deodorant cream is another option that is just as effective, but not as widely used.

Traditionally, most natural deodorants on the market have been in stick form. If you’ve previously used natural deodorant, you’ve most likely used a deodorant stick. Unfortunately, many people have tried natural deodorant sticks and have given up after one try because it just failed miserably.

The composition of a deodorant stick (“natural” formulas as well as large national brands) is often made up of an emulsion of water and oils (viscous ingredients) that are melded together with a binding agent. When applied to the underarm it often goes on in a very thin layer that doesn’t offer much protection or stay on the skin for very long. It may also contain harsh ingredients that irritate skin.

On the other hand, deodorant creams come in jars and there’s more flexibility to what ingredients can be added (since it doesn’t need to retain a shape). Also, more product makes contact with the skin (and stays there!) as it gets applied and creates a highly protective emollient layer.

What Are the Benefits of Using a Deodorant Cream?

Cream Deodorants Contain Natural Ingredients

Traditional deodorants and antiperspirants (and even some so-called natural deodorants) typically contain aluminum compounds (such as aluminum chlorohydrate), propylene glycol, silica, and steareths, among others. These chemicals are known carcinogens, skin, eye, and lung irritants, and endocrine and fertility disruptors, that have also been linked to birth defects. Aluminum, for example, has been linked to Alzheimer’s. These hazardous compounds are easily absorbed into the body. Cream deodorants, on the other hand, contain gentle, safe, and effective odor fighting ingredients such as baking soda or arrowroot powder, kaolin clay, magnesium, zinc, Shea butter, and coconut oil.

Cream Deodorants Eliminate Odors and Allow Perspiration

Traditional antiperspirants contain aluminum compounds that clog your pores, thus preventing them from releasing sweat. That sweat doesn’t just disappear, however, and it has to go somewhere. It becomes blocked up behind the ducts and trapped under your skin, and the bacteria that digests perspiration causes body odor. While deodorants do not contain the same pore-blocking compounds, they typically contain questionable ingredients and are often ineffective at preventing odor without relying on chemical ingredients. Cream deodorant allows your body to sweat (as it should) without fostering the smell-producing bacteria, and is highly effective at preventing odor before it starts.

Cream Deodorants Moisturize Your Skin and Sooth Irritation

Armpits are a very delicate part of your body, and are easily prone to irritation from sweating, chafing, and shaving. Cream deodorants contain antioxidants, vitamins, and fatty acids that help moisturize, reduce inflammation, and repair bumpy and broken skin.

Cream Deodorants Won’t Stain Your Clothes

We’ve all been there - our favorite white shirt is ruined by a yellowish stain. The so-called “pit stain” is one of the most stubborn and annoying aspects of stick deodorants, and again, is usually caused by the aluminum or binders in typical deodorant products. With cream deodorant, it won’t leave a stain and you can keep your clothes as fresh as you keep yourself. The natural ingredients (such as kaolin clay) wash out easily in the laundry.

Cream Deodorants Are Long Lasting

Another added bonus of cream deodorants - they tend to last longer.  You only use a small amount when applying, and unlike deodorant sticks, you don’t need to reapply. Most cream deodorants last all day, with just one application.

Deodorant Cream Ingredients

Deodorant creams usually contain the following key ingredients:

Magnesium Hydroxide

Magnesium Hydroxide works similarly to baking soda, creating a high pH environment that discourages bacteria growth, but without the skin irritation baking soda can cause some people. It does not absorb into the skin but instead, its main purpose in a natural deodorant is to counteract any odor-causing bacteria on the surface of the skin.

Zinc Ricinoleate

Zinc Ricinoleate is the zinc salt of ricinoleic acid, a major fatty acid found in Castor Seed oil. It traps and absorbs odor molecules, making them imperceptible to the receptors in your nose. Zinc Ricinoleate also has fungicidal and anti-bacterial properties that will not interfere with the skin's natural flora.

Arrowroot Powder, Kaolin Clay, and Magnesium Stearate

Arrowroot Powder, Kaolin Clay, and Magnesium Stearate add slip and natural glide, decrease greasiness, and work with the Magnesium Hydroxide to absorb odors, toxins, and moisture to keep you fresh and minimize moisture.

Coconut Oil and Shea Butter

Coconut Oil has antibacterial properties and works with Shea Butter to keep your underarm skin feeling smooth and moisturized.

Essential Oils

Deodorant creams are typically formulated with some sort of natural scent or fragrance. We use pure essential oils in ours, selected both for a great, subtle scent and for their beneficial properties.

How to Use Deodorant Cream?

To use: scoop a small (pea sized) amount from the container with clean, dry fingers or applicator stick, and gently rub into clean, dry under arm skin with your fingertips.

If you're switching over to natural deodorant from years of using commercial antiperspirants, there may be an adjustment period. Antiperspirants use chemicals like aluminum salts to clog your pores and stop you from sweating all together. However, sweat itself actually doesn’t stink.  And, sweating is one of our body’s ways of ridding itself of toxins. So, no sweat is not good.

Allowing a few weeks for the pores in your armpits to unclog, and your sweat glands to start properly functioning again is important. During this transition period, you may need to apply deodorant a few times a day; however, the number of times a day you need to apply deodorant will diminish as your body resets.

Conclusion

As with most types of skincare, everyone has individual needs and preferences. The same thing applies when choosing a natural deodorant, and sometimes you need to try out a few options to find what works best for you. If you haven’t tried a deodorant cream yet, we highly recommend that you do. Not only will they work to control odor, minimize moisture, and keep you smelling fresh, but they will add a little indulgence to your daily skincare routine!