…Continued from yesterday’s Fall’s beauty picks post.
Schmidt’s Natural Deodorant in Cedarwood + Juniper, $8.99
For the record, Schmidt’s Natural Deodorant ranks as one of my all-time favorite clean and effective deos. That was even when it was in a jar and kinda stiff to scoop out. But few others keep me smelling fresher or absorbing wetness quite like it.
You can still buy it in a jar—so don’t panic, all you dedicated jar + finger users (like me). More recently, the company launched a stick version that I couldn’t wait to try. Over the years, I’ve only tested a few of their scents, so I went for the five-pack (currently on sale for $42.50) to get acquainted with the rest of the bunch.
Cedarwood + Juniper jumped out at me as an optimal fall fragrance that’s inviting in its woodsy aroma without being heavy or smoky, making it totally unisex. I absolutely loved every scent and I’m hard to please when it comes to smells.
(My husband actually preferred the Bergamot + Lime version. But he has not switched to natch deo yet. Whole other story.)
A word about applying a stick
One drawback to several deodorant sticks that I’ve tested: some formulas crumble, some smear off onto the edges, and some are rock solid and don’t slide on easily.
To help with application, I suggest this tip: take a few seconds (really, that’s all you’ll need!) to touch the top of the open deodorant to your armpit and don’t budge. That will help warm the various butters and waxes and the deodorant should glide on a lot easier from there.
None of those were issues with Schmidt’s though, making application as simple a step as it could be.
Does it work?
No doubt you’re waiting to hear about how it worked, so I won’t leave you hanging: in a word YES! I was amazed that the stick looked clear, not chalk white, when I opened it. That’s rare in a natural deodorant and made me hopeful that staining would be eliminated (so far so good on that count too!). Aside from applying clear, Schmidt’s stick glided on like many a dirtier drugstore version would, and yes, it kept me stink-free all day long.
My big sniff test happens the following morning. If I smell a bit…rank by morning, then I know this is a deodorant that requires reapplication occasionally. Since most of us are/were staunch Secret users (ok, I actually used to love Degree Shower Fresh), the concept of having to reapply deodorant during the day can take time to wrap our brains around.
The good news with Schmidt’s is that it lasts through the night without reapplying at all. That’s 24 hour protection! It also absorbed a nice amount of perspiration the way the jar version does. So YAY for all that.
Note: natural deos don’t block sweat, like traditional antiperspirants, but rather absorb it with the clays and powders that also neutralize the stench. In Schmidt’s case, they use a well-rounded formula of baking soda (which I don’t have a sensitivity to like some people do) and arrowroot powder, plus naturally anti-bacterial coconut oil to combat odor and wetness. The shea butter and the candelilla wax provide enough slip to keep the formula from drying out and give it that smooth glide.
Full list of Ingredients: Maranta arundinacea (arrowroot) powder, Cocos Nucifera (coconut) Oil, Euphorbia Cerifera (candelilla) Wax, Butyrospermum parkii (shea butter), Sodium bicarbonate (baking soda), Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride (fractionated coconut oil), Cedrus deodara (Himalayan cedar) essential oil, Juniperus (juniper) essential oil, Tocopherol (vitamin E), Camellia sinensis (Green Tea) Extract
A surprising thing happens
Unfortunately, within a week, the formula started clumping in the stick and felt like something sharp and rough rubbing my armpits. Not good. I thought I’d let you know about this experience in case you tried it and the same thing happened. Don’t give up yet…read on.
I sent the photo above to the company and they replied instantly (go, Brand Manager Chris Cantino at Schmidt’s!) that they don’t use any chemical stabilizers in the product so the consistency of each batch may vary. The clumps indicate that not all the ingredients were completely incorporated in this particular run. He reassured me that this is not the norm and that they would send me a new batch.
I just received ALL FIVE deodorants again yesterday. So amazing! To me, their immediate response speaks to a company that stands by its product and knows that it delivers.
Given that I was super-impressed with the formula, the smooth glide, its odor-cutting abilities, wetness absorption, AND excellent customer service, I’m still rooting for this stick to work as seamlessly as it promised to initially.
