Phew... DON'T GET THE ONION ARMS

I hope you know what I mean by the onion arms. I mean if you have a middle school kid, I'm sure you do. I'm "au naturale" but I don't want to smell like the natural outsides right? So what do you do about deodorant? You may ask. Or you may ask what's wrong with the regular old deodorant and antiperspirant? Well, I'm glad you asked.

Traditional deodorant contains aluminum as a main ingredient.  This is  what acts as an antiperspirant. It basically clogs your pores says no sweat shall pass. 
Now, remember what you put on your skin gets absorbed into your body. Aluminum in the body can mimic estrogen, and could really mess with your hormone levels. There are also studies saying it is linked to breast cancer and Alzheimer. So yeah, let's err on the side of caution with that right?
I'll link a good article from Times if you want more detailed description than my non medical degree can give. 

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So what do you use?
​There are plenty of brands of "natural" and organic deodorant. One that is a fav of people stepping out into the new natural deodorant land is Toms.  That is what I used for YEARS however, I had to carry it around with me to continuously reapply as I felt it wore off throughout the day. 

Once my Toms phase was over I discovered Schmidt's at my local health food store. It's a little more expensive than Tom's ($8.99 on their website) but it works. No you won't stay dry but you will smell good all day. They also have some great scents! My favorite is the Ylang Ylang & Candula. I've also tried the Rose & Vanilla but for me it is overpowering and I don't love rose that much. But if you love floral smells it is perfect for you!
​I love the various essential oils Schmidt’s use. But please note if you’re allergic to an essential oil in the deodorant get a different scent. The hubby used a their bergamot deodorant and he was red and itchy under his arms and who wants that?

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These wipes from EO also AMAZING. They are great to keep in the car or in your purse for days you forget deodorant (not the anyone ever forgets) (okay thats a lie because I do forget, it happens). Plus they keep you smelling great for hours, maybe even all day if you don’t get too stressed. They are $3.99 for a pack of 6 on their website. 

These not crunchy enough for you? Then forget deodorant all together and use a lemon! I know, you’re looking at me like “Ashley has lost it” But no, try it for a day… or when you’re out of town and don’t pack deodorant by accident. Where would I get a lemon out of town you are asking? Room service or those areas they have the tea and coffee they usually have lemon wedges right? Seriously, just slab some lemon juice under your arms and you’re good to go. 
It works! Read more about my love for lemon pits here.

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