Written By: Kristi Caruana
When it comes to choosing a natural deodorant, shopping can be more stressful than it should. In a sea of brands advertised as being “natural”, you may be surprised to find the extent of toxins lurking within.
Deodorant vs. Antiperspirant: What's the Difference?
Deodorants work to keep you smelling fresh by neutralizing the bacteria that cause odor. They allow your body to sweat naturally, which is a vital process for releasing toxins and regulating body temperature.
Antiperspirants take a different approach. They contain aluminum-based compounds that temporarily block sweat glands, reducing the amount of sweat produced. While this might sound appealing, it's essential to consider the potential downsides. Blocking sweat can disrupt the body's natural cooling system and may lead to clogged pores, lymph nodes, and can even impact gut health.
Remember, our bodies are designed to sweat for a reason – it's a natural process that helps us stay balanced and healthy. While antiperspirants can keep you dry, they might come with a cost to your body's natural rhythm. That's why many are now opting for natural deodorants that embrace your body's natural processes without harmful additives.
Harmful Ingredients To Avoid
- Aluminum: Commonly found in antiperspirants in order to block sweat production, it's linked to disrupted hormones, microbiome damage, neurological harm/increased risk of neurodegenerative disease, and lymph congestion. Beyond its common uses, aluminum can actually mimic estrogen and accumulate inside of tissue. Several studies have examined aluminum concentrations in breast tissue, particularly in women with breast cancer.
- Triclosan: This antimicrobial agent has the ability to penetrate the skin and potentially interact with our body's hormonal pathways. Our hormones are the threads that weave our body together—impacting everything from mood to metabolism. Often added to personal care products, including deodorants and antiperspirants, as well as soaps and toothpaste, studies suggest that triclosan harms aquatic life just as much as it does humans.
- Propylene Glycol: Known skin irritant and penetration enhancer, meaning that it could potentially carry other harmful compounds deeper into your skin. When washed down the drain this compound doesn't easily break down, and has been shown to accumulate in water bodies.
- Synthetic Fragrances: Did you know that "fragrance" on an ingredient list can stand for a mixture of undisclosed chemicals?Companies often don't disclose the exact chemicals that make up their fragrances due to trade secrecy. They can be a mix of hundreds of different chemicals, some of which are known hormone disruptors and even carcinogens. Certain compounds found within synthetic fragrances can mimic hormones in our bodies, leading to imbalances and further reproductive health concerns.
- Parabens: Parabens are synthetic preservatives commonly used in cosmetics, skincare, deodorants and antiperspirants. Their role is to extend shelf life, but these seemingly harmless compounds have been shown to actually mimic estrogen in the body. For this reason they’ve been under close scrutiny for leading to potential issues like disrupted menstrual cycles, reproductive challenges, and even a heightened risk of certain hormone-related cancers.
- Phthalates: Phthalates are plasticizers used in a variety of products, including fragrances in deodorants and antiperspirants. Their purpose? To make scents last longer Phthalates are known endocrine disruptors, similarly to parabens prolonged exposure to these compounds has been linked to developmental problems, reproductive issues, and even certain cancers.
Both parabens and phthalates can accumulate in bodies of water and have been detected in environmental samples, impacting aquatic life like fish and other sea creatures. As these critters munch on smaller creatures, the cycle continues, and guess what? Sometimes these compounds can accumulate in the seafood we enjoy.
We've learned about the not-so-nice stuff that can hide in some deodorants.
But don't worry – there are amazing options out there that prioritize your well-being and keep you smelling great! When picking a deodorant, look for natural alternatives that steer clear of harmful chemicals.
Ingredients like arrowroot powder, cornstarch, and tapioca starch can help absorb moisture while keeping you feeling fresh. Essential oils like lavender, tea tree, and lemon not only smell fantastic but also have natural antibacterial properties— They're the perfect aroma for natural deodorants, ensuring you stay fresh without relying on synthetic fragrances.
Beware, some natural options like baking soda might not be gentle for everyone! If you have sensitive skin, consider deodorants made with magnesium hydroxide or kaolin clay. These ingredients can still effectively neutralize odors without disrupting your skin's pH balance!
Choosing the right deodorant is an empowering act of self-care. By making informed choices, you're not only protecting your health but also supporting brands that share your values! Check out some of our favorite brands recommendations below:
*Means that a product is EWG VERIFIED™
Each & Every
Eco Roots
Pit Liquor
Think
Humble
All Good
Chagrin Valley Soap
Attn:Grace
Arugot
Dr. Squatch
Prep Ü
Saltair
Magsol
Me Time Botanicals
Lafe’s
Schmidt’s
Plant Therapy
Peach
Earthley
Real Purity
Bite
Primal Pit Paste
LaVanila
Honestly pHresh
Earth Mama
Alleyoop
Crystal
Silver Falls Sustainability Co.
Beauty by Earth
Carina Organics
Birch Babe Naturals
Meow Meow Tweet
Owl In A Towel
Thai Crystal
EWG VERIFIED™ BUT CONTAINS BAKING SODA:
Green Tidings
Freedom
Christopher’s Organics
Qet Botanicals
Pretty Frank
Underarmed
Truvani
Healthy Nest
Babassau Co.
Zero Waste Cartel
Hunnybunny
Native
Habitat Botanicals
American Provenance
Acure
Be Green
Attitude
Primally Pure
Purely Great
Beauty Counter