For many years I have used typical antiperspirants, even some time after I knew the dangers of the aluminum and other chemicals which make these up. I basically felt I had no choice, as most of us have to go to work and fit in with society by not giving off an unpleasant smell or just not having wetness under their arms.
As my research in the natural health field continued I discovered that there were alternatives, like mineral, crystal rock deodorants and deodorants without typical chemicals. I learned that our body odor and even how much we sweat greatly depends on our diet and thinking patterns. I also learned that it is far from healthy to actually block our pores with antiperspirants, as perspiration is a natural way to rid our bodies of many toxins. Thus, there is no such thing as a healthy antiperspirant.
As of the late spring of 2009, I decided to call it quits with all antiperspirants. I forced myself to explore other options. I changed almost exclusively to a mineral rock deodorant, and being familiar with the natural and local company Green Beaver, I decided to try one of their natural deodorants. You can read more about them in my review of them here.
They offer 5 varieties of natural deodorants in their sport 24 line: lavender, citrus, tea tree, rosewood, wild yam and unscented. I tried the citrus one.
The deodorant is free of aluminum, parabens, glycols, or artifical fragrances. It is made in Canada and certified vegan.
The deodorant claims that it includes extra protection in terms of: natural antibacterial citrus extract, lichen and other odor preventing botanicals. It also includes skin conditioners: aloe and chamomile to soothe sensitive skin.
It also claims that it is a new advanced formula that goes on clear and leaves no residue. It is like a clear, solid gel that goes on a little sticky I found.
In terms of the ingredients, they are great if we are talking high quality natural. The product does have an almost perfect record in terms of having a low hazard rating where the Skin Deep Cosmetic Database is concerned.
Generally I was pleased with it, but not for any perspiration control. While it may have great ingredients, having it on, on a regular work day was no different most times than if I had nothing on, and I do not perspire heavily. So one has to keep in mind that this is a product that is most suitable for people who will not be using this first of all in a hot climate, secondly have a stressful job or perspire heavily. Perhaps reapplying it every few hours would help. This is where the “sport 24” tag line on them may come across as misleading, as this deodorant definitely does not last 24 hours.
I find it is best used on days that are cool, where one is not doing any physical activity, and generally low intensity/stress days, like weekend days. I use it sometimes, just as an alternative to the crystal rock that I use regularly now, but would not depend on it to feel comfortable most days if I have to be outside of the home.
Ingredients for Citrus Deodorant:
- Glycerin (plant derived)* (1 – low hazard)
- Aqua
- Sodium stearate* (1 – low hazard)
- Citrus grandis (grapefruit) seed extract* (3 – moderate hazard)
- Steareth-100* (1 – low hazard)
- Usnea barbata (lichen) extract* (0 – low hazard)
- Aloe barbadensis leaf juice* (0 – low hazard)
- Chamomilla recutita (matricaria) flower extract* (0 – low hazard)
- Citrus aurantium dulcis (orange) oil* (1 – low hazard)
- Citrus medica limonum (lemon) peel oil* (1 – low hazard)
- Sodium bicarbonate (baking soda)* (2 – low hazard)
- Ethylhexylglycerin* (1 – low hazard)
- Stearyl alcohol* (1 – low hazard)
- Bisabolol* (1 – low hazard)
* Safety Rating based on Skin Deep Cosmetic Database
Packaging
The deodorant comes in a typical slender/oval, plastic, bottom roll-up stick. Size is 50g. Most of the packaging is recyclable.
Price (as of this posting)
- $6 – $8 CAD per stick at health food stores across Canada
- $5.99 CAD per stick at HealthToYou.ca
(free shipping to Canada & US, minimum order required) - $6.39 CAD per stick at Well.ca
(free shipping in Canada, no minimum order required) - $5.60 CAD/$5.41US per stick at FeelBest.com
(free shipping in Canada & US, minimum order required)
Availability
- Widely available at health food stores across Canada, especially Ontario
- Widely available at many on-line stores for Canadian, US and international shoppers
The Good
- Pleasant, delicate scent
- Goes on clear
- 100% biodegradable
- Vegan
- Gluten-free
- No aluminum
- No parabens
- No glycols
- No artificial aromas, fragrances or dyes
- No animal testing
- Great ingredients
- Fair price
- Fair availability
The Bad
- It is not very effective, unless someone barely perspires
- Can go on, or leave underarms a bit sticky
6 OUT OF 10
About the author:Evita Ochel, B.Sc., B.Ed., CHN - is a certified holistic nutritionist, biologist, educator, writer, researcher and speaker in the areas of health, science and holistic wellness. She is a nutritional science expert and her teaching and writing focus on natural, wholesome, plant-based and organic nutrition to achieve optimal health and longevity. Learn more about Evita Ochel or Follow Evita Ochel on Twitter.
10 Comments to “Review: Green Beaver Sport 24 Natural Citrus Deodorant”
Hi Evita, I am also exploring alternatives to antiperspirants that I have used for many years, also knowing that they had a cloud over them and not confident to try the natural products.
