When I started looking at ways to cut the amount of plastic packaging I generate in my home, I noticed that natural deodorants were cropping up in my Instagram feed with increasing regularity, I took it as a sign and investigated further.

I was worried about the effectiveness of natural deodorants, but thought if the occasion called for it I could go back to my tried and (thoroughly) tested Dove antiperspirant for a day if necessary.

But the more I read about it the more I began to discover that once you switch, you need to stick with it. There's a whole thing about detoxing your armpits, riding your body of the build up of pore clogging nasties from mainstream products.

Despite the fact that I wasn't looking forward to this detox period, I decided to just go for it. My chosen natural deodorant turned up just as the hottest weekend of the summer was about to kick off. Nothing like throwing myself in at the deep end!

I bought the Your Nature Natural Deodorant Stick in cedarwood and grapefruit. The scent was pleasant enough. I did feel a little damp under the arms on a few occasions, I had to keep reminding myself that it wasn't an antiperspirant, nevertheless I was impressed with this from day one.



I was paranoid about odour, but a few quick secret armpit sniffs set my mind at ease and I stopped worrying about it. I couldn't believe I'd been lucky enough to find a natural deodorant that suited me so easily, some people have a reaction to them and have to try loads of options before finding one that suits.

The stick lasted a decent amount of time. I think I finished it in early November, so about four months.

I decided to try a different product, this time opting for a solid deodorant from Lush, mostly because I could pick this up instore locally. This had no packaging at all so I was hoping that I would love it. But I didn't. The scent wasn't all that pleasing but I could've forgiven that if it had worked. I felt smelly on several occasions, and became really self conscious. After a time my armpits became red and felt uncomfortable. Bearing in mind that I was using this in cooler temperatures than the first product, it really didn't do well in comparison.

After about three weeks I gave up and decided to try something else.



Next I purchased a We Love The Planet deodorant stick in mighty mint. I love the smell of this, and so far I've really liked it. I don't think I would've gone for a minty scent before, but this is really unusual. I sometimes catch a whiff of mint and it's actually rather pleasant.

I would've preferred a solid deodorant, without any packaging at all, and I'll keep looking (please leave any recommendations in the comments), but for now I'm happy that I've found a few natural deodorants that work for me, and that have fully recyclable cardboard packaging - better for me, better for the environment.