Heavy metal anyone?  We know we need to eliminate heavy metal from our lives in any way we can.  Cancers and degenerative brain diseases are through the roof and some studies link aluminum as a potential cause.  
Aluminum-based compounds are the active ingredients in antiperspirants. They block the sweat glands to keep sweat from getting to the skin’s surface. Some research has suggested that these aluminum compounds cause changes in estrogen receptors of breast cells. Because estrogen can promote the growth of both cancer and non-cancer breast cells, some scientists have suggested that using the aluminum-based compounds in antiperspirants may be a risk factor for the development of breast cancer.
Studies have looked at aluminum content of breast tissue, and aluminum absorption through the skin, but no clear link to breast cancer has been made. Researchers continue to look at this possible breast cancer risk factor and more studies are needed.  
Aluminum has also been linked to an increased risk of Alzheimer's.  

Parabens are a preservative suspected of disrupting the body’s delicate hormonal balance. This can lead to things including early puberty in children and an increased risk of hormonal cancers – including breast cancer. Exposure has also been linked to birth defects and organ toxicity.

Propylene Glycol is a humectant, which means it keeps substances from drying out.  It was originally developed as an anti-freeze, but is now included in some deodorants and antiperspirants. It is a neurotoxin known to cause contact dermatitis, kidney damage, and liver damage. In propylene glycol’s Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS), published by the National Institute for Occupational Health and Safety, workers are urged to avoid skin contact with the toxic chemical as it may cause eye and skin irritation, gastrointestinal irritation and discomfort, nausea, headache, vomiting, and central nervous depression.  

Fragrance is where companies can legally hide thousands of chemicals. One of these is phthalates, which have been linked to a variety of health issues. High phthalate blood and urine levels in women of child bearing age have been linked to a higher risk of birth defects. This suggests that phthalates may disrupt hormone receptors as well as increase the likelihood of cell mutation.  They are also dangerous to male's reproductive system.  Explained in more detail here, this loophole in the law is something that shouldn't be ignored.  

Triclosan is classified as a pesticide by the EPA, and a probable carcinogen by the EPA. Triclosan has recently been banned in many products in the USA, including anti-bacterial hand soaps, washes and anti-bacterial gels due to zero proof that it is safe for use.  But it is still allowed in toothpaste and deodorants as of now.   

BHT (Butylated Hydroxytoluene) In addition to causing hyperactivity in children, BHT (and BHA) are considered carcinogens by the US Department of Health and Human Services.  The Skin Deep site rates BHT as having a “high toxic hazard” and says it has been shown to be linked to cancer, developmental toxicity, allergies, neurotoxicity, endocrine disruption, biochemical or cellular level change.

Shea Butter

Used for centuries in Africa for it’s superior moisturizing properties, shea butter is still a top ingredient in cosmetics and beauty products today.  Shea butter is naturally rich in Vitamins A and E as well as essential fatty acids and other vitamins and minerals that help to heal an extensive list of skin issues.  There is no doubt that this is one of the best things you can put on your skin.


Our Shea Butter is totally unrefined and raw, coming straight from Ghana in it’s purest form.  
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Cocoa Butter

One of the most stable butters used in body products, cocoa butter provides valuable fats and vitamins that make skin supple and smooth.  Rich and emollient, with a delicious chocolatey smell, who can resist it?!  It really kicks Pit Polish up a notch.  It's organic and raw, totally unprocessed.  Any small flecks of brown found in Pit Polish are just remnants from the cocoa butter seed,
often found in raw cocoa butter and totally harmless.

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Coconut Oil

If you are here looking for natural deodorant then you are probably well aware of the amazing benefits of coconut oil.  The antiviral, antiseptic, and anti-fungal properties help destroy body odor and keep any other nasties at bay.  

And don't forget the incredible skin smoothing, healing and protecting abilities.  
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Research has also shown that microorganisms such as yeast, fungi, and enveloped viruses, as well as the bacteria commonly known to be the main cause of body odor, are also eliminated. 

Baking Soda

Baking soda is known for it's deodorizing qualities.  A favorite ingredient for so many natural products, baking soda is one of the most effective ways to kill body odor, especially teamed up with the other amazing ingredients in Pit Polish.  

Baking soda absorbs excess moisture extremely well.  It kills bacteria and neutralizes / alkalizes the body to prevent excess sweating and odor.  

We believe we've found just the right amount of baking soda for Pit Polish.  Some people react to deodorants with too much baking soda.  We've found ours is mild enough to do the job perfectly while allowing sensitive skin wearers to be breakout free.  Some people believe they are going through a detox from conventional deodorants when switching to baking soda based natural deodorants because they get red, itchy armpits.  This is actually a reaction to a recipe that is heavy handed with the baking soda.  
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Arrowroot Powder


Arrowroot powder is a natural thickener used in place of corn starch or wax.  Having no wax in our deodorant helps keep it creamy and smooth.  Arrowroot powder is naturally made, requiring no heat or chemicals, unlike corn starch which is normally made from GMO corn and forced through extreme methods to get the final product.  Arrowroot powder is used in cooking applications as well due it's ability to make a finer and smoother end result.  

Arrowroot powder is also one of the main reasons why Pit Polish keeps you dry.  It is fantastic at soaking up extra moisture.  No anti-perspirent is needed and really isn't something that is a good idea.  Not allowing your body to function properly just doesn't make sense.  Pit Polish allows you to sweat all while keeping you dry.  Yes, it is possible!  

Arrowroot flour has been known to contribute to many medicines and health-related substances because of its moisture-absorbing properties. Arrowroot is anti-inflammatory and also can work as an antiseptic, making it perfect for irritated areas such as burns, rashes and sores. In some countries, it is even used with water as a paste to apply to open wounds.

Arrowroot is predominantly known for its soothing properties. A natural healer for small irritations, it assists with the drying out of wounds, rashes or blemishes.  It's great for the skin after a shave!
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Essential Oils

This is where the magic happens.  We use a combination of four organic essential oils and rather than tell you exactly which ones we use (we don't want to give away our secrets!) I can tell you that the oils we use all have a purpose.  There is nothing in Pit Polish to make it "smell good".  While it does smell absolutely amazing, it was through careful selection and trial and error that we found the perfect combination that does the job we want all while smelling amazing at the same time.  Another great thing about it's scent is that it smells fantastic when you apply it, but then the smell quickly goes away, leaving you with no smell whatsoever.  So many natural deodorants are heavy on the oils and the scent doesn't go away.  I've found them totally overpowering and sometimes completely offensive to my nose.  Both men and women love the scent of Pit Polish.

Our essential oil combination does a number of beneficial things.  First and foremost it battles body odor.  It also keeps doing the job long after normal deodorants fail.  In fact, many of our customers claim they never smell anymore.  Not after working out.  Not after a day at work.  Not even after multiple days without showers!  It's kind of amazing!  

Our essential oils work together to defeat any cause of odor.  Most body odor is due to bacteria reacting to the sweat your body produces.  It's not actually the sweat that smells as some people believe.  Allowing your body to function normally and sweat is great.  The essential oils are then there to prevent any sort of bacteria from reacting with the sweat, keeping you smelling fresh!

Just some of the properties of the oils we use are: antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antifungal, antidepressant, antiseptic, antimicrobial, antidepressant, antiseborrhoeic, antiseptic, aphrodisiac, deodorant, disinfectant, relaxant, antiseptic, vulnerary, astringent, and anti-inflammatory.