About 6 years ago I was told how good the crystal rock was and put it on the back burner of “I will try it one day”. And recently with my skin breaking out in legions I have had to really think carefully about what I am putting into and onto my body. I feel this is happening mainly because of excess sun, but also from using sorbalene and sunscreens heavily for the past 20 years. Now I use whipped shea butter and it is heavenly, and sunscreen only if absolutely necessary. I will be purchasing some zinc oxide soon, as I have read that this is considered the safest alternative.
So I discarded the antiperspirants and tried the crystal rock and it has worked surprisingly well. I notice the only times it doesn’t work so well is if I don’t cover the the whole underarm area well enough. It hardly feels like anything is going on the skin so it is hard to judge if any spots have been missed, but with some conscious effort, like applying paint to a wall, I have gotten better at applying it successfully!
Thanks for your wonderful sites
Blessings from Australia xx
@ AEVE – Hello Aeve, first of all I have to say, I just LOVE your name! How beautiful and original.
Great to hear that you found out about the crystal rock so early. I had no idea there were any natural options like that available till about oh, maybe 2 years now. Anyhow a friend introduced me to the crystal rock and like you, I was amazed at how well it worked. I mean I wouldn’t say that it beats the heat of a hot day or some super stressful situation, but generally speaking I love it! That is exactly what I use most days. As I mentioned sometimes if I know I only need for perhaps a little while or so, I put on this Green Beaver deodorant. While I found it handy to have around for some touch ups, I am not sure if I will be purchasing this product in the future.
As for sunscreens, that is sad to hear that they did such a number on your skin. You know we have all been so “lead” to believe that there is no life outside without sunscreen today, but honestly people don’t realize that for the most part the sun is less harmful, than the sunscreens.
So yes, you are totally right that zinc oxide is a great sunscreen and natural. If you find a good one, it should have nothing really but the zinc oxide, no fillers of chemicals. I know Badger seems to be great if you get that company in Australia. Oh there was also another one that was actually from Australia, and I couldn’t get it here, but the name has escaped me at the moment. I will let you know if I think of it.
Finally, thank you so very much for the feedback on the sites – I appreciate hearing that so much, and many blessings to you here from Canada :)
Thanks for your kind comments about my name, it originated from my Irish great grandmother Eva.
Over the last 5 years I have had the odd skin cancer appear now and then and had them burned off my skin, but this is now multiple legions on my fingers, arms and neckline. The doctor I see is great, and he is confident that we will sort it out. He’s happy to speak out about the dangers of toxic foods (particularly non-organic dried fruit and peanut paste are both very bad), and told me to avoid sunscreen and rather cover up instead.
At my last check up he sighed and said “I have so many of these to cut out today”. I asked him if it was like this every day he does surgery and he said yes, and he devotes 2 full days a week to it. It seems we have all been the testing ground for an industry that is still allowed to produce these products. It’s been so easy just to blame the sun and it’s so good now that people are being made aware that it is not just excessive sun causing problems. If we warn enough people of the dangers then eventually the makers will have to leave out the bad ingredients or go out of business.
Now I know more about how much we need vitamin D I am not so afraid to be in the sun uncovered, though careful not let any more damage happen. So much of our health and happiness is connected to the sunshine.
You are very welcome about the feedback for your site, it’s wonderful to have someone who is looking deeply into the things that you do and not cutting corners.
With much love
@ AEVE – Thank you so much for adding in more insight into this topic and sharing your experience.
I was so surprised to hear about the dried non-organic fruit. I suspect it has something to do with the preservatives they add to it, like the sulfites. I avoid that stuff like the plague. Same thing with peanuts, many people do not realize the heavy pesticide loads peanuts take.
And I could not agree more about the sunscreen. When I was going through University and working at a pharmacy part-time – they gave us this big in-service on promoting sunscreen and making people educated just how important it is. And at that young age, without knowing anything about what was in sunscreen, something within me just kept telling me that this was so wrong. Well years later I look into sunscreen and my intuition was right – people don’t realize putting those toxic chemicals on their skin and then going into the sun is one of the worst chemical reactions that they are instigating on their body. And it also I truly believe accounts in many ways for the high Vit D deficiency levels that we are seeing today.
And again I cannot agree with you more, the sun is a critical part of good health – our bodies need it, just like most other organisms on this Earth. But we just as you say, need to be smart about it – and we can have both the benefits of the sun and prevention from the risks.
All the best with your health and healing!
Evita,
I also enjoy using the Green Beaver product line, and have enjoyed your reviews.
Can I just point out that Green Beaver have labelled this product as a “deodorant” and not an “antiperspirant”. With this in mind, one could expect it not to stink / smell while wearing their product, but one could not expect it to stop the perspiring – that is not what it has been designed to do.
Also, keep in mind that our skin is the largest organ, and sweating / perspiring is an excellent method for our body to detox.
Hi Beth
Thank you so much for your feedback Beth and taking the time to let me know.
