**REVIEW** Lavanila The Healthy Deodorant

I can't believe that I am just now getting around to blogging a review of this deodorant.

That is Lavanila, a natural and aluminum-free deodorant that I started using back in mid-May. As you know, I love vanilla anything so that is the scent I chose, but there are several types and fragrances to choose from. Before you do select a scent, check user reviews. I love the one I chose, but I did see some users/reviewers who did not like the grapefruit choice at all. I haven't tried that one so I can't chime in.

The reason I actually tried this deodorant is that I was getting tired of the crystal type I was using. With that one, I always had to dampen it before using. This one works just like any other cream stick deodorant. Just keep in mind that it is ONLY a deodorant, not an antiperspirant. But, boy, does it work overtime as a deodorant.

Although I wanted this particular one because I love vanilla scents, the fragrance with this isn't very strong. and that's just fine with me. I plan on trying some of the other natural deodorants so that I can do reviews, but I like this one so much that I will probably use it as my regular choice. Since it is natural, but works so well to control odor, I was interested in the ingredients:

• aloe barbadensis leaf juice (aloe juice, water/aqua)
• alpha-glucan oligosaccharide (sugar derived)
• carrageenan (seaweed derived)
• hydrastis canadensis (goldenseal) extract 
• inulin (artichoke derived) 
• loncera capifolium (honeysuckle) flower extract 
• lycium barbarum fruit extract (goji berry) 
• melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree) flower/leaf/stem extract 
• propandeiol (corn derived) 
• saccaromyces ferment 
• sodium stearate (coconut derived)
• stearyl behenate (coconut derived)
• usnea barbata (lichen) ext

Wow. I'm not familiar with most of those. I expected to see magnesium (in some form) on the list. I will have to compare those ingredients to the ones listed for other natural deodorants.

Here are the things I like most about the product:

1. Goes on very, very smoothly (even better than "regular" stick deodorants).
2. Does seem to condition.moisturize the skin (as product page states).
3. Keeps the "funk" away - even on hot days, days at the gym, etc.
4. I've personally had no skin problems from using it.
5. Though mild, the scent is nice & not as acrid as those in store brands.
6. Is lasting a long time. After 3 months daily use, I have at least another 3 months left.

Here are the things that I like least:

1. Because of the moist texture (which is almost damp), I have to let it "set" for a moment after applying.
2. Though I like that it conditions the skin, I'm not crazy about the initial damp feeling.
3. I really wish it had some antiperspirant protection.

For those who care, apparently, this product is vegan (as are some of Lavnila's other items). As far as I can tell, Lavanila doesn't carry an antiperspirant. Dang it. I was surprised to find that this is the brand that produces the Lavanila scent I tried years ago (and loved, but forgot about). I just have to remember that the brand is Lavanila - not Lavanilla. 

The brand also makes body butters and sun protection products. I ordered from Amazon, but if you go to the Lavanila site, you can sign up for product discounts. Be sure to check out their "Our Story" page.

I'm happy that I found the product and, like I said, I'll probably always use it now. However, I will be doing reviews on similar items.

Peace

--Free