Beauty Time Out: Tom’s of Maine Natural Deodorant

As I’ve mentioned on this blog before, I have super sensitive skin. Like, freakishly sensitive. It’s actually getting kind of ridiculous. How sensitive, you ask? (TMI ALERT!!) Well, I have to rotate two completely different deodorants because my armpits will rebel and break out into a rash if I use the same deodorant for a week straight. See. It’s freaky!

When my amazing friend Kelly was in town, she recommended that I try an aluminum-free deodorant. I’ve been seeing all-natural deodorants in drug stores for years, but I’ve always been skeptical. I assumed it would make you smell like you had been wrasslin’ bears all day, and then you decided to roll around in mud to cool off. Look, I acknowledge that that is an absolutely ridiculous thought, but it is what it is. I don’t know why, but I’ve always associated all-natural deodorant with extra strong body odor. I’m not the only one, right…?
So, I went to CVS and sniffed out the Tom’s of Maine Natural, No Aluminum, Natural 24-hour Odor Protection, Long Lasting Deodorant in Fresh Apricot. (What a mouthful! Not of deodorant, because ew. Although, apricots…) I usually don’t like fruity smells because I feel like it always makes you smell funkier when you start sweating, but this was actually a very light apricot smell. Probably has something to do with the fact that it has no artificial fragrance or preservatives, right? I usually go for scents like lavender, but it was super lavender-y. I think maybe it’s because that one is unisex? They have tons of other fragrances, and even an unscented version, but I didn’t get a chance to sniff those out. Sorry! More research ahead, I suppose!

I thought the deodorant was going to have chunks of apricots in it, but I was wrong! Thankfully, too, because that would be weird. It’s nice and clear, so you don’t have to worry about embarrassing white deodorant streaks all over your black tops and dresses.

It feels silky smooth upon application, which is nice. It seems to go on a little heavy if you apply the same pressure you would with other brands, so make sure you don’t press so hard. It goes on really easily.

Another nice thing about this deodorant is the price tag. It’s pretty comparable with competitors, and I was able to use a coupon when I bought mine, so that’s a win-win! So often, all-natural products are more expensive than products that are not, which can actually be a deterrent to trying out a new brand that might actually be better for your health! It was really refreshing that this brand wasn’t more expensive.

Okay, so the most important question: Does it work?
Short answer: Yes.

I’ve actually been using this deodorant for two weeks without incident! I have still been playing volleyball at least four times a week, so I can say that it even works in a high intensity workout. Bonus: It doesn’t burn after shaving like gel brands often do, but it feels more like a gel than a regular stick.

I’m really happy that I got over my weird distrust of all-natural deodorant. Whodathunkit? Thanks to my homegirl Kelly are in order!

Have you ever tried natural deodorant? Do you have a specific brand/fragrance of deodorant you like to use?