The Cream Format
Preface: I have sensitive armpits and many natural deodorants I've tried irritate me and cause a rash. I've heard this complaint from others as well, and it seems to be linked to the baking soda. Personally, I don't know what irritates me, because this deodorant does contain baking soda.
Schmidt's is one of the deodorants that has never caused any irritation so far, and I've used it for at least 8 months.
The cream version is also super effective for a natural deodorant. Basically, I can't rave about this deodorant enough, and I have yet to find another natural deodorant that works as well.
The New Stick Format
When I first saw this new product, I had really high hopes for it. I thought it would eliminate all the problems that come with using a deo in a jar. But there are pros and cons that came along with this!
The Good
The obvious positive is that it's quicker and more convenient. You also don't get your hands dirty putting it on. There's also no irritation.
Plus, each stick contains 3.25oz of product (compared to 2oz for the cream version, both the same price).
The Bad
A problem I've noticed with natural deodorants in a stick is that the deodorant gets everywhere. Natural deodorants contains a lot of oils (in this case some coconut oil and shea butter). On contact with your warm skin, the product becomes oily and melts down sides of the container.
It gets gummy and gross and there's no way around it. This is the biggest annoyance I've had, but it's also something that happened with every other natural deodorant I've had.
The Different Formula
The formula is different, as you can see below. The cream deodorant is obviously more creamy, and the stick formula means that the product is more solid.
Cream version:
Stick version:
Now in my experience, the cream formula keeps me dry and odor-free allll day. The stick formula is efficient too, just not as efficient. The cream version lists baking soda as the second ingredient, and the stick lists it as the fifth ingredient. Maybe there's something there, or maybe it's something else.
Bottom Line
Although the cream version works best for me, both of these options are great. If you're a stick deodorant kinda gal, I don't think you'll have any regrets going with the stick version.
I wear nothing but natural deodorant most of the time, so the convenience of a stick is wonderful to have. I'll definitely use mine up, but I'll repurchase the cream when I run out.
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NO!! the rose vanilla stick is horrible, you will not believe how bad it is, it is chunky?? which i supposed was for exfoliation? but it is irritating and then I found that chunks fall off under my arms and it stained a tan color on my clothing with pink chunks, ridiculous, especially considering that the same brand in jasmine tea is my all time favorite and it is completely smooth and does not stain at all. How weird is this??? and how do I get my money back?? the store customer service will never ever believe this.
Previous post was auto spell checked. Sorry. How do you personally apply the cream? Any different than as instructed?
Be warned that Schmidt’s has been acquired by Unilever, so the customer support has gone downhill in a huge way. I’ve been a Schmidt’s customer since2010 when founder Jamie started selling on Etsy.
Schmidt’s CS used to be great about replacing defective product, which happens occasionally because the ingredients are all natural. Not any more. Now CS will copy/paste you a message blaming the delivery truck and refusing to replace anything.
I contacted CS after discovering an entire order (all the same batch number) had large gritty pieces that literally cut my skin. Their excuse — “as Schmidt’s products do not contain any chemical stabilizers, and sometimes extreme temperature changes during shipping or storage might affect the consistency of the product”.
After some back and forth denying my request for replacements, they advised “we find that it helps to tap/press into the skin rather than swiping/rubbing as this reduces friction and pulling. This way, the product is still absorbed into the skin for effectiveness, without any uncomfortable rubbing”.
This is all such a big pile of BS. In 8 years of using their product, I’ve never had an entire order of deodorants be so gritty it’s like it contains little pieces of glass. It’s nothing to do with the deodorant ingredients changing during shipping, it’s clearly a production problem with this batch!
I ended up calling them, and was told that as a “one time courtesy” they will replace part of my order. Now I feel like a PITA customer.
It’s really disappointing what happens to small, grassroots, ethical companies when they are acquired by big corporations that don’t give a crap about customers.
Rant over, which I’m sure nobody will ever see lol.
After 2 days of use, my girlfriend pointed out that I have a rash in my armpits
So I don’t know how I feel about this, but Unilever bought Schmidt’s early 2018. Is it still cruelty free? I guess so? ugh.
I got the charcoal magnesium stick deodorant. I tried it. I didn’t like it. It came on grainy
Very helpful as I’m standing in the store trying to decide! I had the stick first, but ended up using my hands to apply it anyway, soooo…my next question is “why is the jar more expensive,” store-that-will-not-be-named??? Thanks for this post!!!
