Why choose a natural deodorant?

The problem with traditional deodorants

Traditional deodorants were arguably the first cosmetic products to be put on the spot because of their composition. Indeed, to show an effectiveness on the perspiration of the armpits, they must:

• Prevent sweating by blocking the skin pores. These are the antiperspirants or antiperspirants.
• Prevent bad odors.
• Have a lasting effectiveness, of at least 24 hours.

In either case, a mixture of substances is necessary. For antiperspirants and antiperspirants it is above all aluminum salts.

As their name suggests, these deodorants help block the perspiration process by creating a barrier on the skin. But they are criticized because of the potential health risk they could pose. They are suspected of triggering breast cancer.

However, the various scientific studies carried out so far arrive at contradictory conclusions which do not make it possible to be sure of a real danger to humans. However aluminum, at too high doses in the body, does have an impact on the development of cancer cells.

Deodorants that are not labeled “antiperspirant” or “antiperspirant” are only intended to mask odors and do not contain aluminum salts. They are therefore made up of molecules which destroy the bacteria responsible for sweat odors, or which absorb them.

The choice of an effective and natural deodorant

Turning to deodorants with a natural composition has therefore become a precautionary principle for many people, starting with women.

Even natural, however, a deodorant should do what is expected of it: mask odors and even, if possible, prevent sweating. Whether this is possible with natural deodorants remains to be seen.

Alum stone, a natural deodorant

When it came to finding alternatives to classic deodorants, many women turned to alum stone. It is a mineral that is used like another stick deodorant, with the difference that it must be moistened before applying it.

Renowned for its effectiveness on perspiration, alum stone has convinced many consumers. It can be found as it is, a kind of small block more or less transparent in its natural state, or in the form of a stick, without any other ingredient.

It is also present in more elaborate but much less natural products which contain it in a synthetic form (Ammonium alun), although it is indicated on their packaging “alum stone”.

Even in its natural form, alum stone, when in contact with water, turns into aluminum hydroxide. In other words the same substance as antiperspirant deodorants with aluminum salts, although in less quantity a priori.

An aluminum-free deodorant

If we want to eliminate all traces of aluminum salts, we must logically move towards deodorants that do not contain them and whose effectiveness comes from other compounds.

Brands are now competing to find effective solutions. Plants play a big role in this evolution. We think in particular of sage which allows odors to be trapped, or also of various essential oils with anti-bacterial and anti-odor power.

However, not all of these deodorants are and cannot be antiperspirants without aluminum salts, at least at the present time. They can limit sweating a bit but are especially effective in countering odors.

Organic deodorants

While the brands that have eliminated aluminum salt from their products have not all taken a 100% natural turn in their compositions, others are turning to natural herbal compositions, or even bicarbonate, without being organic. When others finally offer products that are almost 100% organic and officially labeled.

Whether organic or presented as natural, these deodorants in principle offer an additional guarantee of harmlessness, without forgetting the ethical aspect of such a choice. But this will not affect the effectiveness of the product.

Which deodorant to choose when you sweat a lot?

One thing is certain, choosing a natural deodorant is almost a personal challenge, as perspiration depends on each person. An effective natural product for a person who sweats little, will not be for another who wishes to slow down his sweating.

In this case, in order to limit the potential risks of aluminum salts – which are the only really effective molecules – it is probably best to alternate. Apply, depending on the day or your lifestyle, a natural deodorant or an antiperspirant. But avoid applying or spraying the latter every day.

It is also recommended not to apply a deodorant that contains aluminum immediately after shaving or on skin that has lesions.