By blog team member, Kiran. To learn more about Kiran, check out our team page!
While we're normally all about food on this blog, we also touch on the idea that what you put on your body is just as important. So in today's sponsored post, I'm happy to share a deodorant with you that I personally use and love.
Primal Pit Paste was started by Amy Cazin who, like many others, was seeking a natural and safe personal care product that actually worked. When one of her young daughters came home with noticeable body odor, the importance of "safe" became that much greater. But Amy's research also unearthed more concerns. "After finding out that aluminum and parabens are found in the outer quadrant of the breast tissue of cancer patients, I was very concerned," she says. Thus the story of Primal Pit Paste began.
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Unwanted Ingredients in Your Deodorant
There are numerous articles written on potential harmful ingredients in conventional deodorant. Here are some in question:
- Aluminum
Aluminum-based compounds are the active ingredient in antiperspirants. They work to block the body from sweating and research has suggested that these compounds are readily absorbed through the skin and have the capability of causing changes in estrogen receptors. - Parabens
These preservatives are used in deodorants and antiperspirants (as well as other personal care products) to prevent bacterial growth. Parabens have also been shown to mimic the activity of estrogen in the body's cells. - Triclosan
Triclosan is a synthetic antimicrobial agent which has antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties, and it is a known endocrine disruptor and a suspected carcinogen. - Propylene glycol
This petroleum-based substance is used to create a soft and sleek consistency. It’s a low-cost ingredient with a versatile function, which is why it is so common in self-care products. Though propylene glycol is said to be eliminated from the body within hours, there are questions about it being a potential carcinogen and endocrine disruptor and causing developmental abnormalities, among other things. Our philosophy is - why take the risk? - Phthalates
Another class of chemicals often used in deodorants and antiperspirants, phthalates help to create a better consistency, but they have also been linked to a variety of health issues and have been suggested to be a hormone disruptor.
Yes, all of these ingredients can be argued, but my personal opinion is, why take a chance when there's a good option that actually works without any of these questionable additives?
The base of Primal Pit Paste's deodorant is organic coconut oil and shea butter. Together they provide an antimicrobial action when applied to the skin - sounds much better than the alternatives above, right? Baking soda is also added to neutralize the bacteria that causes odor, and organic arrowroot power wicks away the moisture. It's important to note that it won't stop you from sweating, with good reason. Did you know that sweating is your body's intended natural process of releasing toxins and cooling you down? You sweat for a reason!
How to Sweat Less
Amy sheds light on antiperspirants and her experience with them:
Most people sweat more when they are on aluminum antiperspirants, as its role is to clog the glands kicking them into overdrive so the sweat glands are trying desperately to sweat more, thus creating increased sweating over time and leaving you feeling drenched, thinking you need a stronger clinical strength alternative. By getting off the aluminum for a few months, one will most likely start to notice they are not sweating nearly as much as their body was working so hard on overtime to do, but that they are sweating a normal healthy amount.
When you stop a body's process, it will do anything it can do to continue that process. I used to have very bad almost hyperhydrosis levels of embarassing soaking wet shirt perspiration for 20 years. After 3 months of making and using our deodorant, Primal Pit Paste, I noticed a life changing difference in the amount I was perspiring. I could finally wear t-shirts with no sopping wet or yellow marks! I could wear nice silky fabrics that for over a decade I could not even wear.
Natural Deodorant That Works
I mentioned that we have worked with Primal Pit Paste for years, but I honestly didn't start using it until a few months ago. When they first came out with it, I tried their stick, and I honestly didn't love it. Also, I didn't want to do the jar thing since I didn't want to get it on my fingers. Let's face it - I was being lazy and was used to my Dove deodorant. But then I learned that I had a sensitivity to triclosan, and I wanted to find something more natural to use.
I kid you not - I went through four different deodorants that I purchased from the health food store and none of them worked. One of them dripped badly and got all over my clothes …yuck! While packing to move, I came across one of the Primal 
Pit Paste jars they had sent me years ago, and I finally gave it a go. The rest is history. It worked, and I realized that using the jar was seriously no big deal when weighing the safety of the ingredients. (Sidenote: jars do come with a stick to apply it.)
