When Beautycounter announced their plan to release a non-toxic deodorant, I thought I’d take the opportunity to compare a few deodorants.  I was pregnant and it was the warmest time of year on the Central Coast of California, where I was living.  I ordered coconut scented deodorants from Humankind, Native, and Beautycounter.  I tried each for a month at a time, applying once in the evening after my nightly bath, and once again in the morning before starting my day.  Due to the pandemic, I wasn’t working; so, I walked several miles a day with my dogs to keep myself healthy and busy. 

Clean Deo by Beautycounter

EWG Skin Deep Rating: EWG Verified

Price: $28 Retail / $21 Consultant Price

            $18 Retail for refills / $13.50 Consultant Price

Size:    2.11 oz

Scent: Fresh Coconut

The month that I tested out the Clean Deo by Beautycounter was exceptionally hot and muggy. With temperatures getting into the 100’s, I doubted that a natural deodorant could handle the combination of high heat and high humidity.  My other concern was the inclusion of baking soda in the ingredients.  I used to make my own deodorant; getting the balance of enough baking soda for efficacy, but not so much that it caused irritation, was a challenge.  Throughout my pregnancy, my skin was far more sensitive than usual, and I worried that the baking soda would be too irritating. 

I was pleasantly surprised by my experience.  The naturally-derived coconut and vanilla scent was light and reminded me of living in Hawaii as a child.  Even after exercising and sweating, my armpits passed the stink test and I experienced no irritation.  Unlike my homemade formulation, the Clean Deo left no chalky residue on my clothes.  My only complaint with the Beautycounter Clean Deo was the price point of $28 Retail or $21 for consultants.  However, the refills are only $18 Retail or $13.50 for consultants, so you’re reducing waste and saving money by refilling the original container. If you’re looking for a vegan product, you’ll want to pass on this product due to the use of beeswax in the formulation.

Pros: Scent, efficacy, refillable container for reduced waste and a discount for refills, no irritation

Cons:  High price point, not vegan

Native Deodorant by Native

EWG Skin Deep Rating: 3

Price: One time purchase $12 or you can subscribe and save $2.  You can choose between a delivery every 1, 2, 3, or 4 months so you can choose a subscription that works for you

Size: 2.65oz NET WT

Scent: Coconut and Vanilla

Like the Beautycounter Clean Deo, I didn’t experience any irritation or chalky residue using the Native Deodorant; it also passed the afternoon stink test.  The use of ozokerite, a mineral wax derived from coal and shale, rather than beeswax, makes it a vegan product.  When I purchased my Native Deodorant, it arrived in a plastic tube.  Native as since released a plastic-free option, sourced from responsibly managed forests, and they donate 1% of Plastic Free sales to non-profits that specialize in environmental stewardship. Retailing at $12 made it a far more affordable option than the Beautycounter Clean Deo, and you can save an additional $2 if you sign up for a membership that offers customizable automatic shipments. As for the scent, it was pleasant; but it didn’t have the richness or warmth of the scent of Beautycounter Clean Deo. I was disappointed to read “fragrance” on the ingredient list, despite it not being listed as an ingredient on the website.    

Pros: No irritation, efficacy, vegan, price point and discounted membership option, plastic-free option with a humanitarian spin

Cons: Fragrance, no refill option    

Deodorant by Humankind

EWG Skin Deep Rating: 1

Price: $12

Refill: $12

Size: 1.6oz NET WT

Scent: Coconut

My final trial was with the Humankind deodorant in the coconut scent.  Humankind deodorant “contains no GMO’s, is aluminum-free, paraben-free, vegan, gluten-free, and ethically-made.” Humankind claims “the formula is so natural, you can eat it.”  As was the case with the Native deodorant, the Humankind deodorant is vegan since they use candelilla wax instead of beeswax.  Priced at $15 for a 1.5oz of deodorant in a plastic container or, refills are available for $12.  They also offer a discounted subscription, and you receive a $3 discount for subscribing as well as 15% off 2-pack refills. As with the Native deodorant, you can customize the frequency of your shipment to meet your needs.  The scent was just as delicious and warm as the Beautycounter Clean Deo, and again, no residue was left on my clothes. After a week using the Humankind deodorant, I began to feel irritation, so I had to quit using it.  Shortly after I had my baby, I tried it again as I suspected the irritation may have been due to my skin being overly sensitive thanks to my pregnancy hormones.  Sure enough, I experienced no irritation and was able to continue to use it without issue. 

Pros: Scent, efficacy, refillable with discounted membership available, vegan

Cons: Possible irritation for those with sensitive skin

Recap: All three deodorants proved to be gentle and effective. Personally, the only brand I wouldn’t repurchase was the Native and that was entirely due to the inclusion of fragrance in the formula.  Being a Beautycounter Rep, I will likely continue to use The Clean Deo, but I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend the Humankind deodorant either. 

Next month I will be looking at hair care ingredients, clean brands, and reviewing the hair care line EVOLVh with a chance to win and EVOLVh hairspray. 

As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to email me at info@facetoface-spa.com

With love and gratitude –

Emily