Based on Schmidt’s track record, I doubt that I’ll be disappointed. If and when it does work as expected (and I WILL update this post), this deo seriously raises the bar on natural deodorants in a big way.
One more reason to love this brand: check out Schmidt’s Recycling Club, an incredible initiative to reduce waste and recycle used jars—plus enjoy a free deodorant with every five jars sent back. Definitely check it out! I love seeing companies take responsibility for our environment in creative ways.
Have you tried Schmidt’s Natural Deodorant Stick yet? How was your experience?
UPDATE: Since receiving the new sticks from Schmidt’s everything is just grand! Absolutely no problem with the formula. It glides on easily and works like a dream. WOOT!
Stay tuned for Sunday’s final post covering Apoterra’s Pumpkin + Wild Carrot Soap and Wild Honey Apothecary’s Pumpkin Cacao “Mud” Mask (as shown in the original photo here). Nom, nom!
I love the Bergamot + Lime too. I have tried them in jars so I will try the stick next Spring/Summer.
I cannot wait for Sunday’s installment Sarita! 🙂
I’ve been testing them out and so far really impressed.
Nice post Sarita! I can’t wait to try it! so glad Schmidt’s was super professional following the stick’s little problem!x
How timely! I was just in Target this morning and passed by the deodorant section. I could not find a SINGLE option that was NOT an anti-perspirant, let alone a fully natural product like Schmidt’s. When will they get hip?!!!
From my experience that kind of clumping can occur when the crystals in raw shea butter are not fully incorporated through heating to a specific temperature then maintaining that temp for a certain period of time. It does not compromise product effectiveness, but it does look and feel gritty.
I had no idea they were doing stick versions now – yay! I think it’s super important to share that experience you had though. Helps people know what to do if they get a dodgy batch!
Mayah x
I love, love, love this post. Especially the heroic customer service that Schmidt’s provided – and all the details. Thank you so much for sharing this info Sarita – so super helpful. Hero On!
wow, finally a stick!! That a great news 🙂 Thanks for the advise Sarita <3
Hi! I’m still a secret user but would like to switch to natural deodorant. Do you think this is a good one to start with and if so would you start with the stick or the jar? I’ve been a bit nervous to take the plunge since I have a professional job and I’m concerned about ruining my clothes, and smelling… But I’d really like to try something different and more natural!
Hi Melissa! Actually, I’ve got a full list of swaps when you sign up for my blog and deodorant is one of them. I picked Ursa Major Hoppin Fresh and explain why. Let me know if you decide to try it. As for the office concern…I feel you! Schmidt’s in a jar keeps me drier than many of the other options and it doesn’t have the issue of consistency that the stick has. If you have no problem with baking soda, that may be the right deodorant to start with. I’ve got more deodorant options under ‘SHOP’ in the menu. Click Insta Feed Shop and you can click “deodorants” or “deos” for more. Hope that helps!!
I noticed recently that the sticks and jars now have a smoother consistency almost like the regular deo. Loving it because it made my hubby switch to schmidts. Best natural deodorant I have tried. Just a friend her family hooked on it.
I tried the stick with lavender + sage and got scratchy, painful armpits.. It does have the best staying powder and odor control so I was a little sad.
That’s too bad, Michelle. It is one of the best deos for odor protection and even wetness prevention, but the inconsistent formula is definitely an issue. I’ve heard friends who bought it and had the same problem.
I bought the charcoal and magnesium scent and I had the same problem 🙁 I want to love it! I’m going to try the sensitive skin version and hope that helps.
I just called Schmidt’s wonderful customer service about my itchy reaction to the Schmidt Lime + Bergamont Stick Deodorant. We discussed the difference in the sensitive skin formula & available scents, and I was encouraged to try a sensitive stick instead, so they’re sending me a free stick of Jasmine Tea Sensitive Deodorant. If you then order a subscription of a product, you get free shipping and a free 5 sample pack with each new subscription! Wonderful customer service!
I live in Florida, where temps are usually in the 80’s and go into the high 90’s in the summer. Given that this isn’t a true anti-perspirant, am I going to be a sweet-smelling wet mess???