I also learned that not every scent works for every body. Some people's pits don't work well with essential oils, so you may have to experiment or try the unscented version. There are actually three different strengths to choose from, so there's a good fit for everyone. I am officially hooked myself and hope you'll give it a try, too. Our friends at Primal Pit Paste are offering a discount just for our readers - 20% off all jar and stick deodorants with code
Now I'm curious to know, what natural deodorant do you use and how does it work for you? Please comment below!
Janice Polderman says
Ava Anderson Non Toxic products are awesome!!! Have you ever heard of them Lisa?
Becky says
I was using one brand from a jar that I cannot remember but did not work well for me and my pits turned red then dark, so I switched to North Coast Organics "Death By Lavender" and love it. They have a neutral scent as well as a couple others It's local here in Chicago and is sold at WF's but not sure it's available across the US.
Diana says
Discount code is not working. :-(
Kiran Dodeja Smith says
Maybe try it again; I checked in with Primal Pit Paste and they assured me that it's working. You have to hit "apply" once you enter the code.
Diana says
Thanks. I found I had been entering the code where it wanted "Gift Card" instead of in the space for "Coupon Code". I got through once I looked more carefully.
Kiran Dodeja Smith says
Oh good; I'm glad you got it to work. :)
Irene says
Primal Pit is amazing!! I had tried the Crystal deodorant, but it didn't work for me. Both of my teenage boys use the regular strength Primal pit and it works better than any drugstore bought deodorant.
Cindy Harris says
I LOVE primal pit paste, but I broke out in a rash. I tried every strength, but to no avail. I have tried 4 different deodorants since then, but I just can't find anything that works as well as the primal pit paste. I guess I have sensitive arm pits.
Primal Pit Paste says
Hi Cindy!
If you have not already, please email our customer service team and they can work with you to find what would work better with your body chemistry! We have 3 different strengths of Pit Paste (Light, Regular, and Strong), as well as Unscented versions (with no essential oils), and even a Sensitive stick option which is free of baking soda. With all of these, we can help figure out what we would recommend for your unique needs, and we can get some free trials sent out to you to see what would be your perfect fit!
rosiem says
I've been using homemade deodorant for years. Coconut oil, cornstarch and baking soda. It took a couple of weeks for my body to adjust to it, did a lot of extra sweating, but in the end so happy with it.
Andrea says
My son is allergic to tree nuts (including coconut). Any other scents you sell that don't have coconut or tree nuts in them? Would love to try this if you do as my 9 year old son is a big body odor offender. :)
Tom says
I use a locally made product from Purley Herban.
Matt, they have a male deodorant product that works for me..
Johanna says
Primal Pit Paste did not work well for me. It works great for my guy though! I use Green Tidings. I've been very happy so far!
Kiran says
Interesting that it works for your guy but didn't work for you. Have you tried different strengths with Primal Pit Paste?
Johanna says
I tried them all. I either sweat a ton, or broke out in a rash. I gave it a good 2 month run before I gave up. Maybe it's a ph thing?! No clue. Green tidings is a good match for me though.
Kiran Dodeja Smith says
Well I am glad that you found one that works for you!:)
Primal Pit Paste says
If you haven't already, please feel free to contact our customer service team and they're more than happy to help find what would work best with your body chemistry! We do have a Sensitive stick as well as deodorant spray, and we can get you set up with the perfect products for you!
Marie says
I have been using Crystal Deodorant for about 3 years and it's working great for me. It's just salt.
Kristen says
Have you tried the primal stick? Wonder how it works compared to the paste?
Johanna says
We prefer the stick. Less mess.
Kiran says
I have tried the stick. I tried it initially; I personally prefer the jar since it's creamier/goes on easier, but I had to get over the mental hurdle of using the jar instead of a stick that I was used to. I will say that there is no way that I'd go back though now that I've done the jar.
HTH!
aae says
I have used both. I feel like I get better coverage when using the jar. But, I use the stick when applying touch ups (applying when not right out of a shower) or when traveling. It works, you just need to hold it up to your skin for a few seconds to let it warm up and then it glides on pretty easy.
Andrea says
I use a coconut oil and baking soda mix I found on Pinterest, works great!
Andrea says
Forgot I also have corn starch in that mix.
Melanie says
We also make our own from coconut oil, corn starch, and baking soda. Way cheaper and works way better than any of the natural ones we've tried.
Matt says
Any males out there try any of these brands?
Sorry ladies, nothing personal, but guys have a whole different level of stink that we have to manage, so I'm looking for some feedback from guys.
Johanna says
my guy uses the pit paste stick and loves it. Works like a charm.
