Frequently Asked Questions - Island Deodorant FAQ

Shipping is explained in more detail here. 
Money Back Guarantee & Returns and Refunds details here.

Why don’t you offer free shipping anymore?

USPS has raised their shipping rates again and again, and for years we’ve either absorbed those increases or raised our prices—even when our actual product costs stayed the same. Switching to calculated shipping allows us to keep our prices stable while giving you full transparency. You’ll now only pay what it actually costs to ship your order, based on your location and what you’re buying.

Trouble twisting up your deodorant?

If it won’t twist up—or the dial starts pushing out the bottom—it may be stuck to the sides of the tube (this can happen more often in warm weather).
Quick fix:
  1. Stand it upright on a table or counter
  2. Press down firmly on the top while holding the sides
This resets the base so the deodorant can push up from the top. If the dial isn’t stripped, it should work normally!

Will your prices be increasing due to tariffs?

Both our compostable and recycled plastic container costs are currently remaining similar to what they have been. Because of that, we don’t expect to need to raise prices. If container or ingredient costs rise significantly in the future, we may need to adjust pricing—but if that happens, we’ll be transparent and provide as much notice as possible. We truly appreciate your support and understanding!

What makes your deodorant different?

Want to learn more? Check out our Why Choose Island Deodorant page for all the details!

Why is my deodorant firmer and harder to apply or twist up in colder weather?

Our deodorants are crafted with a wax/oil base that naturally responds to temperature changes. In colder climates or during winter months, the formula may become firmer, making it harder to twist up or apply. To soften the deodorant, allow it to sit at room temperature for a few hours before use. For even application, gently warm the deodorant against your skin for a few seconds before applying.


We are listed with the FDA Product Formulation  FDA cosmetic product ingredient statement # 1117474

Are your products 'certified USDA organic'?

No, in order for a product to be USDA organic certified it must contain at least 95% organic ingredients. Some of our products contain an ingredient or two that are not organic (for example candelilla wax is wild crafted and not available organic). We do use mostly organic ingredients, and we do fully disclose the organic ingredients in our ingredients lists!  As far as other certifications go they tend to be financially prohibitive for small businesses. 

Does this block wetness? Is it an antiperspirant?

Our deodorant is not an antiperspirant, you will still sweat when using this.  Here is some more info on deodorant vs. antiperspirant.

In what ways are you eco-friendly?

We offer several packaging options designed to reduce waste:

• Stick deodorants in compostable tubes
• Stick deodorants in post-consumer recycled plastic
• Cream deodorant refills, available for use with your own container or in a compostable bag
• Cream deodorant in refillable glass jars
• Plastic cream jars made from recyclable polypropylene #5

Most orders ship in a 100% recycled padded mailer that is recyclable, compostable, and biodegradable. In some cases, we use USPS Priority Mail packaging when it makes sense.

We recognize that many people transitioning to natural products find it easier to start with familiar packaging. Our goal is to offer practical options now while continuing to move toward less plastic over time.

It costs more than what I have been paying for conventional deodorant - how long does a stick last?

A single stick typically lasts one person 2–4 months, depending on how much is applied. Most people only need a thin swipe or two for all-day odor protection, which is less than what’s usually applied with conventional deodorant. Because of that, many customers find our deodorant lasts longer overall.

If you find a formula you love, purchasing a multi-pack can lower the cost per stick, and we also run storewide sales twice a year, which is a great time to stock up.

What is the shelf life? I want to stock up to save money!

We say 2+ years, but when stored in a climate-controlled environment, our deodorants don’t truly expire—which is why we don’t use expiration dates.

They’re very stable at room temperature. I personally have one that’s about 12 years old and still works, even after being stored in a car in the Florida heat. That’s not a guarantee, but it does speak to how stable the formula is over time.

When you buy directly from us, you always receive the freshest stock, stored at room temperature.

Why did you stop selling on Amazon??

Between Amazon’s fees and their fulfillment model, selling there significantly increased our costs. It also meant giving up control over important things like how returns were handled and how products were stored and shipped.

Selling directly through our website allows us to keep pricing more reasonable and maintain better control over product quality from start to finish. 

Are your deodorants safe to use while pregnant or breastfeeding?

Yes, absolutely!  Be sure to try our deodorant for breastfeeding, and while you are pregnanct.  In fact a lot of our customers give it a try for those very seasons in life and then keep using it as their kids get older. 

Do you make a deodorant for kids?

Lots of kids use our Original Deodorant. Some as young as 4.  Our deodorant is ideal for your child's first deodorant.  Since it is completely natural, you can start them off on it, and you'll never have to worry about anti-perspirants. 

Are your deodorants cruelty-free?