Lol! I feel you, Elena. Let’s just say without getting too graphic that I perspire a lot too and Schmidt’s in a jar works better when I want to stay a little bit drier. Other than that, I’ve since accepted that women sweat too and it’s pretty darn sexay. 😉
My schmidts deodorant is doing the same clumpy thing. Where do I email to let them know as well?
Sorry to hear that, Sarah. My more recent deo isn’t having the same problem so hopefully they’ve corrected it. Otherwise…it’s painful! OUCH! Here’s their contact info: https://schmidtsnaturals.com/contact. Hopefully they’ll send you a new one. Good luck!
I have been using the bergamot lime for a week. The application sucks! I do put it uNader my arm to warm it and it does go on smoother, but not comfortably, like dove or secret, which I am getting away from due to allergies. Also after two days of use I have what look and feel like chemical burns. I have continued use in the hope it will improve, but I’m going to have to give up. My underarms are a mess!
I just called Schmidt’s wonderful customer service about my itchy reaction to the Schmidt Lime + Bergamont Stick Deodorant. We discussed the difference in the sensitive skin formula & available scents, and I was encouraged to try a sensitive stick instead, so they’re sending me a free stick of my scent choice of Jasmine Tea Sensitive Deodorant. If you then order a subscription of a product, you get free shipping and a free 5 sample pack with each new subscription! Wonderful customer service!
I love the bergamot and lime one. I have been using it for a long time. Nowadays I get these really dry armpits! Weird leathery skin.. Don’t know what is causing it either. But I only use Schmidts..
I just called Schmidt’s wonderful customer service about my itchy reaction to the Schmidt Lime + Bergamont Stick Deodorant. We discussed the difference in the sensitive skin formula & available scents, and I was encouraged to try a sensitive stick instead, so they’re sending me a free stick of my scent choice of Jasmine Tea Sensitive Deodorant. If you then order a subscription of a product, you get free shipping and a free 5 sample pack with each new subscription! Wonderful customer service!
Im glad to find your blog here abut Schmidt’s, I loved this stuff and it worked great…then after about a month, I noticed a terrible brown rash in the creases of my armpits and at closer look, my skin was inflamed and flaky. Has this happened to anyone else? Im so bummed, but will have to stop using it.
I hope those of you who experienced a problem with the regular Schmidt’s deodorant and planning to discontinue, will call their wonderful customer service # and tell them about your experience.(Google for the #), like I did. They will explain their sensitive skin version and send you a free replacement of the sensitive skin version in the scent of your choice. If good, you can later call back to order a subscription of it, which gets free shipping, plus all new subscriptions receive a free 5 pack sample! Wonderful customer service!
I just recently tried a sample of Schmidt’s deodorant in Lavender & Sage in stick form. While it did glide on conveniently, it did not last as well as I would have wanted it to. I live in a tropical humid climate and I was smelly by the end of my work day. I had previously tried Natural Deodorant Co. (balm form only) and it seemed to have fared better and lasted me throughout the day. I wondered if the stick is less effective as the balm form? Or perhaps it really does not work as well in tropical humid environments.
I too was very happy to find a deodorant that was a “natural” product, but like others, I too am experiencing a rash. Didn’t happen right away, but after 2 weeks, I’ve decided that I have to stop using it. Was in Florida and it worked great. Love the smell of the juniper/cedar! Not sure what to do. Tried using it again yesterday and a slight rash reappeared this morning. Is this actually an allergy, or a mechanical (i.e. friction) issue.
I just called Schmidt’s wonderful customer service about my itchy reaction to the Schmidt Lime + Bergamont Stick Deodorant. We discussed the difference in the sensitive skin formula & available scents, and I was encouraged to try a sensitive stick instead, so they’re sending me a free stick of my scent choice of Jasmine Tea Sensitive Deodorant. If you then order a subscription of a product, you get free shipping and a free 5 sample pack with each new subscription! Wonderful customer service!
I found it was rough and irritating when I first tried it, but now I run my blow dryer over it on low for a few seconds to soften it before applying (just till it starts to look shiny) … at that point it’s soft and glides right on … you just have to use a light touch so it’s not too thick a layer. It’s amazing how it completely eliminates odor for me! I still sweat, but even conventional antiperspirants couldn’t keep me dry (and I’d still stink). So for those experiencing irritation, try the blow dryer trick!