Kelsee says
My husband and I both use this recipe, but with reduced baking soda and subbing arrowroot for corn starch.
http://ourdailylegacy.blogspot.com/2011/08/homemade-deodorant.html
It took some convincing, but he tried it. Three years in and he loves it.
Janice Gaugl says
doTerra
Dana says
I've been using Primal Pit Paste for a couple of years and I absolutely LOVE it! It works really well for me, even in summer and through tough crossfit workouts.
Janice Gaugl says
Smells great! Does the job. Mailed directly to my home at wholesale price.
Kristina says
I make my own out of coconut oil, arrowroot powder, corn starch, lavender oil and sweet orange oil. It took a boy two weeks for my pits to cleanse out all of the nasty chemicals, but now I won't go back to store bought.
Carly says
I use plain coconut oil out of the jar, works great for me.... And smells fabulous!!❤️
Sal says
do you use the refined or organic as a deodrant or it does not matter
Tara says
I have been using Ava Anderson deodorant and I have had the best luck with it! Also, it comes in a regular deodorant applicator so it was an easy switch!
Bella says
I recently started using Face Naturals peppermint and tea tree deodorant and I love it! It works amazingly well and smells great!
Alison says
I love primal pit paste! I got used to the jar quickly and find I sweat less. I sometimes reapply in the afternoon/evening but that's no big deal. I found the toxic deodorants to be LESS effective. My jar has lasted a really long time as well.
Brianna says
I use Schmidt's and I too love the bergamot/lime! I have tried their jar version and stick and I prefer the jar!!
Micaela says
I love Skin Food by Aubrey...recently purchased her probiotic deodorant at a holiday market in Cincinnati. All of her skin care items are non-gmo, organic, fair trade and natural. I've tried Primal Pit Paste before and it was just too sticky for me.
Primal Pit Paste says
If you haven't already, give the jar paste a try! It's got a more creamy and smooth consistency without the organic beeswax that the stick has, and the jar paste is definitely a customer favorite!
Zully Hernandez says
I've honestly learned a lot from this post. I have used regular deodorant all my life but I have luckily not been a very sweaty person (unless I'm actually exercising. For this reason, I don't wear it all the time. I'm gonna look into alternatives though!
Jenny says
I started using Thai crystal deodorant stone regularly this year, and I've definitely noticed that I swear less than with regular posse based deodorant/antiperspirants.
Aubrey says
I've never tried natural deodorant even though my friends (and my mom!) have been cautioning me for years about aluminum and other ingredients that have dangerous health impacts. Maybe it's time! It would be fun to see a pros and cons chart of some of the popular natural deodorants. I can see how the stick application could take some getting used to.
Kiran Dodeja Smith says
Great idea on the chart! Something for us to definitely think about. In the meantime, let us know if you try the natural route. I have not looked back since making the switch! :)
Tracy Stone says
from Kris Carr's site:
http://kriscarr.com/blog-video/kris-carr-natural-deodorant-smackdown/
I thought she'd have PPP, but she doesn't.
Alex says
I love the primal paste and have tried many many other more natura kinds. The stick works well for me. I should the paste jar to see how I like it.
The only other natural one I've found that works is the "kiss my face" brand. Not sure if the ingredients are as good as primal paste but better than the other brands.
Amy says
We use Burt's Bees Outdoor deodorant w/ Sage oil. Used it for years and love it. My friends and students are always telling me I smell good and wonder what perfume or lotion I use. I don't. It's just the Burt's Bees.
Allison says
I've tried way to many natural deodorants and I finally found one that I love. I am on my third stick of Schmidt's deodorant! The bergamont and lime is my favorite!
Julie says
I just ordered and received my first stick of Schmidt's Ylang-Ylang and Calendula and the smell is AmAzInG to me :) Have you ever tried the jar rather than the stick. I feel like I'm pulling on my skin while using the stick and end up using my finger anyway to smooth it on. I feel like the stick needs time to adjust to my body temperature but thinking a jar would be easier for me. Just curious about your opinion. I love the deodorant otherwise.
Allison says
I agree, it does need to warm up a bit to glide on better. I did try the jar and it was really hard to get out during the colder months. The deodorant got really hard and solid in the jar and I had to pry it out, then warm it, then spread it. I feel like I can apply it a tad easier with the stick. Either way, I love the deodorant so I will deal with it. It does warm up quite nicely when I leave it near my steamy shower though!
lisa says
I use soapwalla deodorant cream and it works awesome. If you put it on right after you shave it can sting a little. I just shower and shave at night before bed and when I put it on in the morning no stinging. It works awesome even during workouts!!!
