In an article written before 2018 ended, “Teen Vogue” hailed some form of mineral crystal as the best natural deodorant. The author described the crystal as a stone normally placed at the altar. With mineral salt as its sole ingredient, the crystal deodorant should be wet when swiped 20 times on each underarm. Doesn’t that remind you of tawas? Because it is, in fact, tawas. Yes, the trusty deodorant in Filipino and other Asian households. And as Twitter users point out, it looks like Westerners are amazed by Asian stuff yet again.
This Deodorant Comes in Crystal Form — and It Actually Works https://t.co/4vsYRM25P1 pic.twitter.com/aVOsPWKbFq
— Teen Vogue (@TeenVogue) January 31, 2019
Tawas or alum, as the brand Crystal describes, is a natural ingredient prized for its antibacterial properties—this is probably why my mom made us apply this on canker sores or singaw. Unlike chemical-laden antiperspirants, tawas doesn’t stop us from sweating but at least, it keeps us smelling fresh all day. Sweating is a natural way of flushing bad stuff out of the body, after all.
Tawas is the first deodorant I used back when puberty hit me hard with body odor. Unlike what “Teen Vogue” wrote, the tawas I remember was used in its powder form. We would normally get it in crystal form and my mom would ask me to pound it with a mortar and pestle until pulverized. Then, using a pinch or two, it’s applied on the armpits right after taking a bath. It’s important to apply it on wet underarms as the moisture helps the tawas stick to the skin.
Tawas, at least the powdered form, tends to make the wearer uncomfortable. When applied on the skin, a huge amount may fall off easily instead of sticking to the pits. Then, in the first few hours, we may feel roughness on our underarms.
As the article suggested, more and more individuals have been switching (or returning) to natural deodorants including alum because of the possible aluminum toxicity. Aluminum has the tendency to clog pores and pose potential health threats to the body.
Hold on, doesn’t alum contain aluminum as well? It does, but it’s not dangerous like the synthetic aluminum chloride. As studies also suggest, there is not enough evidence that proves the link between health issues like cancer and antiperspirants. Still, it’s better to allow the sweat glands to perform their natural function, which is to release sweat.
If you’ve decided to switch to an all-natural deodorant, here are some brands for your consideration.
DeoNat
Tawas has really worked for me, but I don’t know why I stopped using it. After years of using usual antiperspirants, a trip to a nearby drugstore led me to a brand that uses alum in a roll-on deodorant formula. There are numerous variants available enriched with natural ingredients like mulberry extract, aloe vera and even turmeric. This is what I personally use, and it does a good job at deodorizing my pits. It’s also available in mineral stick but I highly prefer this for convenience.
Available at Watson’s
Daniela Calumba
Although I’ve been using a natural deodorant for years, I’m still on the lookout for a product that will also help me reduce my waste. Daniela Calumba offers a sincere eco-conscious line of products including a deodorant cream. This claims to not clog sweat ducts unlike the ones made with aluminum. It’s made with cocoa butter, which moisturizes the skin, and essential oils including frankincense, which has antibacterial, anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory properties (great even for freshly shaved or waxed armpits). Daniela also skips coconut oil, which stains clothes, and the skin-irritating baking soda.
It can be a little hard to scrape off the cream with the fingers, so I prefer to use a tiny spoon. Then, I warm the cream between my fingers before I massage it on my underarms until evenly applied. It wears like a luscious body butter with a sweet scent of cocoa butter.
Available at Kahilom, First United Building Escolta
Human Nature
Human Nature also completely skips alum in its formulation. Instead, the brand concocts its deodorants with a blend of natural ingredients including coconut oil and sunflower oil along with plant-derived ingredients. It’s good, but I’m not particularly fond of the scent.
Available at Human Nature
Zero Basics
If you’re concerned about ease of use, Zero Basics offers a natural deodorant in spray bottles. The primary ingredient of this deodorant spray is a blend of essential oils that promises 24-hour protection. The brand specifies that the user must shake the bottle 10 times before spraying it four to six times on each underarm. It’s also easy to refill the bottles: You can either buy it in a liter bottle and refill yourself or visit them at Good Food Sundays or The Vegan Grocer for refills.
Available at Zero Basics on Instagram
Schmidt’s
If you’re not particularly sensitive to baking soda and coconut oil, Schmidt’s Rose + Vanilla Natural Deodorant is a great smelling product. Its primary ingredient is arrowroot powder, which has deodorizing and skin-calming properties. It’s also enriched with vitamin E, shea butter and jojoba oil.
Available at Slickville Barbers
Art by Renz Mart Reyes