Opinion: Made Simple Natural Deodorant

*Disclaimer: I did receive this product for free from an eco shop called The Noble Narwhal but to give my honest opinion on. They sent me a few talking points but only on what the product contains and further information on their company. I did not get paid other than just receiving the product.

One of the eco-swaps that I've been most reluctant to try is natural deodorant. Just to give you some backstory, I've given a few "natural deodorants" a try a few years back. One of these included the brand 'Schmidts'. I have never really had rashes in my life but after 2-3 uses of the product, my armpits felt as if they were BURNING and were red to the touch. I quickly Googled about this issue and saw the exact same reaction from every outside review I read. Side note on this: Has anyone else tried and received the same result? Shouldn't there be some sort of lawsuit or petition to remove this product from shelves!? After that horrible experience, which lasted a few weeks, I was hesitant to give another one a try. I did purchase Crystal Mineral Roll-on deodorant and did not have a reaction but the product was completely made of plastic and really just didn't work.

I knew that now was a better time than ever to give natural deodorant another swipe (get it...) Thanks to The Noble Narwhal, I was able to try Made Simple Skin Care Natural Deodorant. The product came in a glass body and metal lid so it is completely recyclable and reusable. I was given the Douglas Fir Helichrysum scent which honestly, is hard to distinguish what it smells like. It's slightly fruity, slightly woodsy, kind of flowery... let's just say unique. From what I've heard, their Chamomile Lime scent is heavenly and I so wish I would have suggested that one. The product is as describes: Highly concentrated: no water, no fillers, no microbeads just pure product, 100% natural and USDA certified organic deodorant, hand-crafted in small batches and made with raw, vegan, non-GMO, cruelty-free using only food-grade ingredients. For the short list of product ingredients, it can be found here.

If you've never used a coconut oil based deodorant, much like me, it's a little tricky to get used to. Although the product says "Coconut Oil contains beneficial lauric acid, moisturizing without leaving oily residue"... Your pits do in fact feel oily until it seeps into your skin. After quite a few uses, I didn't mind it but some people may hate the feeling. Also IMPORTANT: rub a pea sized amount of product into your palm until it's liquid. I made the mistake of taking the product straight to the pit and it clumped up almost immediately. I personally sweat a bit, so mine does clump up a bit anyway but not nearly as bad as when I put the product straight on without melting first.

As far as activity, if you're sitting around the house, applying once or twice is perfect. It kept the smell away and just felt really natural to me, after the oil seeped in. You will however still sweat. Because this product is natural, it does not stop you from perspiration - just helping with the body odor. Now, would I recommend for physical activity? I am a yes and a no... Yes, if you are planning to do a light workout or strength training. I wore this during my leg, back and chest workout days and had zero issues with smell. Strenuous activity such as hiking, biking, etc? I would have to say no only if you aren't able to bring extra applications with you. Because it is an oil base, it will melt so it makes it very tricky to bring with you in an outdoor setting. I went to hike for a few hours with only one application of this product and BOY, it did not smell great... plus I didn't bring extra given it was a 90+ degree day and I was worried it would melt in the car. If you are planning to do strenuous activity and can put on an application before and after, then would also recommend. I did a bike ride and applied before/after and it was perfect. Just be mindful what activity and if you are able to take multiple applications before and after.

So would I recommend? After trying for over a week, I was really impressed with this product! It's a great, light natural deodorant that is made with very simple ingredients not to mention, made by a great small company who is really trying to change the industry with great eco-friendly products. With its reusable and recyclable packaging, it's a perfect product for those looking for a more natural switch and to lower their plastic usage. If you're an athlete or someone who works out a ton, I would maybe not recommend but for those who do lighter workouts or training at a gym, go for it. The only change I would have made was the scent but overall, a great natural deodorant for someone looking to reduce plastic and live a more organic and eco-conscious lifestyle.

If you're looking to purchase this product, The Noble Narwhal, a United States online eco-shop offers excellent discounted prices on natural and eco products. The shop also ships within 3 days to anywhere in the US (Sorry, only US for now!) and in 100% compostable/ recyclable packaging. My deodorant came in a corrugated cardboard box, mixed paper and paper tape - perfect for buying products during #PlasticFreeJuly! They also donate 10% of their profits to the 5 Gyres Institute, which is engaged in researching plastic pollution in our oceans and bringing about systemic change for the environment. Check out The Noble Narwhal at https://thenoblenarwhal.com/ or on social on Facebook and Instagram.