The 7 Best Non-Toxic Deodorants For Kids And Pre-Teens

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This post contains affiliate links which may earn Eco Mom Diaries a commission.

Around the time my son turned 8 years of age, I noticed that his armpits had developed a funky odor—especially on days when he had been really active at school.

I knew that he would eventually start to smell, but this early? I have to admit, I was a little concerned. So at his well check appointment, I asked his pediatrician if it was normal to have funky armpits this early in adolescence, and his doctor said “absolutely”.

Body odor is an unavoidable part of growing up. While some children may start to experience body odor around age 10 or 11, it is not at all uncommon for some children to start having body odor as early as 8 years of age (like mine).

The whole thing is bitter-sweet. You’re celebrating the fact that your child is growing up, but then you find yourself mourning that “little baby”, which they literally were just a few short years ago.

Why Do Kids Stink So Much??

Armpits stink in general because they are a warm, moist area of the body that provide a perfect environment for bacteria to grow. When sweat mixes with the bacteria on the skin, it produces a strong odor.

Now, in more scientific terms, we sweat because we have two types of sweat glands on our bodies: eccrine and apocrine. Let’s get to know them.

Eccrine sweat glands are a type of sweat gland found all over the body. These glands produce sweat that helps to regulate the body’s temperature, and are found in the palms of the hands, soles of the feet, and forehead.

The sweat produced by these glands is composed of water and salt, and it is odorless. The Eccrine glands are important for maintaining a healthy body temperature, as well as for cooling the body down during exercise or in hot weather.

Apocrine sweat glands, on the other hand, are larger than eccrine glands, and are mainly found in the armpits, groin and scalp area. Apocrine glands produce a thicker, more odorous sweat than eccrine glands, and this sweat contains proteins and fatty acids, which are broken down by bacteria on the skin, causing body odor.

How Do I Talk To My Child About Their Body Odor

The body odor conversation with your child can either go really awkward, or it can go really smoothly. The trick is to pick the right time and place, and make it as casual as possible.

After realizing that my little guy was starting to stink, and after doing thorough research on kid-friendly deodorants, I snuck the topic in while we were out walking. I figured that the best time to bring up the topic of body odor was while it was happening—during exercise.

The conversation went something like “man, we both stink right now” (my son raises his arm and proceeds to smell his armpit and gags). “You’re right” he replies. I then ask him how he feels about getting his own deodorant and putting it on as part of his morning routine.

The response? Complete excitement. Something about being able to wear deodorant made him feel like a mini adult with a new exciting responsibility.

“Wow, they make those for kids?” He asked. I told him yes, and explained to him how it all works. We even got into the whole chemistry of body odor and how that all works and he was really fascinated with it instead of grossed out.

What Are The Benefits Of Natural Deodorants For Kids?

• Natural deodorants are free from harsh chemicals and synthetic fragrances that can irritate sensitive skin.
• Natural deodorants are made from ingredients like baking soda, arrowroot powder, activated charcoal and essential oils, which are gentle and safe for kids.
• Natural deodorants are also free from aluminum, which is a common ingredient in many conventional deodorants and has been linked to many health concerns.

Do Natural Deodorants Really Work?

My son, who is 9 now, has been wearing a natural deodorant for a year now, and after some trial and error with different formulas and brands, we finally found the one, and I’ll tell you right now that not only does it kill odor, it even keeps his underarms dry during PE at school (not that he sweats a lot at his age, but physical activity in humid Northwest Florida is nasty).

Every child is different, so you’ll find that not every natural deodorant will work for them. You have to experiment to see which formula works with their body type.

In our case, a formula made of activated charcoal and tapioca starch is what did the trick. The natural deodorant which he uses (and I do too), is PiperWai.

PiperWai is made with a combination of activated charcoal, tapioca starch, coconut oil, shea butter and essential oils that are super delicate on skin, yet still manage to eliminate bacteria which causes BO, and trap wetness without clogging pores like aluminum tends to do.

I’ll elaborate more on PiperWai below, and provide you with recommendations on a few other great brands with similar formulas (because there are some that focus only on odor and not so much on trapping sweat).

