Freshen Up for Fall

by Hadrian, Life & Style Director

Everyone sweats, that’s just a fact of life.

Sweating is a natural body function that helps to regulate temperature during hot weather, physical activity, and exercise. Whenever we sweat, toxins that have been trapped by the skin and nearby tissues are transported outward.

While human perspiration is largely odorless, when microscopic bacteria that lives naturally on your skin mixes with sweat, they multiply quickly, often resulting in quite a distinctive scent…or as some may say, a stink.

But, whether you sweat a little, or a whole lot, you probably care less about the “why” and are more interested in the “how”…how to get rid of the funk!

There are two types of products that assist with perspiration. Antiperspirants often contain aluminum chloride, a chemical that blocks the pores to prevent and reduce sweating. The other is a deodorant. While deodorants do not prevent sweating, they mask the smell of bacteria on your skin really well and just as effectively without blocking the pores.

I am more of a proponent for deodorants and body sprays than antiperspirants, as the body sweats for a reason, and is an essential function of the healthy human body to cleanse itself of toxins.

Here’s the 10 best deodorants and tools to help keep you fresh and free from odor with sniff-worthy scents, great protection, indomitable essential oils, and crisp fragrances with choice ingredients free from parabens, petroleum, mineral oil, or artificial colors.

1- Tom’s Of Maine Long Lasting Deodorant Stick

A regular staple of a legion of loyal followers myself included, Tom’s of Maine was one of the first in the natural care market, and is still a force to be reckoned with. I’ve used their deodorant for many, many years.

It’s all-powerful formula uses Hops which inhibits the growth of odor-causing bacteria, and Zinc Ricinoleate (sourced from castor beans and zinc) is known to help trap odor molecules and absorb bad smells, while its natural fragrances of essential oils and blends helps to mask odor.

Added features: With various fresh scents, standouts include Calendula, and the new Mountain Spring and Beautiful Earth. It glides on well without stickiness or a messy residue…and its use of natural fragrance carriers of glycerin and coconut oil help to enhance the stick. 2.25 oz. / $4.99. Available at Tom’s Of Maine and most national market retailers.

2- Kiss My Face Liquid Rock/ Active Life Stick in Cucumber Green Tea

I love this mainly because of the cucumber and green tea fusion that sets it apart from most other deodorants and sprays, and also for it’s liquid mineral crystal roll-on, and it’s “I can be confident all day!” stick.

Other time tested botanicals of Rosemary, Sage, Thyme, Grapefruit, Coriander, and Aloe in combination with effective odor absorbing ingredients of Hops and Zinc Ricinoleate work outrageously well in this naturally scented, cooling formula in the Active Life Stick. The Liquid Rock utilizes Willow Bark and Lichen extracts for its effective and natural odor protection.

Active Life Stick 2.48 oz / $5.99 and Liquid Rock Roll Om 3 fl oz. / $5.99 at Kiss My Face and most national market retailers

3- Origins Totally Pure Deodorant

I’ve rotated this deodorant on those days after I have worked out at the gym or when I want to switch it up and smell/feel different. Origins’ deodorant kicks some serious butt with the vim of Organic Vinegar (used in countless folk recipes for its pure cleaning abilities) that purifies.

100% Organic essential oil blend including Clove Oil (long known for its purifying benefits), Organic Lemon, Organic Ylang Ylang, Organic Lavender, Organic Mandarin, Organic Patchouli, Organic Palmorosa, Organic Ginger help keep you with showery-fresh smell and feeling. Organic White Willow Bark and Lavender Alcohol blend helps protect the purity of this product and control odor.

Certified organic, and one kind is ideal for both men and women. 3.4 fl. oz./ $15 and available at Origins

4- DHC Body Cleansing Sheets

Another tried and true favorite of mine whenever I am on the go, or in the middle of the day and need to freshen up, I just reach for this and wipe away the sweat and dirt from my body, or to neutralize any smells under my arms, and to gently cleanse and cool my skin.

Made with Perilla extract, Cucumber, and Aloe to help condition, nourish, soothe and cool the skin.

Bonus features, it’s not too overly saturated and wet like other towelettes and cleansing sheets…it’s also portable, fast and easy, and a fantastic refresher that works every time!

DHC also offers Body Cleansing Sheet Powder for those wanting to swipe away sweat, grit and stickiness, leaving a silky powdery feel without any messy residues for a baby-soft finish.

Body Cleansing Sheets at DHC 20 sheets / $5

5- Carol’s Daughter Orange Ambrosia Dry Oil Mist

This body fragrance indulges your love of delightful citrus scents while pampering your skin with a veil of moisture.

You will smell great and give your skin a silky-soft glow. First, you’ll notice the Moro blood orange, like a fresh orange peel, but then you’ll detect a splash of mimosa from Mandarin, Grapefruit, and also Key Lime with a hint of woodiness.

Spray all over your body and massage into skin, even under your arms to celebrate the best of spring and summer aromas all year long.

It’s added features include Açai Berry Extract, a super antioxidant to protect your skin from environmental agers, and the ultra-hydrating Shea butter. Plus, it’s light enough to spray on whenever needed as a refresher. 4 fl. oz / $21, available at Carol’s Daughter and HSN.

6-  Dr Hauschka Deodorant Fresh

This long-lasting cream roll on with a citrus scent from pure essential oils absorbs odors without clogging pores.

Made with Zinc Ricinoleate to reduce odor without disturbing the skin’s natural functions, and Bentonite clay which has absorbent properties. Also contains Witch Hazel to balance the skin, while Sage nurtures the skin and helps to normalize perspiration.

It doesn’t overpower the senses, has a great scent for both women and men, and comes in recyclable glass, not plastic. 1.7 fl. oz / $22.95 at Dr Hauschka and Whole Foods Market

7-   Malin+Goetz Eucalyptus Deodorant

This no-nonsense clear stick is formulated with refreshing natural eucalyptus extract which is known for its antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and analgesic properties. Also contains odor-neutralizing citronellyl for 24 hour effectiveness.

This clean and crisp smelling unisex deodorant is suitable for all skin types, especially sensitive.

Blended to absorb without residue, staining, irritation and without clogging pores. Natural fragrance and color. 2.6 oz. / $18 at Malin+Goetz

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