X-TRA Natural Deodorant

(Scroll down to 'The Bottom Line/Ingredients' if you'd rather not read the full description.)

If you're looking for a powerful natural deodorant that goes beyond "basic" (see my Basic Natural Deodorant Roll-On), then "X-TRA" is for you!

My "X-TRA Natural Deodorant" contains unique and beneficial ingredients that you won't find in most natural deodorants.

You might know this already, but natural deodorants are typically just that. Deodorant. They help to control odor caused by bacteria. They're not meant to prevent wetness. It's a shame most of us grew up using chemical-laden "antiperspirants," -- and have learned to be intolerable to even the slightest wetness that our bodies produce. We've gotten accustomed to using products that control (or even stop) wetness, as well as odor, regardless of the potentially toxic ingredients they contain.

Therefore, many people who are looking for natural, safe, yet effective deodorants typically don't use products that contain the following ingredients:

Parabens: Preservatives that were very common ingredients used in many deodorants and personal care products, but are no longer used in most U.S. brands of deodorant and antiperspirant. Parabens have been shown to mimic estrogen in the body's cells and interfere with the way your body produces natural hormones. A 2004 study found parabens in the tissues of 18 out of 20 breast cancer patients, which may indicate a link to breast cancer, but there is not enough evidence to say that parabens cause breast cancer.

Triclosan: Many deodorants contain triclosan to kill bacteria, but this ingredient has been shown to alter the body's hormone regulation. Studies suggest that triclosan may contribute to making bacteria resistant to antibiotics, but the data is still inconclusive.

Phthalates: These plasticizers are found in children's toys, fragrances, deodorants, and other personal care products. Lots of controversy surrounds this chemical, as it has been linked to asthma, ADHD, breast cancer, obesity, autism, male fertility issues, and many more health problems. Some phthalates have been banned in children's toys, and others banned in California and the EU.

Aluminum: Like parabens, some studies have detected aluminum in the tissue of breast cancer patients, and it has also been linked to Alzheimer's. However, there is no conclusive evidence proving that parabens cause these diseases. Regardless, those who are trying to use only the safest, most natural products avoid using products that contain aluminum.

Propylene Glycol: The World Health Organization now recognizes this ingredient as generally safe, but many health and environmentally-conscious individuals still only approve of using products containing vegetable-based propylene glycol, an environmentally safer alternative.

When you begin your transition to a holistic lifestyle, you eventually understand that getting rid of wetness completely may not be possible when using a natural deodorant. We've come to accept that making the switch to safe and natural products means a little compromise might by necessary. However, we often find that the compromises are really not the sacrifices we initially believed they were. Rather, they're simply new habits -- an evolution to new (and healthier) product choices!

You might even find that as you transition to a cleaner, healthier lifestyle, your body odor and level of wetness changes, too! For example, the food you eat may significantly affect the amount and type of your body odor.

X-TRA Natural Deodorant contains unique ingredients -- each having a specific purpose.

Two oils that are rarely used in natural deodorant are Tamanu and Neem. These oils give X-TRA its lovely shade of green!

However, beyond the lovely color, these oils are star ingredients in X-TRA!

Tamanu Oil is pressed from the fruit kernel of the Tamanu Nut Tree, and is often referred to as "Green Gold." It originated in the Pacific Islands and has been used for centuries to address various skin issues, such as burns, bites, psoriasis, and eczema. Tamanu Oil is anti-bacterial and anti-fungal, so was also used to address body and foot odors (bingo!). This makes Tamanu Oil a powerful odor fighter -- yet soothing on sensitive skin, as well.

Neem Oil is also an ancient oil. Parts of the Neem tree have been used for thousands of years in India, and the Indians consider it a sacred tree, symbolizing good health and protection. Neem Oil has been traditionally used as an ingredient in skin and hair care products to address dryness, repair damage, remove bacteria, eliminate head and body lice, prevent baldness, and slow the graying of hair. Although Neem Oil has a long list of benefits, the one that makes it a star in my X-TRA Natural Deodorant is its cleansing properties that purge sweat, dirt, and excess sebum from hair and skin. This property comes from the stearic acid constituent in Neem carrier oil. It's worth mentioning that the predominant scent in X-TRA that you'll notice is the Neem Oil. The additional essential oils not only are added for their antibacterial properties, but also to balance out the scent of the Neem Oil.

Rice Bran Oil also has a stearic acid component that cleanses and increases the body's defense against toxins that may enter through the skin. It also has properties that make it extra soothing and moisturizing. 

Sweet Almond Oil, among other things, also has exceptional cleansing properties as well as being soothing, moisturizing, and softening the skin.

Coconut Oil is a powerful antibacterial, anti-fungal, and antiviral oil.

Shea Butter has exceptional moisturizing and softening properties. 

Arrowroot powder, diatomaceous earth, and kaolin clay all have different properties but, in general, these 3 ingredients assist in neutralizing odor. A bonus is that these ingredients may help with wetness control, although everyone will experience individual results.

The essential oil blend in X-TRA is made from therapeutic quality anti-bacterial essential oils that help control odor, but also add a subtle, fresh fragrance. 

The Bottom Line:

X-TRA contains unique, premium ingredients that provide powerful odor and gentle wetness control, and yet is a fabulous product for sensitive skin!

It's rare to find a natural deodorant with this combination of unique, premium, and beneficial ingredients. And for what this product is, the price can't be beat!

Ingredients: Coconut Oil*, Arrowroot Powder*, Tamanu Oil*, Shea Butter, Beeswax*, Diatomaceous Earth, Neem Oil*, Kaolin Clay, Rice Bran Oil*, Sweet Almond Oil*, blend of therapeutic quality anti-bacterial essential oils (Clove Bud, Cypress, Lemongrass, Eucalyptus, Tea Tree). 

*Organic