Top 4 Best Natural or Organic Deodorants

What are the potential hazards of conventional deodorants?

Most conventionally-made deodorants and antiperspirants contain aluminum zirconium, aluminum chlorohydrate, aluminum zirconium, or aluminum chloride. These forms of aluminum have small enough molecules to absorb directly into the skin, pulled into the sweat ducts’ cell lining of the armpit. These substances cause the cells to swell and close the ducts, preventing perspiration from releasing.

Although no research to date has shown a correlation between aluminum absorption and the development of various health conditions like breast cancer, kidney and liver problems, or Alzheimer’s disease, there is a broad school of thought that advises the public to avoid these smaller forms of aluminum until more is known. But even excepting those possible dangers, trapped sweat still often causes other unpleasantries, including inflammation and skin irritations, as the body will keep trying to expel its waste.

The use of regular deodorants and antiperspirants has often been found to make perspiration worse. This is due to the buildup of trapped sweat (water and salt) beneath the skin combining with a buildup of your “good” bacteria, which is also trapped. This means that the “bad” bacteria causing all the odor runs rampant without the good bacteria to eat it, resulting in sweat that smells even worse. In addition, the smaller aluminum compounds used in these deodorants can initiate an acidic reaction in contact with fabrics, causing yellowing or ugly perspiration stains on clothing.

Aside from the aluminum components, conventional deodorants can additionally contain a slew of synthetic fragrances, chemicals, and other harsh ingredients that can cause sensitivities and allergies, rashes, irritations, and other unfavorable health issues.

The Natural Deodorant Difference

Because it’s the bacteria on our skin that smells, and not the water and salt perspiration, natural deodorants work with these natural bodily processes by providing substances that inhibit the bacterial growth, and/or use a thin, breathable layer to temporarily mitigate odors.

Although many crystal deodorants and other natural deodorants list aluminum as an ingredient, the naturally-occurring forms they utilize are from aluminum alum, aluminum salt, or potassium alum. Their molecule size is significantly larger than the aluminum forms used in conventional deodorants, preventing them from being absorbed into the skin’s tissues. They act as a breathable, temporary layer on top of the skin to prevent bacterial growth, but still allow the skin to perform its natural detoxifying processes.

Natural and organic deodorants use a variety of natural substances to control odor, such as baking soda (sodium bicarbonate), aloe vera, charcoal, and essential oils. What works for one may not work for another, so it’s recommended to keep trying different blends until you find the one that’s right for you.

If you’re switching from a conventional deodorant to a natural version, your body may require a short period of adjustment. Due to the way conventional deodorants block the sweat glands, your armpits may seem to produce even more sweat and odor once you stop using them. But give your body time to detoxify the old, blocked bacteria and perspiration, and also rid itself completely of the deodorant’s chemicals. Some users who have successfully made the switch advise not using any deodorant for a few days before starting the natural version, as this gives the armpits and sweat glands time to get back to normal.

What Deodorant Ingredients Do I Want? Which Ingredients Should I Avoid?

Natural and organic deodorants are available in a range of styles and formulas, with a wide assortment of beneficial ingredients. Their conventional counterparts also come in a vast variety, but may contain potentially harmful ingredients. The following information will help you to make more educated and informed choices when it comes to your personal care.

• Algae/Lichen extracts - With their natural antibacterial properties, lichen and algae extracts in natural deodorants kill the bacteria that causes odors in the sweat glands of the armpits. The high chlorophyll content of the algae also contributes to its odor control abilities.
• Aloe Vera gel - Because it’s so well known for its moisturizing properties, most people don’t know that aloe vera also has wonderful astringent qualities, as well. It works as a natural antiperspirant while it also helps to soothe rashes and irritation, clarifying the skin.
• Baking Soda (Sodium Bicarbonate) - Commonly used in both natural and conventional deodorants, baking soda is a popular, age-old odor neutralizer, and absorbs toxins and sweat. It can also be an irritant for some who are more sensitive to it, and should be used in small amounts.
• BHT (Butylated Hydroxytoluene) - As a suspected carcinogen commonly used as a preservative in deodorants, personal care products, and foods, BHT has been linked to adverse nervous system issues, while it may also cause hyperactivity in children.
• Charcoal - The activated form of charcoal is used to absorb odors and bacteria in natural deodorant, and is the same form utilized in oral supplements to absorb poisons and toxins from the gastrointestinal tract.
• Essential Oils - Used in deodorants for their natural antibacterial, antiseptic, and antifungal attributes, essential oils are concentrated extractions made from a variety of plants. They add a healthy fragrance, and mitigate the odors caused by bacteria in the armpit sweat glands.
• Green Tea - Green tea is often included in deodorants because of its amazing antioxidant actions, helping to preserve the other ingredients. It provides purifying and conditioning for the tender underarm skin, as well.
• Mineral Salts - Larger sized molecules of mineral salts like ammonium alum and potassium alum do not absorb into the skin and block the sweat glands like the smaller molecule size of conventional deodorant aluminum. They help to eliminate odor and reduce bacteria levels by forming a temporary, breathable barrier on top of the skin.
• Parabens - As one of the most widely used chemical preservatives, parabens are used in a wide range of conventional products, including personal care, deodorants, grooming, and foods. As well-known endocrine disruptors, propyl-, benzyl-, methyl-, butyl-, and ethyl-parabens are classed as environmental toxins that often act as immune toxicants and allergens, and can cause reproductive disorders, cancer, and premature aging.
• Phthalates - Used in a vast assortment of products, phthalates are hard to avoid, and are not always listed on the ingredient labels. They’re also used in manufacturing plastics of all kinds, and other materials and fabrics. As well-known endocrine disruptors, phthalates may cause infertility and birth defects, and can also be carcinogenic. They’re usually utilized as a lubricating agent in deodorants.
• Propylene Glycol - Used in deodorants as a solidifying or gelling agent, along with being a carrier substance, propylene glycol helps other ingredients in the blend to absorb into the skin. Regarded as being safer when it is derived from plant materials rather than petroleum, it’s used widely in pharmaceuticals, personal care products, and foods. Petroleum-derived PG is a known endocrine disruptor, and can act as a fetal and reproductive neurotoxin. It may cause irritation to the skin, eyes, and lungs, and has been linked to kidney and liver damage.
• Silica - Sometimes used to add dryness to conventional deodorants, silica may cause skin, lung, and eye irritation, as well. It is a possible carcinogen when it is contaminated with crystalline quartz.
• Steareths - As a common emulsifier used in deodorants and other personal care products, steareths help all the ingredients to work together and stay combined. They are also known endocrine disruptors and developmental and reproductive toxins, and frequent sources of skin irritation.
• Talc - Typically used as a drying component in personal care products and deodorants, talc is determined to be a non-reproductive organ system toxin. If it is contaminated with asbestiform fibers, it is considered to be a possible carcinogen.
• Triclosan - Utilized as an antibacterial in some deodorants and personal care products, triclosan is a known endocrine disruptor and a possible carcinogen. It’s banned in many countries, and possible effects from its use include eye, lung and skin irritation, muscle weakness, and antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
• Vegetable Glycerin - Vegetable glycerin works as a safe and non-toxic carrier and penetration agent, and as a solidifying and gelling agent in deodorants and personal care products. It is often used as an alternative to propylene glycol.
• Witch Hazel - As a natural astringent and purifier, witch hazel is used in natural deodorants to help evaporate sweat. Its wonderful soothing qualities calm irritations, razor burn, and any other skin inflammation.