This week, Mary decodes: Different types of natural deodorant.
Not only is aluminum chloride in antiperspirant classified as a drug, but aluminum is considered a hazardous substance by The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry in the U.S.
Even though it has been deemed hazardous, aluminum toxicity in humans have been on the rise and an increasing concern in the healthcare industry.
Aluminum can be hidden in many parts of our daily lives, making it difficult to limit our exposure. For instance, aluminum is widely distributed in the environment and found in many foods we eat (corn, grains, tea leaves, yellow cheese, salt and spices and vegetables.) Aluminum can also be found in our drinking water, which is added during the purification process. It can also be found in our cosmetics and most widely known in antiperspirants.
Making the switch from antiperspirant to aluminum-free natural deodorant is one simple way to lessen our burden with aluminum chloride.
Whether you’re struggling to find a natural deodorant that works or your looking to make the switch, I help breakdown the most popular types of natural deodorant you’ll find and which ones you should try and avoid according to your body chemistry.
Baking soda is often included in many natural deodorant formulations because it is a powerful deodorizer (i.e. we use baking soda to absorb odors in our fridge). It works to create an alkaline environment that inhibits bacterial growth. However, baking soda is a known skin irritant and is very abrasive causing itchy, dry skin and armpit rashes. Deodorants with baking soda are often rough in texture and can become very stiff, causing extra friction on the underarms. Baking soda formulations often include starches such as arrowroot powder, which helps to absorb excess moisture.
Baking soda deodorant formulations can also be found in a pot format (applied using your fingers).
| Moisture-absorbing ability: | Moderate to high |
|---|---|
| Risk of irritation to ingredients: | Very high |
| Protection against breakthrough odor: | Moderate to high |
| Not recommended for: | Sensitive skin types |
Deodorant formulations with activated charcoal have the same powerful deodorizing properties of baking soda, however is more gentle on sensitive skin types. Not only does activated charcoal work to neutralize odor-causing bacteria, it also acts like a magnet and can pull toxins from your pores. Similar to baking soda formulations, charcoal deodorants often use starches such as arrowroot powder, to help absorb excess moisture.
| Moisture-absorbing ability: | Moderate to high |
|---|---|
| Risk of irritation to ingredients: | Very low |
| Protection against breakthrough odor: | Moderate to high |
| Not recommended for: | n/a (suitable for all skin types) |
Most salt sprays just consist of de-alkalized water and sodium – essentially salt water! Salt is naturally antibacterial, helping to kill odor-causing bacteria on your skin. Salt water formulations do not use starches or powders, which prevent the ability to absorb excess moisture.
Salt water deodorant formulations can also be found in a roll-on format.
| Moisture-absorbing ability: | Very low |
|---|---|
| Risk of irritation to ingredients: | Very low |
| Protection against breakthrough odor: | Moderate |
| Not recommended for: | Heavy sweaters |
Crystal rock deodorant has been around since the ‘80s. Similar to salt sprays, it is made of natural mineral salts. It works by creating a thin layer of salt on your underarms, which helps neutralize and prevent odor-causing bacteria. You either apply it onto wet armpits or you wet the crystal rock then apply to underarms. Crystal rocks do not use starches or powders, which prevent the ability to absorb excess moisture.
| Moisture-absorbing ability: | Very low |
|---|---|
| Risk of irritation to ingredients: | Very low |
| Protection against breakthrough odor: | Low to moderate |
| Not recommended for: | Heavy sweaters |
Some natural deodorants are formulated with water and a blend of antibacterial essential oils such as tea tree oil, lavender, eucalyptus, peppermint, and more. Certain essential oils can also neutralize and prevent the growth of odor-causing bacteria. Although essential oils are considered healthy and all-natural, when used in high levels in a deodorant, it can become a major skin irritant causing irritation and armpit rashes. Essential oil formulations do not use starches or powders, which prevent the ability to absorb excess moisture.
| Moisture-absorbing ability: | Very low |
|---|---|
| Risk of irritation to ingredients: | High |
| Protection against breakthrough odor: | Low to moderate |
| Not recommended for: | Heavy sweaters, sensitive skin types |
Not only does your body going through the stages of detox when you first make the switch, but it’s important to choose a natural deodorant type that works with the way your body perspires and how sensitive your skin may be.
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