For this product review, we've tested Tom's of Maine citrus zest roll-on deodorant. Both brief and detailed descriptions are given below to help you in your search of an effective, eco-friendly and health-safe deodorant.

Product: Roll-on Deodorant, Citrus Scent, 2.4 fl.oz from Tom’s of Maine Ingredients: water, potassium alum, xanthan gum, organic fragrance, zinc citrate, benzoic acid Pros: already wet for easy roll-on, very light scent, efficient at controlling body odor; inexpensive ($3.99) Cons: not sure what’s in their "organic fragrance" Score:

The Details:

The Company

As a company, Tom’s of Maine is well-known for genuinely caring for their employees’ health, wellness and social benefits. But its rating is surprisingly average in the EWG’s cosmetic database, which reviews thousands of cosmetic and personal care products. Although Tom’s of Maine has signed the Compact for Safe Cosmetics, it has not yet fully listed all ingredients on their product labels, and is therefore considered non-compliant. It means that some of the ingredients used in Tom’s of Maine products are completely safe, while others have been deemed hazardous (to various degrees) by the scientific community.

What’s In The Product

The most important ingredient to know about is potassium alum. It is basically a mineral salt, used for its antiseptic and astringent properties. It is safe, and is not to be confused with aluminum, a harmful component of antiperspirants that clogs the pores and prevents toxins from escaping the body through sweat. This deodorant, therefore, won’t prevent you from sweating, but it will inhibit the growth of odor-causing bacteria (and won’t cause health issues). Another ingredient is benzoic acid: it is an aromatic acid, and has a moderate hazard score in the EWG cosmetic database.
The issue is therefore with the "organic fragrance". Thanks to FDA loopholes, companies can put pretty much any ingredient they want (including phthalates) while simply listing it as “fragrance”. The fact that organic is placed in front does not necessarily reassure us. We’ve asked Tom’s of Maine what was in their organic fragrance but haven’t received any response.

How The Product Rates 

We have found it to be pleasant, easy to use and effective. The faint citrus scent is reminiscent of lemonade, and doesn’t last on the skin. It doesn’t seem to stain clothes and it dries up pretty quickly. We have actually found it more effective in masking body odor than the Crystal Body Deodorant Stick. We also much prefer it to another Tom’s of Maine deodorant, the unscented, aluminum-free deodorant stick. Do we recommend this product? Yes. Get yours now here.

 

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