Should You Consider Using
Natural Deodorants?

Aluminum is found in antiperspirants and is used to help block the sweat glands from producing sweat. And while at present there does not seem to be a link to cancer some concerns have been raised over whether the aluminum is absorbed into the breast tissue where it could possibly cause estrogen like effects. Estrogen is thought to increase the risk of breast cancer. More studies are needed.

Aluminum has also been linked to Alzheimers and here too the studies have been inconclusive. Leaving us with no real answers. But to me there are enough unanswered concerns that they warrant consideration.

In order to stop perspiration a high percentage of aluminum needs to be present. Since antiperspirant may be used throughout a lifetime that means more exposure to aluminum. Until more is known, I'll try to keep aluminum exposure to a minimum.

This common preservative is found in many of our personal care products. It has been found stored in breast tissue in some women which raises issues as to how this might affect our health. In trying to limit my exposure to so many toxins, especially those that tend to hang around inside the body, I have chosen to try and not buy any products that contain parabens.

If you check your products on the Skin Deep Database you will see that fragrance almost always is considered a high hazard ingredient. It is a generic term that tells us nothing. Often it contains synthetic ingredients that are considered harmful. It is also the first ingredient to consider if a product causes irritation. Even the term natural fragrance is questionable.

Crystal deodorants are an interesting choice. They come in a dry form which you wet to apply and it is available in a roll-on form.

Crystal deodorants work by rubbing the dampened crystal on your underarms. A thin layer of minerals that you don't see 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. They do not block pores and stop perspiration.

Solid crystal deodorant usually has no scent, is not sticky and will not mark or stain fabrics. I've noticed the roll-on forms may have extras like essential oils. Read the labels and make sure they are safe ingredients.

Natural deodorants rely on vegetable enzymes, herbs or essential oils to neutralize or destroy odors. Many natural ingredients are known for their antibacterial qualities. Ingredients like lavender and mint are just a few that work on odors and also provide a pleasant scent. Tea tree oil and sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) also work very well for destroying odors.

Using Natural Deodorant

For me, keeping harmful and questionable ingredients to a minimum is important. So I have tried to find a middle ground. If need be I will use an anti-antiperspirant during the summer months and for those occasions when perspiration is particularly unwanted. To be on the safe side I do not apply directly after shaving because there is some thought that a nick in the skin might allow the aluminum to enter the body more easily. (there has been no hard evidence that this is true, I am just more comfortable with this approach)

Other times I use natural deodorant. Repeated application during the day is sometimes necessary to keep perspiration odor in check and sometimes even then I am not happy with the results. I have found it helps to apply deodorant to clean skin which is sometimes hard when out and about. In a pinch natural baby wipes to the rescue just choose those without a fragrance.

It's also really important that you thoroughly remove perspiration odor from clothing when washing. When you perspire during the day and clothing becomes moist any odors left in the clothing will start to stink and it seems like your natural deodorant quit but it just might be your clothing instead of you. Perspiration odors can be hard to remove.

Try these natural suggestions: