To date, I have poured over 200,000 deodorants, but before I began crafting my own, I went through a journey of trial and error. I initially selected natural deodorants based mostly on recommendations from friends and Instagram health & beauty influencers (aka, my imaginary friends). After a lot of frustration, I managed to discover what worked and what didn’t. Here’s my story.
The Journey Begins
When I first set out to find the perfect natural deodorant, I was driven by a simple desire: to find a product that was effective, non-irritating, and free from harmful chemicals. I was also a busy mom who didn’t want to smell like a flower or baby powder, so I gravitated towards men’s scents. They tend to be stronger and more neutral, which suited my active lifestyle better.
The Frustration of Trial and Error
I started my quest by trying out various natural deodorants recommended by friends and Instagram influencers. It didn’t take long to realize that not all natural deodorants are created equal. Some were too greasy, others left a white residue, and a few didn’t seem to work at all. The process was frustrating, but it was also enlightening.
Many natural deodorants are only available in a tub because it’s apparently difficult to get them to stick together without chemicals. I don’t even like dipping my fingers into lip balm tubs, so deodorant tubs were seriously pushing it. But for the sake of thorough research, I included one for comparison.
The Mixing and Testing Process
After testing numerous brands and still not finding “the one,” I decided to take matters into my own hands. I began experimenting with different formulations in my kitchen, mixing natural ingredients like coconut oil, shea butter, and essential oils.
I tested each batch rigorously, not just on myself, but also on friends who were professional boxers and yoga teachers. Their feedback was invaluable. I paid attention to everything: texture, scent, ease of application, and, most importantly, effectiveness.
It took countless iterations and over two years of perfecting the formula. I learned that natural deodorants needed the right balance of ingredients to not only fight odor but also be gentle on the skin. For instance, activated charcoal became a key component due to its powerful odor-fighting properties, while shea butter provided the soothing effect needed for sensitive underarm skin.
The Results
Through this extensive process, I developed a natural deodorant that met all my criteria: effective, non-irritating, and easy to apply. Our Ujjayi Natural Deodorant now comes in a convenient stick form, which was a must for me and many others who prefer not to use tubs. We offer it in several scents, including Tobacco and Citrus, that are strong enough to keep you fresh all day without making you smell like a flower.
Why Men’s Scents?
I mostly chose men’s scents for a couple of reasons. First, I don’t like smelling like a flower or baby powder. Second, men’s products are typically stronger, and I needed something robust to keep up with my busy and active lifestyle. Our deodorants are formulated to be unisex, but we ensured they had the strength to handle even the most intense workouts and long days.
The Final Verdict
After pouring over 200,000 deodorants and refining my formula repeatedly, I’m confident that Ujjayi Natural Deodorant stands out in the crowded market of natural deodorants. It’s designed to be effective, gentle, and convenient, so you don’t have to go through the same trial and error that I did.
If you’re looking for a natural deodorant that flat out performs, doesn’t irritate your skin, and keeps you smelling fresh all day, give Ujjayi a try. We’ve done the hard work, so you don’t have to.