As we strive to live a healthier lifestyle, the stuff we apply to our armpits is bound to come up sooner or later. So here you are, somewhat reluctantly, looking into the benefits of natural deodorant.
The ingredients in regular deodorant (not to mention antiperspirant) have you a tad frightened – then again, so does the idea of smelly pits. Been there, my friend.
Let me reassure you: healthier deodorant can be effective. Traditional deodorants aren’t the only way to smell fresh all day long. Their better natural counterparts do all that, and more. If you haven’t made the jump yet, it is about time to lure you over to the natural side!
Table of Contents
- About That Sweat…
- What Is Natural Deodorant
- Why Switch to Natural Deodorant
- Types of Natural Deodorants
- Effective Natural Ingredients
- Addressing Common Concerns
- Benefits of Natural Deodorant for Sensitive Skin
Natural deodorants are made with ingredients that are gentle on your skin while still effectively combating odor. That’s right: they can be surprisingly effective!
However, not all natural deodorants are created equal. Some are distinctly better than others. To be fair, the same goes for conventional deodorants and antiperspirants, which often contain chemicals like aluminum. And it makes a whole lot of sense to avoid such chemical cocktails for the sake of your good health.
About That Sweat…
If you are an active member of the anti-sweat brigade, you’ll have to allow your inner hippie to come up for air. Because if you’re going to switch to natural deodorant, it may require a slight adjustment in mindset. Repeat after me: Sweat is not a dirty word – or action.
It is the body’s natural way of cooling itself and releasing toxins. Switching to a natural deodorant allows your body to sweat. Fiewww. Finally. No, it’s not gross. And by the end of this article, I hope you’ll be convinced of that!
Sweating also helps regulate the water balance in your body. Choosing natural deodorants with ingredients like baking soda or fragrances can help mask odors without clogging your pores or hindering your body’s healthy functions.
Many natural deodorants also promote overall well-being by utilizing plant-based and organic ingredients. By opting for natural alternatives, you can take a step towards a more holistic approach to personal care, prioritizing both your health and the environment.
What Is Natural Deodorant
Natural Ingredients
When it comes to natural deodorant, you’ll typically find that it’s made up of plant-based ingredients and essential oils. These ingredients are chosen for their odor-neutralizing properties, as well as their gentle effect on your skin. Some common natural ingredients include:
- Baking soda
- Coconut oil
- Shea butter
- Arrowroot powder
- Essential oils, such as lavender, tea tree, and peppermint
Keep in mind that not all natural deodorants are created equal. Even if virtually all natural deodorants are safer than conventional ones, it’s still a good idea to look at the label and compare the ingredients used.
Natural Deodorants Vs. Conventional Deodorants
While both natural and conventional deodorants aim to prevent body odor, they use different methods to achieve this goal. Certain conventional deodorants – and all antiperspirants – rely on aluminum-based compounds to block the sweat ducts and prevent perspiration. In contrast, natural deodorants focus on minimizing odor-causing bacteria and absorbing moisture through natural ingredients, without the use of chemicals.
The main differences between natural and conventional deodorants are:
| Natural Deodorants | Conventional Deodorants & Antiperspirants | |
|---|---|---|
| Ingredients | Plant-based ingredients and essential oils | Aluminum-based compounds and synthetic chemicals |
| Effect on sweat | Absorbs moisture and neutralizes odor | Blocks sweat ducts |
| Risk of irritation | Low, as natural ingredients are generally gentle | Higher, due to the presence of chemicals, fragrances, and other synthetic ingredients |
By switching to a natural deodorant, you can enjoy the benefits of odor protection while avoiding potential skin irritation and caring for your body in a more holistic way.
With that said, it’s important to remember that individual experiences may vary. It might take some trial and error to find the right natural deodorant for your specific needs and personal allergies or sensitivities to natural ingredients are possible.
Why Switch to Natural Deodorant
Health Benefits
Switching to natural deodorant can have many benefits for your health. First, they are aluminum-free, which means they won’t block your pores or cause any irritation. This allows your skin to breathe and lets the good bacteria work effectively in preventing odor.
Natural deodorants are free from potentially harmful chemicals like parabens, DEA, and triclosan, which have been linked to issues such as skin irritation and even certain types of cancer. By choosing a natural deodorant, you’re lowering your exposure to these toxins and giving your body a better chance at staying healthy.
Word on the street is that you can get some very unpleasant illnesses from the harmful chemicals in conventional deodorants. We’re talking about some harmful chemicals. While the small doses present in many regular deodorant and antiperspirant products are not enough to make us sick immediately, there is some evidence that these harmful ingredients can build up over time and increase the risk of breast cancer.