All of these natural deodorants are safe for kids, and are made with 100% natural ingredients (made without parabens, phthalates, or synthetic fragrances). They are also vegan and cruelty-free.

Best Non-Toxic Deodorants For Kids And Pre-Teens

PiperWai Activated Charcoal Deodorant

I was the first person in our family to start using PiperWai, and when my son wasn’t liking the other deodorants that he initially tried, I reached out to PiperWai and asked if it was safe for children to use. Their response left me more than happy!

A representative from PiperWai stated that “the entire essential oil blend within PiperWai makes up less than 1% of the overall formula, falling far below the <2% safe range.”

My son loves the light and airy scent (which smells like citrus candy), and he stays dry and odor free, even on days where he skips a shower. If you’re a boy mom, you know exactly how stinky those pits can get when they skip a shower. That’s why I LOVE this formula so much.

See my full review of PiperWai, and what it looks like on the skin, here!

Features

• Vegan & Cruelty-Free.
• Container made from ocean waste plastic (OCP).
• Aluminum free.
• Made with a combination of activated charcoal, tapioca starch, coconut oil, shea butter and essential oils.
• Safe for delicate skin.
• Lasts close to 48 hours (in our case).

Freedom Natural Deodorant

Freedom is a women-owned, all-natural deodorant that’s great for the whole family. It’s cruelty-free, gluten-free, and made without parabens, phthalates, or synthetic fragrances. It’s also safe for all skin types and sensitivities, including kids.

Freedom deodorants are made with baking soda and arrowroot powder. Baking soda neutralizes odor, while arrowroot powder absorbs moisture—leaving you odor-free and dry.

Other natural ingredients include: Shea butter, natural beeswax, kaolin clay, and a safe blend of essential oils to keep your child smelling great! Freedom is available in a few different scents, and you can even choose unscented.

Features

• Cruelty-free & leaping bunny certified.
• Made with baking soda, arrowroot powder, shea butter, natural beeswax, kaolin clay, and a safe blend of essential oils.
• Aluminum-free.
• Safe for delicate kids skin.
• Eco-friendly packaging.

Kidskin Odor Fighting Natural Deodorant

Kidskin is one of my favorite children’s skincare brands. In fact, I have them listed in my Top 5 Face Creams For Kids article.

The Kidskin natural deodorant for kids is made with baking soda and tapioca starch—two ingredients that neutralize odor and trap moisture. It also has another interesting natural ingredient, Diatomaceous Earth, which is composed mostly of silica, and just like its friends, baking soda and tapioca starch, is a highly absorbent material that takes away bad smells.

Unlike other natural deodorants, Kidskin is unscented—making it a highly hypoallergenic option for someone with very sensitive skin. So if your child’s skin is so sensitive that they can’t even handle essential oils, this natural deodorant is the best choice.

Features

• Made with tapioca starch, baking powder and Shea butter.
• 24 hour odor protection.
• Aluminum-free.
• Fragrance-free.
• Vegan and cruelty-free.

BeNat All-Natural Deodorant For Kids

The BeNat natural deodorant for kids contains a perfect blend of coconut oil, beeswax, vegetable emulsifier, cornstarch, baking soda, avocado seed oil, and essential oils.

BeNat was founded by a mom of 3 with a mission to raise awareness about chemicals used in our daily hygiene and cosmetic products, promoting the use of simple, clean, safe and effective all-natural products.

The BeNat deodorant for kids lasts 24 hours, and is dermatologist tested to be hypoallergenic. As far as scent, BeNat has a lovely scent of citrus and tea tree that many find kids find pleasant.

Features

• Made with coconut oil, beeswax, vegetable emulsifier, cornstarch, baking soda, avocado seed oil, and essential oils.
• 24 hour odor protection.
• Cruelty-free.
• Aluminum-free

Not My Dad’s Aluminum Free Deodorant

“Not My Mama’s” is a really fun and colorful kids’ personal care brand that has a really cute line of natural deodorants for both boys and girls. The boys deodorant has a subtle “clean spice”scent , while the girl version has a sweet lemon scent.

These deodorants are roll ons, and contain strong and unique odor fighting ingredients including magnesium hydroxide, arrowroot powder, diatomaceous earth, probiotics and baking soda.

