What Makes Natural Deodorant a Better Alternative?
Gone are the days when the only choices for tackling underarm odor were the traditional antiperspirants and deodorants lining the store aisles. Today, natural deodorant alternatives promise not just to mask or prevent odor but to do so in a way that’s kind to your body and the environment. In this deep dive, we’re exploring why natural deodorants might just be the best option for your armpit hygiene, how to choose the right one, and our favorite picks.
Understanding the Concerns with Aluminum and Parabens in Traditional Antiperspirant
Traditional antiperspirants and deodorants often contain aluminum, which works to temporarily block sweat ducts, and parabens, used as preservatives. However, these ingredients have caused concern, especially among functional medicine practitioners.
Aluminum in antiperspirants is thought to be linked to various health issues, and parabens may disrupt hormone function. Aluminum has been under fire for potential connection with breast cancer risk. While many studies have been inconclusive, it is known and documented that aluminum has properties that can change DNA and affect gene expression, which suggests it might play a role in the development of breast cancer.
Research has found that breast cancer occurs more often in the upper part of the breast, near the outer side. Studies also noticed that this area has more genetic changes. These findings suggest that chemicals in beauty products applied to this area might be linked to developing breast cancer.
As functional medicine aims to not only address current health concerns, but prevent future ones, the use of such chemical additives is not recommended by functional medical providers when there are plenty of natural alternatives that don’t carry this potential health risk. As a result, many who are trying to be preventative and reduce risk are turning to nontoxic deodorant alternatives.
How Do Natural Deodorants Work Without Aluminum?
Effective natural deodorants that rely on a blend of natural ingredients to combat body odor without aluminum. Instead of blocking sweat, they tackle the odor-causing bacteria on the skin’s surface. Ingredients like baking soda, arrowroot powder, and essential oils play a significant role in smell control by way of anti-microbial properties, making using nontoxic deodorant an effective alternative.
Benefits of Switching to an Aluminum-Free Deodorant
Switching to a no-aluminum deodorant offers several benefits beyond just avoiding aluminum and parabens. These natural products tend to be gentler on the skin, making them a good deodorant alternative for those with sensitive skin. Moreover, as they manage smell without interfering with the body’s natural sweating process, they support the body’s inherent detox mechanisms.
Remember, sweating is one of the few ways our body has to detox harmful substances out of the body. When we block this capability, we encourage these substances to stay in circulation and potentially accumulate in body, causing potential harm later in life.
How to Choose the Right Natural Deodorant That Actually Works?
Key Ingredients to Look for in an Effective Natural Deodorant
In your quest for a nontoxic deodorant that actually works, key ingredients to look out for include:
- coconut oil: for its antimicrobial properties;
- baking soda and arrowroot powder: to absorb moisture;
- essential oils like tea tree and lavender: for their capability to combat odor-causing bacteria.
A product containing these natural ingredients is more likely to be an effective deodorant alternative.
Deciphering Labels: What Does “Aluminum-Free” and “Paraben-Free” Really Mean?
Labels like “aluminum-free” and “paraben-free” indicate that the product does not contain these specific ingredients, making them a safer and more natural alternative. However, it’s important to read beyond these labels and examine the full ingredient list to ensure the product is truly a nontoxic deodorant and free from other potentially harmful chemicals.
Understanding the Role of Essential Oils and Other Natural Antimicrobials in Odor Control
Essential oils are not just for fragrance; they play a crucial role in natural deodorants for their antimicrobial properties that help neutralize odor-causing bacteria on the skin. Combined with other natural antimicrobials like coconut oil, they form an effective defense against underarm smell.
Top Natural Deodorant Ingredients That Combat Smell
How Baking Soda and Arrowroot Powder Absorb Moisture and Minimize Odor
Baking soda is a natural smell neutralizer, while arrowroot powder is excellent at absorbing moisture. Together, they are powerhouses at keeping the underarm area dry and free from smell.
The Antimicrobial and Soothing Properties of Coconut Oil and Tea Tree Oil
Coconut oil has antimicrobial properties that combat odor-causing bacteria, whereas tea tree oil is known for its potent antimicrobial and soothing properties. Their inclusion in a natural deodorant means you’re not just fighting smell effectively but also caring for your skin.
Benefits of Using Shea Butter and Witch Hazel in Natural Deodorants
Shea butter is renowned for its moisturizing properties, making it a great addition to natural deodorants for those with sensitive skin. Witch hazel acts as a natural astringent, helping to shrink pores and reduce sweat production. Their benefits extend beyond odor control, contributing to healthier skin.
Transitioning to Natural Deodorants: What to Expect?
Understanding the “Detox” Phase When Switching from Traditional Deodorant to Natural Deodorant
When transitioning from antiperspirants to natural deodorants, it’s common to experience a “detox” phase where sweat and body smell temporarily increase as your body adjusts to the change. This phase is normal and typically short-lived. This is why many choose to make this transition to natural based deodorants during the Fall or Winter seasons, when sweating is typically less.
During the adjustment period to natural antiperspirants, you may notice changes in sweat and body odor. This is your body’s way of expelling the toxins previously blocked by aluminum-based antiperspirants. Patience is key, as it takes time for your body to rebalance and for you to enjoy the full benefits of natural deodorant.
Maintaining Healthy Pits: Routine Care Tips After Making the Switch
To maintain healthy pits after making the switch to natural deodorant, adopt a routine that includes regular washing, gentle exfoliation to remove dead skin cells, and applying your natural deodorant on dry skin. This routine helps keep your underarms clean, fresh, and less prone to odor.
What are the most popular non-toxic deodorant options?
At our naturopathic medical clinic in Meridian, Idaho, we polled the team to see which “clean” deodorant options they preferred. Here’s a list of alternative choices to consider:
Simply Unscented Deodorant – Humble
This product is very clean with only 4 ingredients.
Charcoal Deodorant Scent Free – Cleo+Coco
This deodorant does not contain any toxic ingredients and is made with coconut oil.
Natural Deodorant – Hibar
This deodorant is clean and free from any toxic ingredients.
Sweet Coconut Deodorant – Hello
This product does not include aluminum salts or mineral oils. These are petroleum derivatives that may contain cancer-causing contaminants.
Unscented Deodorant – Tom’s of Maine
This deodorant is free of aluminum and parabens, and does not have added fragrance.
Our licensed naturopathic doctor and experienced functional medicine practitioner offers comprehensive functional medicine consultations in Meridian / Boise, Idaho. Free discovery calls are available!
