Posted by: Jordan
I never thought I’d find a natural deodorant that works as well as the homemade recipe I’ve been using, but I believe Soapwalla has done it!
I love so many things about this all-natural deodorant cream: the smell is herbal-y fresh, the application is easier to apply than my homemade version (as described on their website, the “frosting-like consistency ensures effortless manual application”, plus it doesn’t solidify when cold), it’s cheap ($10), it’s a local Brooklyn company, and most importantly…it really WORKS!
I’ve been using this deodorant for over a month to ensure that the effectiveness didn’t wear off, which sometimes happens with products, and I can happily report that it’s still holding up, even to the couple 90 degree days we’ve had! I do occasionally find that a refresher later in the day helps with any emerging odors, so sometimes I’ll try to remember to bring the deodorant in my purse.
A few friends/readers have noted that the amount of baking soda in the homemade recipe irritates their skin, so I’d suggest trying out this deodorant if you’ve experienced that, because it seems very gentle to me.
I read a couple reviews that claimed Soapwalla Deodorant Cream absorbed moisture more than any other natural deodorants the testers had tried; unfortunately, I didn’t really find this to be true for me. I’m still sweating. Of course, since it doesn’t contain harmful aluminum, it’s not meant to be an antiperspirant, so sweat just comes with the natural deodorant territory.
Soapwalla owner, Rachel Winard, creates all of Soapwalla’s organic products in her Brooklyn apartment kitchen (I love this!) and never uses ingredients tested on animals. She created the line because she suffers from sensitive skin caused by lupus. I’m anxious to try the other products in Soapwalla’s line, including the face serums, homemade soaps, and body scrubs! I bought my deodorant locally in Brooklyn at Bend and Bloom yoga studio in Park Slope, but for non-New Yorkers, everything in Soapwalla’s line can be bought on the beloved site, Etsy!
Product Junkies Rehab 
I am a believer in deoderant creams. I once bought one which was advertised to last several days, and it really did! Totally amazing. Unfortunately I have forgotten the brand, but it was bought in a health food store. It was considerably more expensive than this one, although a good deal considering how long it lasted.
Wow, that sounds almost too good to be true! Let us know if you remember what the brand was!
I’ll have to try this one! I was raving about the homemade recipe to everyone I know until my armpits got completely inflamed (I assume from the baking soda). Ouch! Since then I’ve been at a loss, caught between a funk and a hard place (that being a return to my non-ecofriendly sensitive skin deodorant), but now I can order some Soapwalla and give it a go. Thanks again ladies!
Hi Eve, I hope the Soapwalla is less irritating for you!!! I think it works on odors just as well, but seems a bit more of a creamy consistency, which hopefully will help your skin. Keep us updated!
My friends freak out whenever I tell them I almost never use deodorants. Well, thankfully, I’ve never had any dire need to do so. Never suffered from any odor although moisture still needs some control. Does it keep the area dry, too? I’ve never encountered a cream deo before so the idea seems a bit ‘weird’ to me. Makes me imagine applying my moisturizer under my pits. :S
Love thy armpits!! It’s skin, just like the rest of our skin, right? It took me a while to get used to the idea of putting cream under my armpits too, but when I thought about it, I don’t know why I never moisturized and cared for my armpits, like I do the rest of my body, before!
Unfortunately I haven’t found a natural deodorant that works at keeping the area dry, as it kind of goes against the idea of natural–we’re supposed to sweat! Yes, it can be annoying to deal with, though–I will be the first to admit that!
I tried the homemade recipe, and it is really effective. But my skin didn’t tolerate it, my armpits got really irritated. So, maybe I should try soapwella. You got me interested:)
By the way, must tell you that I have been using the Bare escentuals brightening eye primer in pearl. My skin didn’t tolerate the regular primer, but this seems to be fine. And it’s really pretty, I often use it alone as an eyeshadow. Not maybe all natural ingredients, but better than many other drugstore and high-end brands.
Definitely try the Soapwalla then and see if you too find it to be as effective but much gentler than the homemade recipe!! Let us know what you think after trying it, too, of course–we love to hear more feedback on the products we like!
Thanks for the feedback on the Bare Escentuals Primer!! Like you said, any step we can take to get better about choosing more natural products–even if not 100% natural–is a step in the right direction!
I tried the Sopawalla last year, after finding the Angry Chicken homemade recipe too irritating. Unfortunately, Soapwalla also made my skin unhappy. I guess I need to just keep experimenting with my own recipes…
Oh, bummer!!! Sorry to hear that it was still irritating! I was hoping this was the cure for those with ultra-senstivite underarms!
We specialize in a hypoallergenic and safe deodorant for pregnant women, but also suitable for any health-conscious person regardless of age or gender. The deodorant is completely safe – 0% aluminum, alcohol, dye, fragrance, or parabens – and 100% vegan; and unlike most “natural” deodorants it actually WORKS.