Additionally, natural deodorants often use gentler, non-synthetic fragrances, reducing the risk of an allergic reaction or irritation caused by synthetic fragrance compounds.
Environmental Advantages
Not only is switching to natural deodorant good for your health, but it’s also beneficial for the environment. Many conventional deodorants contain harmful chemicals, and their production and disposal can contribute to pollution and damage to the Earth’s ecosystems.
By choosing a natural deodorant, you’re reducing your contribution to this pollution and supporting companies that prioritize environmentally-friendly practices.
Many natural deodorant brands are a labor of love. These are companies started by people who cherish certain values and take an ethical approach to business. They intentionally package their products in sustainable and biodegradable materials, further reducing waste.
In summary, making the switch to natural deodorant comes with several health and environmental advantages. You’ll be exposing your body to fewer toxins and irritants, helping maintain a natural balance of bacteria on your skin, and reducing your impact on the planet. It sure sounds like giving natural deodorant a try is overall a very good idea, doesn’t it? For both the environment and your body!
Types of Natural Deodorants
When exploring natural deodorants, you’ll probably find that there are a lot more types and brands than expected. In this section, we’ll discuss three common types: sticks, creams, and roll-ons.
Sticks
Natural deodorant sticks are the closest alternative to conventional deodorants you’re probably familiar with. They usually come in a solid form and are applied by swiping the stick directly onto your underarms.
Some popular natural ingredients in stick deodorants are:
- Baking soda
- Cornstarch or arrowroot powder (to help absorb moisture)
- Essential oils (for fragrance)
Pros:
- Easy to apply
- Convenient for travel
Cons:
- May leave residue on clothing and along the outer edge of the stick
- Higher ratios of baking soda can be irritating for some people with sensitive skin (but not all sticks contain more baking soda!)
Creams
Natural deodorant creams can offer a more gentle alternative for those with sensitive skin. They are usually thick, lotion-like formulas that require you to use your fingers or an applicator to apply the product to your underarms. Some natural ingredients to look for in these creams are:
- Shea butter or coconut oil (for a moisturizing base)
- Magnesium (reduces odor)
- Essential oils (for fragrance)
Pros:
- Soft, luxurious feel on the skin
- Less likely to cause irritation (though certain brands, such as The Natural Deodorant Co. also carry cream deodorant in an extra-strong version)
Cons:
- Less convenient to apply
- Can be messy
Roll-Ons
Roll-on natural deodorants come in liquid form and are applied with a rolling ball applicator, similar to a liquid antiperspirant. Liquid natural deodorants contain ingredients like:
- Witch hazel or aloe vera (as a base)
- Mineral salts (to neutralize odor)
- Essential oils (for fragrance)
Pros:
- Quick-drying formula
- Clear liquid that won’t leave residue on clothing
Cons:
- May not offer as much dryness as a stick or cream
- Some people may find roll-ons less effective against odor (and I’m definitely one of those people #teamcream all the way)
Effective Natural Ingredients
Essential Oils
Essential oils play a significant role in natural deodorants, as they offer both unique scents and antibacterial properties. For instance, tea tree oil is a popular ingredient due to its antimicrobial and antifungal properties, helping to combat odor-causing bacteria. You can also find natural deodorants with other essential oils like lavender, eucalyptus, and lemongrass, which provide pleasant fragrances and additional benefits.
Arrowroot Powder and Tapioca Starch
Natural ingredients like arrowroot powder and tapioca starch are added to deodorants to help absorb sweat and keep you feeling dry. Both derived from plants, these starches can effectively control moisture without causing irritation. Some natural deodorants may also use cornstarch as an alternative, though arrowroot powder and tapioca starch tend to be gentler on sensitive skin.
Baking Soda-Free Options
Although baking soda is a common ingredient in natural deodorants due to its odor-neutralizing properties, some people experience skin irritation when using it. For those with sensitivities, there are baking soda-free options available. These alternative deodorants often contain:
- Coconut oil: Known for its antimicrobial properties, coconut oil helps reduce bacteria growth and keeps your underarms moisturized.
- Shea butter: This nourishing ingredient softens and soothes your skin, acting as a natural emollient.
- Aloe: Aloe’s cooling and soothing properties help calm any irritation and provide a protective barrier on the skin.
Using a plant-based natural deodorant, packed with these effective and soothing ingredients, allows you to feel fresh and dry without the risk of irritation. If you’re wondering which one of these alternative options actually works, or works the best, scroll down for some of my favorite brands.
Addressing Common Concerns
Does Natural Deodorant Work?
