Free ShippingWhat are Natural Deodorants?
Unlike their conventional counterparts, natural deodorants do not contain harsh and potentially harmful chemicals, or aluminum that can be absorbed by the body. Instead, they employ beneficial and non-toxic ingredients from the earth and plants to effectively control body odor.
Many people find that when they switch to a natural deodorant, it helps to eliminate contact dermatitis and rashes, as these natural products do not contain the possible irritants and allergens that conventional deodorants and antiperspirants typically offer.
The Possible Problems with Aluminum
There has been a great debate about whether or not aluminum that is absorbed into the body may contribute to breast cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, kidney and liver problems, and other adverse health conditions. While the definitive answer remains elusive as research continues, many people have chosen to stop using products that contain absorbable aluminum. And this includes conventional deodorants and antiperspirants.
As the most active ingredient in conventional antiperspirants and deodorants, aluminum salts in the forms of aluminum zirconium, aluminum hydroxybromide, aluminum chloride and aluminum chlorohydrate absorb directly into the skin. Drawn into the cells that line the sweat ducts, aluminum ions cause these cells to swell, effectively squeezing the ducts closed so sweat and perspiration cannot escape.
Whether or not aluminum absorbed by the body causes other health issues or not, this trapped perspiration often causes other unpleasant side effects that include painful irritation, inflammation and a buildup of bacteria that tries to digest the sweat, and all of this can actually lead to worsening odors and stained clothing.
It is important to note that many natural deodorants, especially the crystal stones, contain aluminum. But the aluminum they contain is a naturally occurring form of aluminum salt, potassium alum and/or ammonium alum. These forms of aluminum differ from the other forms found in conventional deodorants in that their molecules are much larger in size, and cannot absorb into the body’s tissues. They work as a deodorant by forming a temporary layer on top of the skin, instead of clogging pores and ducts. This helps to prevent the growth of sweat-digesting bacteria that causes odors, as it allows the skin to ‘breathe’ and perform its natural detoxifying processes.
The Differences Between Natural Deodorants and Conventional Deodorants
Aside from the different forms of aluminum, there are a number of ways that natural deodorants differ from conventional choices. Many conventional products contain synthetic fragrances and other potentially harmful chemicals that can cause sensitivities, irritations, rashes and other undesirable health conditions.
Here are some conventional deodorant and antiperspirant ingredients that are best to avoid:
Triclosan—banned in many countries, triclosan is used as an antibacterial in some deodorants and other personal care products. Possible side effects include antibiotic-resistant bacteria, muscle weakness, endocrine disruption, and eyes, lung and skin irritation.
Parabens—frequently used in deodorants, personal hygiene and grooming products, and even in foods as a preservative, methyl-, propyl-, butyl-, benzyl- and ethyl-parabens are well-known endocrine disrupters. They are considered to be environmental toxins that can cause cancer, premature aging and reproductive disorders, and they often act as allergens and immune toxicants.
Silica—used in deodorants and antiperspirants to add dryness, silica may cause eye, lung and skin irritation. When contaminated with crystalline quartz, it is a possible carcinogen (causes cancer).
Phthalates—often hidden inside all kinds of products from deodorants to food to plastics, phthalates are well-known endocrine disruptors. They are almost always present whenever you see “fragrance” on a label, and are used as a lubricant agent in deodorants. They can be tricky to avoid, as they are so widely used in all kinds of manufacturing, and they are also often not listed on ingredient labels. They can be carcinogenic, and may cause birth defects and infertility.
Talc—utilized as a drying agent in deodorants and many other personal care products, talc is a possible carcinogen if it is contaminated with asbestiform fibers. It is considered to be a non-reproductive organ system toxin, as well.
Propylene Glycol—used widely throughout personal care products, pharmaceuticals, and foods, propylene glycol is most often utilized in deodorants as a gelling/ solidifying agent and carrier agent, as it helps the other ingredients to absorb into the skin. It is considered to be safer when it is derived from plant materials rather than the conventional petroleum. As a known endocrine disruptor, petroleum-derived propylene glycol can act as a reproductive and fetal neurotoxin which has been linked to liver and kidney damage, and may cause irritation to the eyes, lungs and skin. Also known as a penetration enhancer, propylene glycol helps potentially harmful ingredients like aluminum chlorohydrate to absorb more efficiently into the skin and body.
Steareths—most often used as an emulsifier in deodorants and other personal care products, steareths are used to make all the ingredients work together more efficiently. But they are also known endocrine disruptors, often cause skin irritation, and are considered as developmental/reproductive toxins.
BHT—commonly used as a preservative in deodorants, foods and all kinds of personal care products, butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) is a suspected carcinogen that has been linked to adverse nervous system effects, even in low doses. It may also cause hyperactivity in children.
Conversely, here is a list of healthy, desirable natural ingredients to look for in natural deodorants:
Mineral Salts—when they are in the forms of potassium aluminum (alum) and ammonium alum, aluminum salts can be beneficial, instead of harmful and irritating like the other forms that absorb into the skin. Larger sized molecules form a temporary barrier layer on the skin to prevent odor along with eliminating the proliferation of sweat-digesting bacteria that also cause odor.
Baking Soda—as a well-known odor neutralizer, baking soda is a non-toxic sweat absorber, as well. Many natural manufacturers use baking soda in deodorants and other personal care products.
Green Tea—providing wonderful antioxidant actions, green tea is often included in deodorants for its skin conditioning, purifying and preservative qualities.
Aloe Vera Gel—while it is more usually known for its moisturizing properties, aloe vera actually works as an astringent, as well. It can help to clarify the skin and soothe out any irritations or rashes, at the same time it serves as a natural antiperspirant to keep underarms dryer.
Witch Hazel—comparable to aloe vera gel as a non-irritating astringent, witch hazel is used in deodorants to help evaporate sweat. It also helps to soothe razor burn, and any other kinds of skin inflammations.
Charcoal—activated charcoal is utilized in some natural deodorants to help absorb bacteria and odors. This is the same charcoal format that is used in natural supplements to help absorb toxins or poisons from the digestive and intestinal tracts.
Vegetable Glycerin—as a safe, non-toxic and natural alternative to using propylene glycol, vegetable glycerin acts as a carrier/penetration agent and gelling/solidifying agent for the other ingredients in the deodorant.
Essential Oils—derived in specialized ways from a wide variety of plants, essential oils are utilized in deodorants for their natural antibacterial, antifungal and antiseptic properties. Commonly used oils from rosemary, lemongrass, tea tree oil, sage, lemon, lavender and many more help to prevent perspiration odors, and the odors caused by sweat-digesting bacteria. Essential oils add natural, healthy fragrance to the deodorant, too.
Algae Extracts and Lichen—most often included in natural deodorants for their inherent antibacterial properties, algae extracts and lichen help to destroy sweat-digesting bacteria, and the bacteria in perspiration. Algae extracts also help to control odor because of their high chlorophyll content.
Rehabmart is proud to offer our customers innovative and highly efficacious natural deodorants from one of our esteemed vendors, Directly From Nature.
Hulet Smith, OT
Rehabmart Co-Founder & CEO
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