We thought your readers might be interested in a report similar to those published by MyStyles, XOJane, and Lululemon referenced below:
http://www.mystyle.com/mystyle/blog/index.jsp?searchKeyword=deodomom&submit.x=24&submit.y=11
http://www.xojane.com/healthy/how-to-stop-sweating-so-much
http://www.lululemon.com/community/blog/natural-deodorant-sweat-test/
We’ll be glad to provide complimentary samples if you decide to do an article on the subject and look forward to hearing back from you with your thoughts.
Thanks,
http://www.30SomeWeeks.com
http://www.facebook.com/pages/30SomeWeekscom/307413119311231
How long would you say a container lasts?
I would probably say about 3 months, depending on how much you use and how often you’d reapply. I’ve had mine for about 2 months and it’s not even half gone, so mine will probably last about 4+ months!
Thanks!
Just ordered two batches from Etsy for me & Kim – our sensitive armpits are ready to give it a go! Keep you ladies posted…
Oooh, can’t wait to hear how you like it!
I just ordered two of these! One for me and my mom. 🙂
Hey Jordan! I ordered this product and so far I am LOVING how effective it is! Yet I have to be honest: I’ve been doing some reading regarding tea tree oil, and I’m a bit freaked out by it. Since this product contains this ingredient, I was wondering, do you have any feedback about this? The funny thing is it doesn’t list tea tree oil as an ingredient in the Skin Deep database, but it does on the bottle (and you can smell it the minute you open it too!). Anyways, I am sure it’s perfectly safe, but any feedback you might have would be very helpful too. Thanks! 🙂
Hi Mayrena,
I’m so happy to hear that you’re loving its effectiveness! I honestly haven’t done a ton of research on tea tree oil, but the minimal amount that I have done is that it’s safe in small, diluted amounts and works great as an antibacterial agent, which is great for a deodorant. And even undiluted the only real harm is its drying quality, plus the recent findings that there could be the potential of hormonal disruption–but again, this is only its pure, undiluted form. So unless you’re applying it undiluted directly to your armpits, I think it’s ok. But I did do a little reading after you brought it up and here’s what webmd cautions, so I leave the decision up to your comfort level!
Tea tree oil is LIKELY SAFE for most people when put on the skin, but it can cause skin irritation and swelling. In people with acne, it can sometimes cause skin dryness, itching, stinging, burning, and redness.
Applying products to the skin that contain tea tree oil along with lavender oil might not be safe for young boys who have not yet reached puberty. These products might have hormone effects that could disrupt the normal hormones in a boy’s body. In some cases, this has resulted in boys developing abnormal breast growth called gynecomastia. The safety of these products when used by young girls is not known.
Tea tree oil is UNSAFE when taken by mouth. Don’t take tea tree oil by mouth. As a general rule never take undiluted essential oils by mouth due to the possibility of serious side effects. Taking tree tea oil by mouth has caused confusion, inability to walk, unsteadiness, rash, and coma.
Special Precautions & Warnings:
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Tea tree oil seems to be safe when applied to the skin. But it should not be taken by mouth. Ingestion of tea tree oil can be toxic.
Thank you for your response, Jordan. I keep mentioning your blog on my blog…I hope you don’t mind. Check it out! http://thequestfornaturalhealth.tumblr.com
Thank you so much, Mayrena!!!!! What a great blog you’re starting–we’ll add it to our blogroll and can’t wait to read what other natural beauty adventures you embark on! (and P.S. if I need a Caribbean escape when it gets cold, I’m totally coming to you for advice on the D.R.! We usually escape to Puerto Rico but maybe you’ll convince us to change it up one year!)
Hey Jordan!
Just wanted to let you know we moved! We are now at the following address: http://www.thequestfornaturalhealth.com. Thank you, and keep up the good work!
Thanks for letting us know, Mayrena. I updated it!
LOVE this deodorant!!! After a 2 year search for an effective natural product after surviving breast cancer I came across this blog & decided to give Soapwalla a try (even though I live in Spain so postage costs are high!). Well, am I one happy bunny? Smooth, non irritated, neutral scented armpits & absolutely no wetness at all (& that’s even in 40ºC high humidity summer here in Southern Europe). I only wish pot were bigger as I’m going to have to re-order in the Autumn!
Kim,
I’m so glad we could help you find a natural dedorant that works for you! Isn’t Soapwalla great?! Congratulations on beating your breast cancer battle–what an inspiration!
Thanks Jordan! I wish I could make a version of Soapwalla myself (not to sell as it’s not my recipe); would be great (& save money)!
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worked really well; but left my armpits dark.
Yikes!! So sorry to hear that!!!
I had made my own natural deodorant and it worked sooo well, but after awhile it darkened my armpits, not really sure why but im thinking about giving this a try
I’ve heard of this happening to other people with some deodorants and I’m not sure what causes it either!!
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This is the best deodorant I have ever used. Unfortunately, I had to stop using it as it made my underarms dark. Looks like I made be allergic to an ingredient.
I’m sorry to hear that, Maruka. It irritated Emily’s skin a bit too–try Bubble & Bee. It works just as well but doesn’t irritate her skin! They’re having a sale right now too!
And it has to be the cream version–it works the best!