Yes, natural deodorants do work! They help to neutralize unwanted odors by using ingredients like witch hazel, baking soda, and essential oils. Unlike conventional antiperspirants that block your pores, natural deodorants allow your armpits to breathe and sweat naturally. While you may experience a detox period when transitioning from traditional to natural deodorants, it’s usually worth the switch as your body adapts to the new product.
| Natural Deodorant Tip While some modern hippies laud the antibacterial (and anti-odor) properties of coconut oil, I don’t know how they pull that off. Good for them but my pits need baking soda to remain… ahem… inoffensive. If you’re going to try natural deodorant, be sure to get a good one. Some are just too faint, but that doesn’t mean the natural approach doesn’t work. It would be a shame to test one that simply isn’t strong enough and then throw in the towel to head back to the dark side of synthetics, aye? |
Skin Irritations and Allergic Reactions
If you’ve experienced rashes or allergies from conventional deodorants, switching to a natural alternative might be the solution. Common culprits of skin irritations include synthetic fragrances and phthalates found in many conventional products. Natural deodorants usually avoid these harmful ingredients and instead use ingredients that are gentler on sensitive skin.
However, it’s important to note that some people may still experience allergic reactions due to individual sensitivities to certain ingredients like baking soda or essential oils. If this happens, don’t worry. There are still plenty of natural deodorants that cater to those with sensitive skin, and you may need to experiment to find the perfect match for your body.
Managing Wetness and Odor
Natural deodorants work by targeting the odor caused by sweat rather than stopping you from sweating altogether. While they may not keep you completely dry like conventional antiperspirants, they can still be effective in managing odor. Ingredients with antibacterial properties, such as tea tree oil and coconut oil, help to neutralize the bacteria that cause unwanted smells.
To ensure you’re getting the most out of your natural deodorant:
- Apply it to clean, dry armpits
- Be consistent with your application
- Give your body time to adapt to the new product
Does Natural Deodorant Stain Clothes?
Just like conventional deodorants, natural deodorants can sometimes cause staining or residue on your clothes. This can happen due to the oils and ingredients they contain. To minimize the chances of this happening, follow these tips:
- Apply a thin layer to your armpits and let it dry before getting dressed
- Use a stain remover on any spots or residue as needed
- Okay, this last one is a bit of a cop-out but remember that many conventional deodorants also stain clothes over time, as well as the valid reasons for using a natural one!
As your body needs time to adapt to a natural deodorant, and there may be an adjustment period. With just a little patience and experimentation, you’ll find the perfect natural deodorant for you and enjoy the benefits it brings to your health and well-being.
I believe that once you go this route, you’ll never go back. Those conventional potions are way too crass when you’ve become accustomed to the creamy natural ones.
Benefits of Natural Deodorant for Sensitive Skin
Sensitive skin can be a challenge when it comes to finding the right deodorant. Thankfully, there are natural deodorants available that cater to this specific need. They are gentle on the skin, free of harsh chemicals, and often paraben-free, which helps avoid irritating your underarms.
Favorite Brands
One of the nicer brands for sensitive skin I’ve had the pleasure of discovering recently is The Natural Deodorant Co. Specifically designed for those with delicate skin, their Gentle Deodorant Cream is formulated without baking soda. These creams come in various delicious scents. I reviewed their Active deodorant balm, which was super effective at keeping me fresh all day long. I ordered it straight from the U.K. as part of a Beauty Box, but will likely get it here, through Amazon next time.
Another great natural deodorant option is Schmidt’s. They have a range of natural deodorants in very nice, simple, and fresh fragrances. Not only are their deodorants free of harsh chemicals like aluminum and parabens, but they also carry a version without baking soda for those with extra-sensitive skin.
Schmidt’s has been all over department store shelves for years, and for good reason. I usually have some of these sticks laying around the house. It’s a perfectly natural and simple product that will keep you fresh throughout the day. It’s hard to beat the convenience of picking up a perfectly natural deodorant at Target or Walmart. However, if you prefer supporting small, independent businesses, Schmidt’s has been acquired by Unilever in 2017.
Beauty by Earth is another favorite brand for natural deodorants, offering a variety of scents to choose from. Their formula is lightweight, non-greasy, and specifically designed to be gentle on sensitive skin. It’s also free of harmful chemicals like parabens and aluminum, giving you peace of mind when applying it to your skin.
Last but not least, if you’re feeling the homemade vibe, whipping up a natural deodorant cream in the kitchen is not all that far-fetched either. Check out this Homemade Deodorant Recipe, Super Soft & Creamy.
Well, that’s about it for now – I hope you’re closer to finding your ideal natural deodorant, or at least have gotten somewhat excited about the prospect of switching to a healthier one.
It’s all about that fresh and confident feeling. No matter how natural something is, it still needs to work. Now that you know the two aren’t mutually exclusive, let’s get sweaty!