Primal Pit Paste has some thoughts on skin reactions after switching to natural deodorants:
-https://primalpitpaste.helpscoutdocs.com/article/18-i-started-using-my-primal-pit-paste-and-now-my-pits-are-irritated-and-sensitive-what-gives
-https://primalpitpaste.com/pages/pit-detox-protocol
I have not personally made the switch yet so I can’t speak to whether this is accurate or they are just trying to sell a detox kit..hope it’s helpful though!
Good morning,
Love your cream deodorant..but Iam concerned about how I may recycle the cream containers.
I wanted to love this. But I got several boils- very, very painful! And, it really didn’t control my perspiration. I can’t use it 🙁
I have used this once. Loved the smell. However my mom and I quickly formed a very painful rash that stayed for a week. I emailed the company (suppose to be a 24hour response) but have never heard back. Well I gave it too my roommate who loved it for a few days until her armpits started to peel in big chunks.
Hi I can feel your pain. I’m new to Schmidt. However I didnt experience any pain or red rash. Instead my underarms became dark and I could peel off dry skin. So I took my loofah glove litely scrubbed and the skin came off. I’m not sure if that meant it was removing impurities or what. But I was nervous about it and I stopped using it. But I did I liked it !
THANKS SO much for the review! Trying to decide if I want to change to the jar. Did you know they have a recycle club? Send 5 jars in get 1 free! ?
I found the Bergmot/Lime stick to be painful to apply. It was like scraping sand/gravel on my armpits. (Yes, It was warmed up under my arms before applying) I just messaged Schmidts and I am hoping it is just a fluke. It does smell wonderful though.I used the unscented stick and it worked great. No problems.
I had this same problem. I actually told someone it was like sandpaper. My underarms are ruined. They hurt so bad. 🙁
I bought the stick charcoal one and so far so good. They sell it at meijer and target here in Illinois
Mine feels rough as well! Plus lately I am having a burning sensation.
sounds like Bergmot/Lime, which I was going to try next, is the same as the Rose Vanilla, sand/gravel!! what a horrid product. Try the jasmine tea if you like that fragrance it will become your favorite as it is smooth, non staining and works wonderful.
Schmidt deodorant stick or cream work better and last longer than aluminum antiperspirant when it comes to odor.
I have to be careful to use the smallest amount possible because it causes my underarms to breakout in tiny red bumps( these hurt).
I’m not sure what is causing the irritation. I’ve used baking soda deordertants without this problem before. It may be the combination of ingredients.
I want to order the cream Schmidt’s deodorant on amazon, but since I’m ordering online I have no idea what scent I should choose. Does anyone have any suggestions on what is the most pleasant scent? Nothing too overpowering please!
I personally love Bergamot & Lime! It’s not overpowering but if you’re looking for something even more subtle, Ylang Ylang would be a good option.
I love the rose and vanilla scent, i do not really smell much rose, more like a spiced vanilla scent but lasting and not too strong scented.
I love Schmidt’s cream but would also appreciate the stick form for being less messy to apply and more travel-friendly (no glass to break, and the plastic packaging weighs less).
I have the stick after having cream (fig & yarrow) for so long and I miss the cream. Much easier to slather on and control!
Yes, I like the cream better too! Only inconvenient is having to wash your hands after use.
It’s pretty good all in all! I take it you’re not a fan of Lush deodorants?
I haven’t actually tried any Lush deodorants because they all look rather messy to apply and would be tricky to carry around whilst on the go. I do need to invest in something soon though because my current deodorant is running out!
Ahh, they definitely are messy!
Thanks Vicky! That’s odd though. I’ve heard complaints about it causing a rash, but it’s one of the few natural deodorant that doesn’t irritate me. We’re all so different, haha.
I think I’d prefer the stick version. The jar just seems to impractical.
I definitely have the same problem. So many deodorants really irritate my under arms or make them dry! The pot packing really doesn’t bother me one bit so I may try that one out. I actually kind of like putting it on with my fingers. I feel like I use less and it’s more effective.
prettyneutral.com
I don’t get it because I don’t think baking soda is the culprit for me. Can’t figure out what it is!
Propylene glycol is most likely the problem
From what I have found arrowroot is culprit for the sensitivity. Rash and darkness happened to me.