I have been doing an internet search for more information about the Schmidt’s Bergamot and Lime deodorant. I used it for two days and received a chemical burn with skin from my underarms coming off onto my wash cloth in rolls. The night before It felt like someone had poured acid on my armpits. I am highly disappointed and my arm pits are scarred. Please test this product before fully using. I don’t want anyone going through the pain I did.
I purchased the Lavender+Sage from Amazon and I have the clumps as well. It hurts to use it!
I have been using the Lavender and Sage stick for a few days now and so far I’m loving it. I live in humid Georgia and although it’s been in the 80s here lately, I can still sweat and be stinky. I have an awful time with deodorants and have been using Secret clinical but will still stink even when I reapply. Really happy to be trying something natural as I’ve been wanting to for a while. Have already went through breast cancer and would like to avoid alzeheimers so am glad to be rid of the aluminum. The texture is a little rougher than I’m used too but will try the tips about warming it up a little first. I love the herbal scent but was concerned it might be to strong but my boyfriend said not at all. As other users said, the scent does fade but it still seems to be working. People with more sensitive pits should probably try the Sensitive formula. Right now Schmidt’s is working well for me and I couldn’t be happier. I’ll keep my fingers crossed.
So I have been using it for more than 1 month. My armpits are turned a dark brown and when I use something to wipe it comes off. Gross! What’s up with that? Anyone experience this? I
I left a comment about my itchy reaction, then called Schmidt’s wonderful customer service and they’re sending me a free replacement of my scent choice of their deodorant stick for sensitive skin. I can’t find my itchy report to delete and replace it with the following comment which I hope all those who commented they’re leaving the product because of itchy reactions can see:
I just called Schmidt’s wonderful customer service about my itchy reaction to the Schmidt Lime + Bergamont Stick Deodorant. We discussed the difference in the sensitive skin formula & available scents, and I was encouraged to try a sensitive stick instead, so they’re sending me a free stick of my choice of Jasmine Tea scented Sensitive Deodorant. If you then order a subscription of a product, you get free shipping and a free 5 sample pack with each new subscription! Wonderful customer service!
I’m a rather heavy sweater, and Schmidt’s natural deodorant actually works and perfectly absorbs it.
I’ve been using Schmidt’s for quite a while now. I’ve tried 4 scents and love them all. I did experience a brown rash but it went away. What hasn’t gone away are the bumps in each stick I have used. It’s hurts and scratches my armpits. I push through though because I love that it’s natural and seems to be working well. They need to do something about these scratchy clumps though. Ouch!
I’m a new user, as well as my 12 year old, of Schmidt’s and loved it this first week, until today 🙁 Mine is clumping, just like your picture, but I deal with that by letting it warm a bit as directed. But today, my armpits are on fire! I mean really burning. I am having some sort of reaction, and am trying to figure out which ingredient(s) it is. Any thoughts?
I wish my experience had been half as good as yours. My husband and I both tried this stick. We are not sensitive to any natural ingredients and have no allergies. Within two days we both had horrible red large, painful cysts under our arms that became infected. My husband had to have surgery and antibiotics to clear his up. The doctor was appalled. I love natural products and I think most of the time they are the best way to go. Not so with this product. I looked at hundreds of reviews on Amazon and many people had the same reaction. Our case was common, not isolated at all. There were numerous complaints with pictures. This is not characteristic of a safe product. I will never use or recommend it again.
Hi, mine is doing the same thing and I was excited because I thought I would get a great response from the company. Wrong. I bought a three pack as Costco and they simply told me to take it back. I told them I was concerned that this was a mixing issue and that it would happen again. She told me it was not a mixing issue, a transit/heat issue and eventually, reluctantly offered to send me a new stick. I declined as I felt like they were passing this off because I bought it at Costco yet it looks exactly like the one in this post and caused redness all over my underarm because the texture is like sandpaper. Regardless, if they can’t guarantee the integrity of their product through other merchants, they shouldn’t sell them there. I’m highly disappointed with their customer service as they wouldn’t even entertain the idea that it could be a mixing issue as you stated here. Also, not my problem if your product can’t withstand heat.