Let me definitely not be the first to say: body odor is the pits. Finding a solution can seem overwhelming and tedious. Nobody wants to be that person hunched over at the pharmacy for a solid half hour in Aisle 6 sniffing tubes and reading labels. 

For so long, it has seemed a no-brainer to go with the mass marketed and chemical-laden big brands. Drug store brands are accessible, affordable, and trusted by many. And, besides, what other options are there? 

I'm happy to reveal a little "Secret (tm)" about how you can find the right deodorant for you that is almost as budget friendly as the drug store brands, but reduces (in addition to self consciousness) environmental waste and harsh and skin irritating chemicals. 

Here is an introductory guide to safe, accessible, deodorant alternatives. 

Many of our environmentally conscious sisters and brothers have tried items right out of their kitchen cupboard, so we didn't have to, in a quest to find a better alternative to the regular deodorant market. Here are a few, and how to apply them. 

Baking soda: mix 1/8 teaspoon of baking soda with enough water to create a paste and apply! You can subtract the water and add 3/4 teaspoon of corn starch, and dust under the pits, for more wetness protection. 

Lemon juice: Many people swear by this yellow fellow. The citric acid in lemon juice can help fight any stinky bacteria. Just slice up some citrus and swipe it on!

Tea tree oil: a few drops can relieve some odor. To apply, fill a spray bottle with water, add a generous number of droplets, and spritz to your heart's content. 

Witch hazel: A natural astringent that also works to absorb oils, can be applied with a spray bottle or cotton pads. 

(*You may also combine any of these ingredients with a preferred amount of coconut oil or shea butter for a more familiar and soothing applicability.)

--oh au naturale and ready to go-- 

- There is an increasing demand for all-natural deodorants. And lucky for us, they're available in local grocery stores, apothecary shops, and, of course, right here at Revival.

There are some considerations that go into selecting the right natural deodorant. Just Choices vary in their texture, application process, smell, and strength. Finding one that works for you may be just as difficult as the trying times in Aisle 6 (a made up situation mentioned earlier in this post.) 

Here are our top three (in no particular order) to get you started 

Fig and Yarrow Underarm Lotion: I chose this one first because I actually used and loved this product for an entire summer of camping. I don't typically use deodorant in non-summer months, but will continue the use of this product when I am good and (frequently) sweaty. The product has a consistency of a smooth, velvety lotion. It comes in a pump bottle, so you don't have to dive in with your potentially (but probably not, unless you're me.. camping..) grimy hands. The scent is musky, herbal, and not overwhelming in the slightest. The product moisturized and soothed my underarms after shaving, and left the skin supple and mostly sweat free.

 Lulu Organics Deodorant Cream: This paraben and petroleum free deodorant cream is from the makers of my personal favorite, tried and true, oil-absorbing hair powder. This product uses similar scents (yum, lavender and clary sage!) and oils to create a finger-applicable and utterly smooth cream. 

Ebb & Flow Herbal Deodorant: A new product from a local love! Did you know many deodorants on the market contain aluminum? That's pretty messed up. Ebb & Flow solves this problem for us, making it easy to keep our pits metal-free and mega-moisturized and deliciously aromatic. This is a finger-applicable, fairly firm mix between a cream and a bar, that comes in a really adorable and convenient tin. This herbal deodorant also combats razor burn and irritation!