These make especially fun first-time deodorants for kids who need a little push. The aesthetic labels are really fun, and encourage kids to want to use the product. The video game controller is a super cute idea.

Features

• Magnesium hydroxide, arrowroot powder, diatomaceous earth, probiotics, baking soda and essential oils.
• Aluminum-free.
• Vegan and cruelty-free.

Coco Me Fresh Organic Deodorant For Kids

The Coco Me Fresh organic deodorant for kids is made with only all-natural and organic ingredients that are actually edible! But, please don’t tell your children that, lol.

This all-natural kids deodorant is made with strong and effective odor fighting ingredients including arrowroot starch and baking soda, which also absorb moisture, and keep your little one dry.

This organic deodorant also contains organic Shea butter to moisturize your little one’s skin. The strawberry essential oil also adds a lovely berry scent that kids and parents love.

Features

• Made with organic arrowroot powder, baking soda, organic Shea butter and organic essential oils.
• Aluminum-free.
• Vegan and cruelty-free.

Dirty Kids Organics Natural Deodorant

I love the Dirty Kids Organics brand, and have listed them in my Best Shampoo Bars For Babies and Kids article.

The Dirty Kids Organics natural deodorant is made with all-natural and organic ingredients, and its combination of baking soda and arrowroot powder will keep your little one dry for up to 24 hours.

You have the option of choosing unscented, forest or lavender, and currently, these are sold in packs of two, with a $2 coupon available on Amazon. They are also a bit more pricier than all the other brands.

Features

• Made with baking soda, arrowroot powder and Shea butter.
• Lasts up to 24 hours.
• Aluminum-free.
• Vegan and cruelty-free.

Bonus Hygiene Starter Kit

Dirty Kids Organics Daily Hygiene Kit Gift Set

Hygiene starter kits are a great idea for kids. They provide the necessary supplies and products needed to help kids learn how to properly take care of themselves. Additionally, these kits can help to reduce the financial burden of having to purchase all of these items separately.

Dirty Kids Organics has created a really cool hygiene kit for kids that includes all natural and organic hygiene items. The kit above contains an organic shampoo bar, all-natural face wash and a non-toxic deodorant. I think it’s really cool, and makes a wonderful gift.

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Tips For Going ‘Green’ With Your Easter Basket | 2023 Edition

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With Easter just around the corner, it’s the perfect time to start thinking about how to make your Easter celebrations a little more sustainable.

From reusable eggs to organic candy and toys, there are plenty of ways to make your Easter baskets a little greener!

Like any major holiday, Easter tends to accumulate a lot of single-use waste—from the shredded plastic grass that fills Easter baskets, to the small plastic eggs that you hide around your yard, and everything in between.

And then there are those over-priced pre-made Easter baskets that you see in stores. You’ve seen them, and I bet you agree with me that they are a total waste of money.

Those things are wrapped in a ton of plastic cellophane in an attempt to look elaborate, but the gifts within are just cheap plastic trinkets that won’t last more than a week.

Now here is the good news. If you plan ahead, you can most definitely go green this Easter, and create the most sustainable Easter basket of your child’s dreams!

What Are The Benefits Of Eco-Friendly Easter Baskets?

Easter is a time for celebration and fun, but it’s also important to consider the environment when making your Easter preparations for several reasons:

• Going green with your Easter basket helps cut down on landfill waste.

• Eco-friendly Easter baskets are filled with plastic-free and non-toxic goods, which are much healthier for your children.

• Eco-friendly Easter baskets are sustainable—the baskets can be re-used, and the contents are often times recyclable and zero-waste.

• Eco-friendly Easter baskets are more thoughtful because you, the parent, is customizing it.

What Do You Put In An Eco-Friendly Easter Basket?

Easter basket goodies can still remain traditional, but with an eco-friendly twist (think reusable, biodegradable and compostable items). Below are some healthy green swaps that you can make for your Easter basket:

• Reuse an old easter basket or purchase a wicker basket instead of a plastic pale. If you’re attending an Easter egg hunt, you can buy cute Easter-themed jute bags as well.

