Think Like a Hippie, Smell Like a Rose: Soapwalla Deodorant Cream

Soapwalla Deodorant Cream

Leave it to me to talk about armpits in entry #1 of this blog. Who’s excited?!

No, our underarms are certainly not the most glamorous part of our bodies, but for me, natural deodorant was my “gateway drug” to chemical-free/organic/natural skin, hair and beauty products. After I tossed my “dirty” deodorant, my chemically enhanced cleanser, moisturizers, shampoo, body wash and makeup soon followed.

What’s so bad about deodorant, you ask? That stuff keeps me from smelling like a barnyard.

Traditional deodorant has been one of the poster children for harmful skincare products. “Your deodorant causes breast cancer!” said the media. “Antiperspirants cause Alzheimers!” cried the blogs. These claims freaked me out. But the truth is, they’re a bit hyperbolized. Here’s a peek at what I do know:

  • A 2004 study found parabens in 18 out of 20 human breast tumors (before you shout this from the mountains, note that the study didn’t test healthy breast tissue as a control…d’oh). Parabens, some of which the Environmental Working Group’s Skin Deep Cosmetics Database flag as highly hazardous endocrine disruptors and allergens, among other scary things, might be found in your (not so) trusty ol’ stick deodorant. In my opinion, they are best to avoid in every beauty/skincare product (they’re in pretty much everything), whether or not the case against them is conclusive.
  • Aluminum, which makes up key compounds used in antiperspirants, has been linked to Alzheimer’s and dementia since the ‘60s. Studies connecting the two continue to emerge, but whether or not aluminum in antiperspirants (and elsewhere: aluminum is all over the place, even in our water and some veggies) definitively causes memory loss remains to be seen.
  • Check out our spirit guides at No More Dirty Looks for more on other controversial chemicals commonly found in antiperspirants, like triclosan and BHT.

Conclusive? Nah, but alarming enough for me to stick my hippie flag in the ground and declare war on the white stuff. Our mom always taught us to be safe (or in this case, smelly) rather than sorry. Lucky for me, and hopefully you, all-natural Soapwalla Deodorant Cream delivers on the dream of clean, chemical-free coverage. The online community seems to unanimously agree that Soapwalla is one of the go-to, works-for-everyone, all-natural deodorants. I am now a member of that chorus. This product freaking rocks, is uncompromisingly all-natural (contains absolutely nothing sketchy or scary) and keeps me so fresh and so clean-clean. Let’s walk through it.

Scent: Lovely lavender. There are a few essential oils in this product, but my nose picks up mostly lavender, and it’s great – soothing and suitable for a deodorant. Though the scent is fairly strong in the jar, it won’t overpower your perfume or scent of choice, if you wear one. It just covers odor and does a darn good job of it.

For me, the deodorant cream works equally as well as my old stick of Secret. Since day one of using it, I’ve never felt self-conscious. I’m fresh to death. (At least I think so. I mean, you guys would tell me, right?) Just kidding. Seriously, I don’t smell, damn it.

Sweat: I have to admit that Soapwalla does not prevent sweat as well as the traditional stick. However, I don’t think that’s necessarily a bad thing.  Our bodies are supposed to sweat: to regulate temperature, expel toxins, maintain salinity, etc. Soapwalla keeps it in check pretty well.

Streaks: What streaks? (yeah!) I got so used to rubbing off white deodorant residue from my shirts over the past 15 or so years of using traditional antiperspirant, powder deodorant. That stuff gets everywhere: not so with all-natch deodorant! Soapwalla’s residue is much, much less overwhelming. Almost negligible.

Other stuff: I love Soapwalla’s attractive packaging and palm-size, cobalt blue container, which protects the oils and other natural ingredients in the product from UV and oxygen damage. I do want to mention that when I first started using the deodorant cream, I would feel a bit of a sting if I applied it immediately after shaving (I’m thinking from the essential oils, possibly?). That’s largely subsided, but I’ve also started shaving at night to avoid the discomfort. Oh, and in case it’s not obvious, you apply this directly to your underarms with your fingertips, which is obviously a change from solid stick deodorants. You only need a tiny bit (see below) for each application.

Soapwalla Deodorant Cream review

At $14 ($19 with shipping), it’s not cheap. Each container lasts me about three months. But piece of mind is worth its weigh in gold, y’all. Plus, hopefully Kathryne and I will be able to show you how to save a few bucks making your own skincare products, which justifies our clean beauty splurges.

A few other all-natural deodorants have received rave reviews on green beauty sites across the Interwebs. Maybe we’ll give them the ol’ college try at some point on our blog, but for now, I’m smitten with Soapwalla. Get some.

Ingredients:
(*: certified organic, +: food-grade)
Simmondsia chinensis (Jojoba) Oil*; Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Oil*; Rosehip Seed Oil*; Butyrospermun parkii (Shea) Butter; Corn Starch*+; Sodium Bicarbonate+; Kaolin Clay; Vegan Kosher Glycerin*+; a custom blend of essential oils, including: Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender)*; Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree)*; Citrus Sinensis (Sweet Orange); Mentha Piperita (Peppermint)*; Citrus Aurantium Bergamia (Bergaptene-free Bergamot)*; Non-GMO Vitamin E*+.