Should You Consider Using
Natural Deodorants?

Natural deodorants are still the better choice for a healthy body.

We've all heard the concerns about aluminum in deodorants and antiperspirants. The FDA, Mayo Clinic and the American Cancer Society all say there is no conclusive evidence that aluminum in deodorants are a link to cancer.

You'd think that would be good enough for me but from what I'm finding in my research, I think more studies are needed to provide an answer. There are still too many unanswered questions for me, I'm not convinced.

There is also the presence of parabens in deodorants, this common preservative is found in many of our personal care products. The EWG gives it a moderately safe rating but in trying to limit my exposure to so many toxins I have chosen to try and not buy any products that
contain parabens.

Fortunately many companies that create natural deodorants have chosen to eliminate this ingredient so this is not a problem to find.

When it comes to my health, I have to go with the choice that feels right for me. I choose to use natural deodorants on a regular basis and limit my use of antiperspirants.

Deodorants and AntiPerspirants are not the same.

Deodorants and antiperspirants are different products that do different things. Antiperspirants work by blocking or closing pores with aluminum, so you can't perspire or don't perspire as much.

Aluminum has quite a bit of controversy surrounding it. It has been linked with breast cancer and Alzheimer. It is thought to collect in the fatty tissues and be retained in the body.

Deodorants are actually better than anti-perspirants because they do not block the body's natural process, sweating. Sweating is good for us it allows the body to purge toxins. But there are times that sweating is not a good thing.

Finding one that works.

It has been a challenge to find a natural deodorant that I like. And I'm not alone. I've read reviews and message boards looking for a brand that seems to be the all time favorite but I don't see one brand with a clear lead.

This appears to be a product that it either works for you or it doesn't. I think each persons body chemistry is different so you will probably have to try several different kinds to find one that works. I have good results from Jason's, they can be found at health food stores and online.

Natural deodorants use several different ingredients to stop bacteria from causing odors. Vegetable enzymes, herbs or essential oils are the most frequently used.

What about crystal deodorants?

Crystal deodorants are another interesting choice. Crystal deodorants come as the dry crystal which you wet to apply. It is also available in a roll-on form.

Crystal deodorants work by rubbing the dampened crystal on your underarms, a thin layer of minerals are left behind. These mineral salts stop bacteria which cause odor while allowing the skin to breath and perspire naturally.

The mineral contains alum, a compound found in nature and present all around us in our air, water and soils. It is the 3rd most abundant mineral in nature and it is used to make aluminum. The alum in deodorant crystals has larger molecules than the smaller molecules found in aluminum. These larger molecules are not absorbed by the body so they do not block pores and stop perspiration.

The solid crystal deodorant has no scent, is not sticky, will not mark or stain fabrics, contain no aluminum, parabens or synthetics of any kind. I've noticed the roll-on forms may have extras. Read the labels and make sure they are safe ingredients.

When I choose a natural deodorant, I read the labels or stick with a company that I know and trust. I prefer brands that use essential oils both for their fragrance and for all the healthful benefits essential oils provide. I stay away from products that just use the word fragrance, there's no telling what ingredients they contain. See nontoxic skin care.

Natural deodorants are a choice I have made for myself. But you be the judge. I am including a few websites that can be a starting place for your own research.

I have found it particularly helpful to go to go to the Environmental Working Group database of products, Skin Deep and check out brands before I buy. They make it easy to see if products include harmful chemicals or animal ingredients and also whether it has been tested on animals.

If you are interested in more information on this topic I have included links to the following reports:

From CBS News

And from The National Cancer Institute

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