• Give wooden, fabric or silicone toys and books instead of plastic trinkets.

• Use wooden eggs instead of plastic eggs (or re-use last year’s plastic eggs). They’re re-usable, non-toxic, and can be painted.

• Use prairie grass or aspen wood shavings instead of plastic grass to line your basket.

• Give home-made baked goods instead of store-bought candy. You can pack them in these adorable Easter-themed burlap drawstring bags.

With that said, I am so thrilled to be able to share these eco friendly Easter basket filler ideas with you. I hope you find these ideas helpful and that they inspire you to make your Easter celebrations a little more greener.

Ideas For A Sustainable Easter Basket

Invest In A Reusable Easter Basket

One way to be more eco-friendly is to choose a reusable Easter basket.
Reusable baskets are available in a variety of styles and colors, so you can find one that fits your holiday décor. Not only are reusable baskets more eco-friendly, but they can also be used for years to come.

Some of my favorite sustainable easter baskets are on Etsy. There are a ton of beautifully handmade baskets and some of my favorites are made from of jute and rattan—two sustainable materials that grow back as fast as bamboo.

Add a personalized wooden name tag, and you’ve got a gorgeous aesthetic basket that’s Instagram-ready!

Choose Biodegradable Grass As A Basket filler

When choosing items to fill your basket, consider natural grass like prairie or sisal. Natural grass is a great option because it is biodegradable, and can be used to line the base of the basket for a natural and festive touch.

Natural grass is easy to find and can be purchased at most craft stores or online at places like Etsy or Amazon. I personally do not like the edible grass that many other people recommend because it has a horrible taste, and natural grass looks more aesthetic.

Opt For Hollow Wooden Eggs

Wooden hollow easter eggs are a great way to celebrate the holiday season in an environmentally conscious way. With that said, they are becoming an increasingly popular choice for those who are looking for a sustainable alternative to traditional plastic eggs.

Wooden eggs are compostable and more durable than plastic eggs, meaning they can be used for many years to come. I also love that you can decorate them yourself with some paint, and turn them into heirlooms. Wooden eggs can be found both on Amazon as well as Etsy.

Choose Plastic-Free Toys And Practical Gadgets

Organic bath bombs are a great way to add a special touch to any Easter basket for kids. Not only are they fun and colorful, but they are also made with natural and organic ingredients, making them a safe and healthy choice for water play!

Some of the most unique and adorable Easter themed bath bombs can be found on Etsy, and above are two of my favorite bath bomb picks to add to your Easter basket. Organic bath bombs are a great addition to any Easter basket and will be sure to put a smile on your little one’s face.

This wooden bunny lacing toy is a great addition to any Easter basket, and is a fun and creative way to keep kids entertained while they enjoy the holiday. It is also a great way to help children develop their fine motor skills as well as hand-eye coordination.

Dolls and stuffed animals make really sweet Easter gifts for kids, and they will be cherished for many years. These two dolls from Etsy caught my eye right away—they’re just so pretty and you can have your child’s name stitched on them.

Books make a great addition to any Easter basket for kids! Not only do they provide hours of entertainment, but they can also help to foster a love of reading in young children. Easter / Christian books in particular can help teach children about the meaning of Easter. Our current favorite is “ABC God Loves Me” and the illustrations are beautiful.

You can include fun little wooden games or Montessori style activities and crafts into your child’s Easter basket for added fun. I love these two wooden games on Etsy which consist of a wooden egg sorting set, as well as a wooden tic-tac-toe game and DIY paint kit.

Easter themed tumblers and Sippy cups are practical gifts that can be enjoyed for years to come. I love that you can personalize tumblers and sippies on Etsy, and they’ve got some super cute bunny designs available.

Wooden toys are also a great Easter basket gift idea for younger kids. Not only are these toys great for entertaining children, but they also help to encourage physical activity and motor skills development.

In conclusion, eco friendly baskets are a great choice for those looking to make a positive impact on the environment. Not only are they made from sustainable materials, but they are also often made by hand, and are of a higher quality than their non-eco-friendly counterparts.

Let me know in the comment section if you chose any of these fabulous items for your child’s sustainable easter basket!

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