Natural deodorant has been growing in popularity in recent years. There's this appeal of a natural option that might have the additional benefit of no white stains on your shirt. The desire is there, but is this movement a mistake? What is the harm of ordinary deodorant? What are the benefits of natural deodorant… and does it even work? The answer might surprise you.
@brookecagle
Is My Antiperspirant Bad for Me?
The problems with ordinary deodorant and antiperspirant is that it contains harmful chemicals which could potentially be bad for your health. The point of an antiperspirant is to stop you from sweating out fats and proteins which carry those bad odors. To stop this from happening they use aluminum compounds which clog the skin's pores. This aluminum has recently been linked to potential breast cancer and Alzheimer's disease. This is not completely scientific fact because the biggest rule of science which is not usually respected by the media is, correlation does not mean causation. It's the golden rule which has been trampled on by those seeking to entertain or confuse others. We aren't sure if these aluminum compounds cause these diseases but a lot of people just don't want to risk it, and that's understandable.
There are other ingredients in deodorant that one might not want to deal with. Parabens which are frequently used to prolong a products shelf life and prevent bacteria have been found in breast cancer tumors which makes people hesitant to use them. Triclosan is an FDA classified pesticide which is used to kill your underarm bacteria and prevent odor. So there really are some questionable ingredients. Will they kill you immediately? Absolutely not, but that doesn't mean they're good for you.
getty images
How is Natural Deodorant Different?
All natural deodorants will help you avoid aluminium compounds, parabens, and triclosan. They have the same motive as regular deodorant, to kill the bacteria in your armpit so you aren't stinky, but they take a more natural approach. Essential oils, baking soda, mineral salt, and others can form the foundation of a natural deodorant.
There are ways to kill the bacteria so you don't smell, but you won't find a natural antiperspirant. Honestly, sweating in a perfectly natural bodily function and you should just let it happen. There are times when you're at an event or wearing a specific outfit and don't want to have sweat marks and that's when you can ease yourself into going natural. For those times when you aren't too worried about what people will say when they see you sweat, swap in a natural option.
getty images
Does Natural Even Work?
Here is the problem with natural deodorant. Maybe it won't work for you. It's really up to your body, your lifestyle, and your scent. Personal scent can be due to your DNA, lifestyle, diet, and more. If you sweat a lot then you might not be satisfied with natural deodorants' abilities. Nobody but you will ever be able to say if natural deodorant will work for you. There are a lot of different natural options and you might have to try a couple versions before you find one that works for you, if you succeed in finding one.
Natural deodorant will never work as well as regular deodorant. That doesn't mean it isn't worth trying. People who are okay with a little natural scent, those with sensitive underarm skin, people prone to ingrown hairs and clogged pores, and people with allergic reactions could really love natural alternatives. It also might take some time for your body to adjust to the deodorant so don't quit after one day. Give your armpits some time to adjust and detox all the chemical ingredients from your previous products.
Try Some Natural Options
Schmidt's
This is the most beloved of the natural deodorants because it works for a lot of people, has unique great scents, and is affordable. If you want to try natural deodorant then this is the one to try first.
Primal Pit Paste
primalpitpaste
A cult favorite underarm deodorant paste this comes in a variety of scents. They do feature a stick option but it isn't as highly rated or effective as the paste version.
Underarmed
jessfindsfitness
A popular option on Amazon, this aluminum free deodorant features organic natural ingredients. With a lavender and eucalyptus scent it is popular for both men and women. You have 30 days to try this product and decide if it's right for you or if you want to return it.
Agent Nateur No 3
A similar scent option of lavender and eucalyptus, Agent Nateur also has a dash of honey. This is well established natural deodorant brand this is popular with a lot of people.
Soapwalla
This is a cream that is applied with your hands to your armpits. It uses lavender, peppermint, and tea tree oils for both their antibacterial properties and scent.
N'Fuse
A convenient roll on, this is magnesium based technology. It has ingredients that could be beneficial for your skin and comes in unique and beautiful scents.
All in all, there are some benefits to wearing natural deodorant but it's all about your body and your preferences. It doesn't hurt to try it out and see if natural deodorant works for you and you might find something that you love.