I test it on myself first, and then willing friends and family and long time customers - no animals ever!

I am new to natural deodorant. What can I expect?

If you’re switching from conventional antiperspirant, your body may need some time to adjust before a natural deodorant works its best. During this transition, some people experience increased odor or irritation temporarily.

We’ve written a detailed blog post explaining what’s actually happening during the switch, whether an armpit detox is helpful, and what to expect during the transition.

Will it stain my clothes?

Because our deodorant is made with oils and butters, staining is possible—especially if applied heavily. Most people only need a thin swipe or two for all-day odor protection, which helps minimize the risk.

We haven’t personally experienced staining, but it can happen, so we recommend being cautious with delicate or expensive fabrics. How well your laundry detergent handles grease stains also makes a difference.  

What's wrong with the aluminum in Crystal Deodorants? It's natural, so why isn't it okay?

One natural health Dr. says "Even though aluminum is widely distributed in the earth’s crust, it is NOT needed in ANY amounts in your body. All evidence to date points to aluminum as a poison that serves no beneficial role in your body and should be avoided." Quote taken from this article. And here's another one from the Organic Consumer's Association

I know you don't add fragrance, but is it scented at all?

Our deodorants are unscented because we don’t add fragrance or essential oils. That said, they do have a very faint natural scent from the raw ingredients, which most people find mild and unobtrusive.

If you’re especially sensitive to smells and don’t care for it, our cream deodorant is easy to customize by mixing in your own essential oil.

Why does my cream deodorant (or body cream) smell smoky?

We use only unrefined/virgin shea butter in our deodorant and body creams. Unrefined shea butter is traditionally processed over open fires, which gives it a naturally smoky, earthy scent. This scent can vary from batch to batch — sometimes very subtle, sometimes more noticeable. The smoky aroma is completely normal and simply means you’re getting the purest, most nutrient-rich form of shea butter.

I have a red patch in my armpit that is/isn't painful, is this from the deodorant?

It’s possible. Redness or irritation under the arms can sometimes be a reaction to an ingredient in a natural deodorant. If this happens, stop using the deodorant for a few days and allow your skin to calm down. 
You can read more about this here.

How do you know your organic cornstarch is really GMO-free since so much of corn is contaminated?

We only use organic cornstarch from Austria. Austria is a GMO-free region, which you can learn more about here.  

What does "wild crafted" means in regards to your Candelilla Wax?

Candelilla Wax is gathered in the wild (wild crafted), where it grows naturally.  It was not farmed where pesticides would either be used or not (providing an organic option).  

My cream deodorant or body cream feels grainy or has balls in it. Why?

This is normal and related to temperature changes, which can happen during shipping. Shea butter can crystallize and form a grainy texture or small balls when it cools unevenly.

The product is perfectly fine to use as-is. Rubbing it between your hands or against your skin will warm it up and smooth the texture as you apply. If you prefer a smoother texture, you can gently remelt it, stir well, and refrigerate it to cool quickly.

Why have probiotics in deodorant?

According to WebMD “Probiotics are live bacteria and yeasts that are good for your health” and “They can lower the amount of "bad" bacteria” and “They can help balance your "good" and "bad" bacteria to keep your body working like it should”. Some kinds of probiotics have to been kept in the refrigerator or they’ll die. We use shelf stable probiotics in our deodorant, so there is no need to keep our probiotic deodorant in the fridge.  

Are your probiotics vegan?

Yes. All of our deodorants are made with vegan probiotics grown on a non-animal, non-dairy growth medium. The strain we use is Bacillus coagulans, which is shelf-stable and does not require refrigeration.

Why is my deodorant sticky? Or mushy? Or gritty?

This is normal and related to temperature. Because our deodorant is made with natural oils and waxes, it can soften in warmer conditions and firm up in cooler ones. This can affect how it feels during application, but it doesn’t affect how well it works.

If the texture feels different than expected, letting it warm slightly against your skin or storing it at room temperature usually helps.

I love your deodorant! Do you sell anything else?

Yes! In addition to deodorant, we also make lip balm, body cream, sea salt scrub, face and hair oils, and essential oil perfumes. These are products we’ve personally used for years and make using high-quality, unrefined, natural ingredients. See them here.

What is the difference between essential oils, absolutes and CO2's in your perfume?

Essential oils are produced by steaming plant material with water, which releases the plant’s aromatic compounds.

Absolutes are made by using a solvent to extract aromatic compounds from plant material, after which the solvent is removed. All of the absolutes we use are made with a hexane-free solvent and have no solvent residue.

CO₂ extracts are created by using pressurized carbon dioxide as a solvent to extract aromatic compounds. When the CO₂ returns to its gas state, it leaves behind only the plant extract with no solvent residue.