The Best Deodorants for Breastfeeding Moms: Safe & Non-Toxic
As a mom of six children, I have gone through postpartum hormonal shifts 6 times now. As a new mother, I had no idea how intense the bad body odor, night sweats, and hot flashes could be. Pregnant women have an intense drop in hormone levels, leading to these shifts after birth. Through trial and error, I have found some of the best deodorants for breastfeeding moms. They are non-toxic, contain no synthetic fragrances, and contain natural ingredients. This is especially important for moms as breast milk provides incredible nutrients to their new baby.
As we work to be more mindful of the personal care products we use on a daily basis, natural alternatives for deodorant should be high on our list of priorities. The underarm is full of lymph nodes and sweat glands, leading to different body areas. Choosing the best deodorants possible to protect our health is incredibly important. Conventional brands often contain toxic chemicals that cause endocrine disruption and other potential health problems like Alzheimer’s disease, higher risk of breast cancer, and more.
When our son was diagnosed with cancer, it came as a shock. With no prior history of cancer in our family, we were broken and confused. Providers couldn’t tell us what caused his cancer or why he developed the rare genetic abnormality in his cancer. It was just ‘bad luck’ in their words.
That didn’t sit right with me. I started researching potential causes of cancer, and what I learned made me sick. We had been unknowingly exposing ourselves to hundreds of toxic chemicals in the products we purchased. I started tossing out products that day and researching safer alternatives. While I may never know what caused his cancer, I can never go back to the way we used to live, knowing that I can do so much better for our family.
Why should I choose a non-toxic deodorant?
Non-toxic deodorants are formulated without nasty chemicals commonly found in conventional deodorants. They prioritize natural and organic ingredients that are gentle on sensitive skin and safe for long-term use. Opting for non-toxic and organic deodorants can avoid exposing your body to endocrine disruptors and other harmful chemicals while still enjoying effective odor control.
Factors to consider when choosing a deodorant
When selecting the best non-toxic deodorants, consider several factors:
- Ingredient Safety: All ingredients are carefully vetted to ensure they meet non-toxic standards. Avoid deodorants with harmful ingredients like talc, parabens, artificial fragrances, heavy metals, and artificial colors. The ingredient list should contain as few items as possible and use ingredients like organic arrowroot powder, essential oils, shea butter, and coconut oil. Some natural deodorants contain baking soda as the main ingredient. If this irritates your skin, many brands offer a sensitive option.
- Effectiveness: Deodorants should effectively control odor throughout the day so you can avoid needing to reapply multiple times.
- Skin Compatibility: Products are suitable for various skin types, including delicate skin. This is very important, especially for new moms, as hormonal changes can make you more sensitive to active ingredients.
- User Reviews: Positive feedback from users confirms the efficacy and satisfaction of each deodorant. Check the negative reviews too!
What are the best deodorants for breastfeeding moms?
Let’s compare a few top brands for non-toxic and organic deodorant. I have personally tried all of the brands I plan to share today, plus they have a great rating from EWG’s Skin Deep Database.
Earth Mama Deodorants
I love Earth Mama products, so testing their deodorant was easy for me! With no baking soda and simple, organic ingredients, I feel safe using their products for our whole family. It lasted all day, even when working out. It comes in 4 scent options, including an unscented option, and is very affordable.
Price: $12.99
Primally Pure
As the most expensive option I’m sharing, I have to admit that I was a little disappointed in Primally Pure deodorant. It worked just fine, wonderfully, but for the price point, you’d think it had some magic in it or something. Because I’m shopping for 4 people who use deodorant regularly (as of right now!), the price is a touch high. However, I did enjoy the scent. I chose geranium. They offer a total of 9 varying fragrances, including an unscented option. They would be my favorite option if price weren’t a deciding factor!
Price: $16-$22 depending on the size.
If you want to try Primally Pure, I have a discount code that will save you some cash! Be sure to use code THATGRATEFULMOM10 at checkout.
Each & Every
Each & Every is another great non-toxic brand offering over 10 fragrance options. They use tapioca starch instead of baking soda, making them perfect for sensitive skin. Again, the price is a bit high for me, though. They work just fine, but I work hard to stretch our budget as far as possible, and this brand didn’t make the cut.
Price: $16 and up
Schmidt’s Deodorant
Schmidt’s brand deodorant was one of the first brands to offer non-toxic options back in 2010! They offer sensitive and regular formulas with over 15 fragrance options. I reacted poorly to their regular formula but switched to the sensitive options and love them. I’ve used this brand for over 2 years now, and it’s probably my favorite non-toxic deodorant option.
Price: $9.95 and up
Humble
My teenagers use Humble brand deodorant because it’s affordable, and they like the different fragrance options. They offer sensitive and original formulas, with over 13 varying fragrance options.
Price:$13 and up, depending on fragrance and formula.
Just Ingredients
Just ingredients products are fantastic. I have tried their protein powder, toothpaste powder, and dry shampoo. While some of their products are on the pricier side, I haven’t been disappointed by a single product I’ve had the chance to sample! They offer a cream and stick to choose from, unscented options, and 5 scents as well. Their deodorants are made with 5 ingredients, including vitamin E, magnesium, and organic beeswax.
Price: $13.99
Truvani
Truvani deodorant is an organic deodorant brand with 6 simple ingredients. I don’t love that it contains sunflower seed oil, as I try to limit our exposure to seed oils. This one is my least favorite option for that reason. There are 4 options available, including an unscented deodorant stick.
Price: $10-$12 depending on the scent.
What if non-toxic deodorant doesn’t work for me?
If you’re struggling to make natural deodorant work for you, it may be because you need an armpit detox. Odor-causing bacteria can build up and clog your pores. If your natural deodorant stick isn’t working, don’t give up and go back to conventional brands. Try an armpit detox first and see if that solves the problem.
You’ll need 2 ingredients for a detox mask- Aztec clay and water. Mix the ingredients to form a paste, and coat both armpits. Allow the mask to dry for at least 20 minutes before wiping it off. Repeat once a week. You should notice an immediate improvement in the smell of your sweat. Switching to non-toxic deodorants may be an adjustment, but don’t give up! Try this detox max first.
The best deodorants for breastfeeding moms should be safe, non-toxic, and include only the safest ingredients possible. Hormonal shifts during the postpartum season are normal, but finding a deodorant that works shouldn’t be difficult.
I hope this information has been helpful as you work to embrace non-toxic living and safer alternatives in your home! If you have any questions or suggestions for the best deodorants for breastfeeding moms, please let me know in the comments below!
Important References:
Antiperspirant and breast cancer risk
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