And you are totally right, there is a big and often misunderstood difference between deodorants and antiperspirants. And likewise, today I also know the value of allowing sweat to naturally come out, instead of blocking our pores.
I currently alternate between this deodorant and the rock crystal. If I am active in any way, shape or form, I don’t mind sweating at all. But what I find still with some deodorants like this one, is that sometimes it feels better just not having anything on at all if I am going to sweat anyway.
And something else I learned too, is that in our society we have this immense fear of the scent of sweat, as if it was all horrible, strong and bad – but it isn’t. Our sweat amount, but especially scent seems to greatly depend on our lifestyle habits. We have been perfuming ourselves like crazy and so afraid to smell sweat, but in many healthy people, there is barely an odor detected.
hi there!
Thanks for all the great posts on this site!
I tried the Green Beaver sport 24 Yam deodorant this summer, as I am very active and am trying to phase out all non-natural chemicals from my hygienic products. I was really disappointed with this product. The smell of sweat never bothered me before, and I tend to be forgetful about putting deodorant on before leaving the house. Still, I don’t think I’ve ever smelled worse than when I put on this deodorant. It was much better, in my case, not to put anything on at all. This was the first time I tried an ”alternative” deodorant, so I had spent a great deal of time looking at my options at the store. I chose GB because they are made in Canada and favour organic ingredients, but it was really inefficient as a deodorant. i guess I’ll try the crystals for next time. Or are there any other suggestions for very active women? Thank you!
Hi Valerie
My pleasure, and thank you for your feedback!
In terms of the sweat, I am not sure what may have happened either than a reaction between your sweat and the ingredients in this deodorant. This is not necessarily bad, it just means that when certain substances “combine”, while on their own they can smell “fine” – together they can produce an unpleasant scent.
And unfortunately I have looked as well at several other natural deodorants and nothing seems to truly be “adequate” in terms of what most people want. However, I am starting to think that our comparison is not a fair one. We cannot compare a chemical based anti-perspirant to a natural deodorant. They don’t compare, as they were never meant to. They are formulated totally different and meant to do completely different things. (I am not writing this thinking that you did hold such a comparison, but more for myself and others out there who think they will find in a natural deodorant, what their chemical anti-perspirant did for them).
So in the end, yes, the crystal rock is the only suggestion I have. I have found it to work great for me on many levels, but again I wouldn’t expect miracles out of it. When we are active, I would honestly recommend just going natural – in that of not putting anything on. We need to sweat freely for proper detox and most people take a rinse or so after a heavy workout anyway.
I have been able to wean myself off of anti-perspirants completely over a year and a half ago, went to natural deodorants and today barely use anything at all. (The odd day I use the crystal rock). I find I do not have a problem with body odor and if anything, not blocking my sweat, makes me sweat less today. I truly believe as many health professionals have pointed towards, that our sweat scent is a reflection of our diet and overall health. Normally we should not have a heavy, unpleasant body odor.
Hope this helps, and great to hear you are staying physically active :)
I have two great suggestions for a future review. Dessert Essence as a brand in general, and their deoderant, which uses tea tree oil.
Then there is also Thursday Plantation, which also uses tea tree oil. That one is called 24 hour sport, and the smell is very strong from it – I wouldn’t recommend it for regular use, but during sports, it’s a good way to change your smell. It’ll still be there but it’ll be fresh-smelling, like tea tree.
Perhaps you could do a review of that brand as well. I heard coconut oil worked well as a natural sunscreen, though the SPF it provides should be quite low… I need to educate myself more on sunscreen, do you have any websites you suggest? And I certainly have seen sun damage on people, is there a way to prevent this and not harm ourselves? Or is it a question of choosing your looks over other potentially more serious illnesses to come?
Hi Sonya
Thanks for the suggestions! I always love learning about new products and helping readers understand them better to sort through the naturals and the fakes.
I looked at a few random products for Dessert Essence, as I have not heard of them before, and here are my quick thoughts:
- packaging looks like those brands that try to “cheat” the natural industry on some of their products
- ingredients on most things were great, with very little to pick on
- the deodorant (I looked at the first one) has propylene glycol as the first ingredient, which is not ideal
So my quick take, without fully exploring is that seem good, maybe even great, but there are a few areas which could definitely be improved and not the ideal natural ingredients.
As for sunscreen, coconut oil is awesome, but I would only use it as a mild sunscreen. Generally for short periods in the sun, I don’t recommend anything as we must get back our vitamin D supplies – most today are deficient from all that sunscreen use.
You can check out my “Sun Smart Series” to read up overall on how to understand the sun and your health. (It is in the categories tab above, under “SERIES”)
And for those extended periods of time in the sun, I recommend the Badger brand of sunblock, which is today a world leader in being totally natural and effective at doing what it is supposed to. You can also check out the EWG.org’s report on the safest sunscreens here:
http://evolvingwellness.com/posts/1225/does-safe-sunscreen-exist-rethinking-our-relationship-with-this-popular-chemical/