Let’s talk body odour, totally sexy right! It’s not something people discuss much as it can be quite personal and somewhat embarrassing. But… we’ve all done the mid-afternoon armpit sniff and boy oh boy, you know when it’s you that's a bit tangy.
I’ve tried all (ok, well like 10) natural deodorants and was having a terrible time finding one that would work for me. I was stinky and sweaty and sticky and gross so would unfortunately switch back to the drug store brand even knowing that they were potentially harmful.
What’s the deal with “regular” deodorant – well think about it, what’s the one thing we do every day (if we remember)? That’s right, put on deodorant and brush your teeth. Your armpits are the gateway to detoxing your body and regulating your body temperature. Smothering on something that inhibits this is well, counter intuitive… especially smothering on something that has carcinogenic properties.
Most deodorants are packed full with chemicals that block sweat and odour using aluminums —in the form of aluminum chloride, aluminum zirconium, aluminum chlorohydrate and aluminum hydroxybromide. These prevent us from sweating by drawing the aluminum ions into the cells that line the sweat ducts, causing the cells to swell and squeezing the ducts closed so sweat cannot get out. That doesn’t sound so good. Additionally, aluminum is also a known neurotoxin that has been linked to breast cancer and neurological disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease. So yeah, it’s time to just stay away from these mainstream deodorants and antiperspirants permanently.
On my quest to do just this – I came across Routine De-Odour-Cream made with only clean and wholesome ingredientsbeing clay, beeswax and baking soda. They are completely free of aluminum zirconium, aluminum chlorohydrate, parabens, triclosan, or propylene glycol. Wahoo, but would it work?
As per our usual new product research here at Kiss and Makeup, we took them for a test drive, a hard test drive. Routine came on a buying trip to LA and at the same time was put to work by the girls on the shop floor. In both instances somewhere that sweat and stank could be highly embarrassing. It worked amazingly well and I was pleasantly surprised. It took a few samples to find which formula worked best for me (more on that below) but I always smelled sweet and my sweeting was pretty much under control. I’ve found it helped having a small sample jar with backup in my bag to do an afternoon touch up if necessary.
Routine is a cream and at first it seemed a bit weird rubbing it underarms, but trust me, you will love it! When I ran out I switched back to “conventional deodorant” I HATED it. I stank and was so sweaty it was just gross. I had our first order of Routine placed immediately after that. At $24 a jar it can seem pricy compared to $3.99 that you’re use to paying, but don’t let that keep you from trying Routine. Each jar lasts 3 – 6 months with regular use and for piece of mind it’s well worth it.
Routine deodorant comes in 3 formulas to control odour –
Clay & Beeswax
Vegan Clay
Beeswax
Which to pick comes down to personal preference. I find myself switching between the Clay and the Beeswax formulas. I like the Clay for heavier days, working out, hiking, gardening etc and I like the Beewax for day I’m wearing more delicate clothing, blouses, silk etc.
FAQ: Routine at a glace.
Looking for Vegan formulas – then go for Sexy Sadie, Lucy in the Sky, Johnny’s Cash, Nelson in Nelson. They contain clay and baking soda that naturally absorbs sweat.
**Side note all the beeswax used is ethical and comes from Nixon Honey in Innisfail, Alberta
A heavy sweater - then Lucy in the Sky and Like A Boss would be the best. You’ll still sweat a bit, but that’s natural and healthy for you.
Trying to fight smelly pitsthen go for Like a Boss. It’s their newest and strongest formula yet.
Deodorant for kids and preteens then Bonnie n Clyde (unscented) and Blackberry Betty (flavoured with organic and natural oils) would be the recommendations.
If you have sensitive skin, then start with A Girl Names Sue, this contains 40% less baking soda (which can cause irritation due to its exfoliating nature
How much do you use? Less is More. You only need a pea-sized amount. Also, remember to be gentle while applying.
All formulas are Gluten-Free.
Pregnant or breast feeding try Blackberry Betty, Maggie’s Citrus Farm, Bonnie n’ Clyde (unscented).
Routine is travel approvedand a perfect for carry on bags.
The newest formulation with the Wolf symbol is a mix of both the clay and beeswax Like a Boss, Sweet Jane, Napoleon’s Dynamite, Bonita Applebom, A Girl Named Sue – so really the best of both worlds as the clay fight sweat and the beeswax feels amazing, smells great and is a natural stabilizer.
If you haven’t given natural deodorant a go - it’s time.
Your armpits and body will thank you for it. Make the switch and go get sweaty.
