Most of us have experienced some of the limitations that traditional natural deodorants tend to have, from strange textures, having inconvenient application methods, crumbling in our sinks, or limited effectiveness. However, the risks that come with using regular drugstore deodorants and antiperspirants have been inching closer and closer to the spotlight, exposing the effects that regular use can have on our bodies.
So what exactly is the big deal, you ask?
Deodorants were historically used to minimize and neutralize the smell that can develop under the armpits due to bacteria developing in this moist area. Years later, companies started selling a wonder product- one that would keep you from sweating under the arms at all, now known as antiperspirant. And though now most companies sell a two-in-one, the name deodorant is what we commonly use to describe this hygiene product that we liberally slather daily in an area which comes in close contact with lots of major blood vessels as well as immunological facilities like lymph nodes.
And since it is a personal staple which a huge portion of the population uses regularly, it might be worth delving deeper into which ingredients make antiperspirants so spectacular and whether it's worth a little sweat to avoid the multitude of health problems they expose you to. Here are just several that you would find on the label of a conventional deodorant which you might want to avoid:
Aluminum
We aren't just starting with this ingredient because A is first letter in the alphabet. It's commonly known as the most dangerous antiperspirant ingredient used in conventional deodorants. It has been linked to Alzheimer's disease, cancer, and skin irritation. Aluminum is the active ingredient which keeps us from feeling moisture under our arms. The aluminum salts, and there are several versions which companies use like aluminum chloride, aluminum zirconium, or aluminum carbohydrate, chemically react with sweat ducts to make them close and effectively keep us dry. However, these neurotoxins can be absorbed as well, and we aren't comfortable with the "coincidence" in which breast cancer often starts in further areas around the armpit and Alzheimer patients tend to have high levels of aluminum in their brains.
Triclosan
The "smell" that we try to avoid by using antiperspirants is not actually directly the result of sweating. It's what happens when bacteria develops, and a moist armpit with minimum air circulation is an environment in which they thrive. However, instead of using ingredients with natural antibacterial properties, conventional antiperspirant and deodorant brands end up using triclosan, a harmful chemical. Some countries are ahead of others and have already banned it (unfortunately Canada is not one of them), however, when used in skin products, it has been linked to hormone disruption, skin and eye irritation, breathing problems, and muscle weakness.
Parabens
Though you might not see the word "parabens" on an ingredient list in your drugstore hygiene products, chances are that they are there. Anything that includes a methyl, ethyl, propyl, benzyl and butyl in it is realistically a paraben. The main role of parabens is to preserve a product and prolong its shelf life to even several years. Unfortunately it also alters the chemical balances in our bodies, often impacting hormone levels which could lead to a myriad of issues including cancer, fertility issues, and problems revolving around puberty.
In contrast, producers of natural deodorants try to find alternatives that aren't just effective, but also healthy for your skin and your body in general. If you are browsing natural deodorants and comparing ingredients lists, you will probably see a lot of baking soda, witch hazel, essential oils, mineral salts, coconut oil, and even charcoal. These have for years been used to battle odour-causing bacteria in addition to provide dry comfort as much as possible.
We are aware that they might be bothersome to apply or uncomfortable to store, however we firmly believe that there's no better product to keep you body odour free than natural deodorant.
Luckily for you (and for us), we have been looking for the best natural and healthy alternatives on the market and stock quite a few types for you to try and incorporate into your everyday routine. Visit our online shop or one of our physical stores to see the full range available to our customers. Don't hesitate to send us an email or ask one of our team members about the specific qualities of each deodorant so that you get exactly what you are looking for.
We carry natural deodorants from:
-The Best Deodorant in the World
-Penny Lane *
-Au Natural *
-Schmidts *
*=Available only in stores