Becky says
I feel like the key to natural deodorants is to rotate. They seem to work well for awhile and then just stop so I switch back and forth between a few. Right now my rotation is Pit Putty from Bubble and Bee (I like Lilac and Super scents) and Piperwai. When I don't want to use my fingers to apply I use the spray from Bubble and Bee in Lemongrass and Rosemary. Also, as basic as it seems, you really have to start with clean pits! Make sure you're really cleaning well and use a little witch hazel as a primer if you're in between showers.
Diana says
I've used Toms of Maine for years now, it works fine for daily use but not under extreme conditions.
CHRISTINA says
We use Primal Pit Paste and it is the ONLY natural deodorant that works for us. I tired so many I thought I would never find one that really stopped the stink! This one does.
Carly says
I use Primal Pit Paste! I tried various natural deodorants, and found PPP to work best for me. I've tried unscented, lavender, and now am on orange creamsicle, my favorite. As a heavy sweater, I never thought I would be able to use a natural deodorant, but it's working really well for me. I will say I sometimes have to apply again around mid day because I'm not smell so fresh, but overall I really like it.
Kelsee says
I make my own!
Coconut oil, baking soda, and arrowroot powder!
Marie says
Do you use a specific recipe?
Kelsee says
Hello Marie,
Here is the recipe I use... http://ourdailylegacy.blogspot.com/2011/08/homemade-deodorant.html
However I reduced the baking soda to 2-3 T, because my husband and I broke out at the 4 T ratio. I've always used arrowroot powder instead of cornstarch and it works well.
I recently added a few drops of lemongrass essential oil for a pleasant scent and uplifting aroma.
I quadruple (or more) the batch and store extra jars in the fridge until we need it. We save pimento, artichoke, or the tiny Bell jars (cleaned and sanitized) to keep our deodorant in.
We have been doing it for a few years now and really love this.
Kelsee says
I'll also add that it felt a little weird at first to apply deodorant with my fingers... Now we think nothing of it.
Good luck! :-)
Jamie says
I do have hyperhydrosis. In college I used some prescription strength stuff my doctor gave me. It stopped me from sweating under my arms but my body made up for by sweating on my back. I remember being in college and sitting in my car and having the feeling that a waterfall was on my back while driving down the road. Your body does make up for it.
Kiran Dodeja Smith says
Thanks for sharing, Jamie. So have you been able to switch to something natural yet?
Jamie says
Not yet. I'm not sure if it got better with time or if I just got used to it. I think it's a little of both and the fact that I don't wear clothing that would make it a problem. I never thought about using natural because in my mind natural = not as strong. But maybe I'll give it a try and prove myself wrong.
Heidi says
I just use a spray mix of high-proof vodka and essential oils. Works great and doesn't stain my clothes but sometimes loses it's strength and doesn't last through a long day. I'm curious about the pit paste. Does it last most of the day? Does it leave any stains on clothing? All the DIY coconut oil deodorants I've tried in the past left awful underarm stains on my clothing.
Kiran Dodeja Smith says
Interesting! I was not aware of that concoction.
As far as lasting and stains - I can absolutely say that it lasts. I put it on after showering and it lasts the day; it also works for me during and after exercising, which is key, since I do like to exercise;). And I have yet to have any stains on clothes. I've been using it for about 4 months now and knock wood, I have no stains that I'm aware of.
Primal Pit Paste says
We do recommend using only a small amount of Pit Paste (as a little really does go a long way!), and rub in completely and wait a few minutes before getting dressed. The key is to not over-apply!
Erin says
I use LaVanilla deodorant. It is another natural deodorant and it works really well! I even made it through summer in CA without smelling awful. I found that when switching from antipersiprant, there was a transition period where it got out of my system and I thought I smelled awful, but once my body got used to life without it, it has be great!
Becky says
I've had really good luck with Wish We Had Acres deodorant. Every "flavor" I have tried has worked, and that's no easy feat! They are locally based in Charlotte, NC. I also had a pretty good experience with Fat and the Moon products via Etsy, but as you stated in your post, one of the essential oils didn't really work out with me and it actually made me a bit inflamed in the pit area.