Can You Use Coconut Oil as Deodorant?
By Stephanie Saltzman
(Photo: Romulo Yanes)
Sometimes the Internet beauty advice that sounds the craziest is actually the most genius (case in point: Monistat as makeup primer). But coconut oil as natural deodorant? Sure, we know there are many (many, many) great uses for it, including as deep conditioner, moisturizer, and cuticle cream, but this one seemed too far-fetched. We investigated to see if coconut oil can keep you fresh all day.
The theory is that because coconut oil is an antibacterial, it will protect against odor-causing bacteria. “Coconut oil does have some mild antibacterial properties, so it’s not inconceivable that it could act as underarm deodorant,” says Randy Schueller, a cosmetic chemist and the brains behind thebeautybrains.com. Fair enough.
But does it really provide enough odor protection to get you through an intense SoulCycle session? Probably not, says Schueller. “I couldn’t find any evidence that it’s been tested against Staphylococcus hominis, which is the bacteria species primarily responsible for producing underarm odor. That means that even though it may work theoretically, it may not work very well.”
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And then there’s the fact that it’s a thick oil (in other words, not really something you’d want to smear on your armpits). “It seems like a very impractical solution due to its greasiness,” says Scheuller. “It also has a low viscosity at body temperature, which means it will drip down your arms and chest.” (No thanks.)
If you’re looking for a natural, aluminum-free alternative to deodorant, Scheuller recommends alum crystal (this one from Tom’s is a good option). Our favorite natural alternatives (we tested them; they really work!) are Lavanila The Healthy Deodorant and Tom’s of Maine Natural Confidence Deodorant.
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