One of the things that I’ve been shocked about as I’ve continued to switch out my cosmetics, body care and hair care is the number of reviews that are already out there on safe, great products. It makes me happy to see that as society, we’re becoming even more conscious and making sure to use products that are safer – for all the reasons we should. These products carry less ingredients that cause concern for cancer, developmental disruption, and allergens.

We think so much about what we eat. We buy organic meats and veggies, we drink coconut water, we buy organic wine and beer, we do yoga, we run, we buy filtered water…the list goes on and on. But how many of us think about what we are using each day on our largest organ – our skin?

The thought is slightly chilling – once I started thinking about all of the different products I used each day (deodorant, shampoo/conditioner, soap, lotion, face lotion, hair products, makeup) and what was in them, I decided to do some research on a few products that I hadn’t really been paying attention to.

First on my list? Deodorant.

I had discovered several blogs that were touting top five safe deodorants for women. I decided to give Native – one that was mentioned in multiple places – a try. I journeyed to my local Whole Foods to see if they had it – no such luck as you can only order it online.

In the mean time, I decided to try Nourish Organic’s Almond and Vanilla stick until I could get my hands on Native to try it.

The scent threw me a bit at first – I was used to my Dove Renew – and this smells much more like a lotion I would use instead of a deodorant. That said, I got used to it pretty quickly and I love how smooth it is. With shea butter and cocoa butter it goes on really nicely and doesn’t transfer to clothes. I don’t sweat much – even when exercising, so that’s one caveat I should share.

I wasn’t sure if I would like the Nourish Organic, so I had also gone ahead and ordered a Native Women’s Sample Pack (3 full size deodorants for $30 – which is a steal when 1 stick is $12 – plus free shipping!) to give it a go.

Left to right: Unscented, Lavender & Rose, Coconut & Vanilla

Having read many reviews, I tried the Coconut & Vanilla scent first – and I like the lightly tropical scent. It’s not overpowering at all. The Lavender & Rose Scent is nice and light, too. Unscented – well, that’s easy to guess.

Generally, I like Native just as well as the Nourish stick, but it doesn’t go on quite as smoothly. That said – either brand would be a good safe alternative.

What have you tried and what works best for you?