After rumors that aluminum in antiperspirants can cause breast cancer and other health issues, more people are switching to natural deodorants. These products can be found in various forms, including sticks, gels, sprays, and creams.
Free of aluminum, parabens, phthalates, and synthetic fragrances, this unscented option is an excellent choice for those with sensitive skin. It also provides practical, long-lasting odor control.
Non toxic deodorant brands make their products with safe, natural ingredients. They avoid ingredients such as aluminum, phthalates, parabens and triclosan, which have been linked to a variety of health concerns. Instead, they typically use baking soda and arrowroot powder to neutralize body odor. They also incorporate essential oils for a pleasant smell. These natural ingredients are much better for your skin and the environment.
Many deodorants use a synthetic antiperspirant ingredient called silica to absorb perspiration. However, when it is absorbed into the skin, silica can trigger allergic reactions. It can also be contaminated with crystalline quartz, which is a known carcinogen. Additionally, the process of mining and processing silica often uses toxic chemicals such as chlorine and triclosan.
Another common chemical is parabens, which are used as preservatives in many conventional deodorants and other beauty products. They are known endocrine disruptors and have been linked to breast cancer. The best nontoxic deodorants are free of parabens and other toxins, including propylene glycol, which is a petroleum-derived ingredient that gives cosmetics their smooth consistency. The best organic deodorants are free of GMO ingredients and pesticides, as well.
When shopping for a nontoxic deodorant, read the label to ensure that it is made without synthetic fragrances, parabens, propylene glycol and talc. The best deodorants will also be formulated with organic and/or ethically harvested ingredients. Those with organic ingredients will be sourced using sustainable farming practices and must pass USDA certification.
When switching to a new deodorant, some people may experience a detox phase as the body rids itself of chemicals and toxins that have been masked or blocked by conventional antiperspirants. This can last a few days to a couple of weeks. During this time, it’s important to maintain good hygiene and wear clean clothing to prevent irritation. Also, it’s a good idea to keep hydrated and exercise frequently.
Formulation
Many DIYers choose to make their own natural deodorants, and the options are abundant. Just be sure to read labels carefully. Many non-toxic deodorants rely on baking soda, shea butter, coconut oil, and various essential oils for their odor-neutralizing and antibacterial properties. It’s also important to avoid any ingredients that raise concerns, such as aluminum (common in antiperspirants), parabens, phthalates, and triclosan.
The underarms are particularly sensitive and more prone to irritation from harsh chemicals. The apocrine glands are densely located here, so harmful ingredients can easily penetrate the skin and affect the hormone system. Aluminum may interfere with estrogen receptors, while phthalates and parabens have been linked to breast cancer.
A number of brands are committed to creating high-quality natural and vegan deodorants. For example, indie beauty brand Native offers a range of natural products that are free from aluminum, baking soda, and perfumes. They’re known for their commitment to sustainable, eco-friendly packaging.
Another brand to watch is Crystal, which recently debuted a line of organic magnesium-enriched natural deodorant. Their formulations are free of aluminum, parabens and baking soda, and feature a non-sticky formula with a light, floral scent. They’re also made with shea and mango butters to soothe the skin.
Other natural deodorant options include Formula Botanica’s Shea-Magnesium Solid Deodorant, which is formulated to be gentle on the underarms and contains arrowroot powder for absorbency. They’re also free of talc, propylene glycol, and alum.
In order to make your own natural deodorant at home, you’ll need a scale, a water bath, glass beakers, hot plate, spatulas and spoons, and a suitable pop-up or twist-up tube container. Measure out your ingredients and prepare them as separate phases. Melt the ingredients in phase A, then add in phase B when the mixture is a uniform consistency. Mix well, remove from the heat, and allow to cool down. Once it’s fully cooled, you can pour into your desired container and label it. The key to a successful homemade deodorant is to avoid using too much baking soda, as it can irritate the skin.
Scent
Many non-toxic deodorants focus on natural fragrances to keep you smelling fresh. They also tend to avoid ingredients such as talc, baking soda, parabens, and synthetic fragrances which can be irritating for some people. Instead, they utilize ingredients like arrowroot powder and plant-based oils to neutralize odor, and often add a light scent to help you feel clean all day. They may also include essential oils such as lavender and tea tree to provide a pleasant aroma.
Many of these deodorants are available in stick and spray formulas, as well as vegan options. They’re also usually formulated with organic ingredients and made with sustainable packaging. Some brands even contribute to charitable causes and eco-conscious initiatives to support the environment.
Aluminum in deodorant is a common concern, but according to Penn Medicine, most studies indicate that it cannot penetrate the skin and cause toxicity. Moreover, it would need to be absorbed in large quantities for this to happen. Nevertheless, some people do experience a detox phase when they switch to a new deodorant, which can last a few days or a couple of weeks. This is due to the body ridding itself of toxins that were previously masked by antiperspirants.
Another common ingredient to avoid is triclosan, an antibacterial agent that’s been linked to antibiotic resistance and the development of resistant bacteria. Some studies suggest that triclosan can disrupt the hormonal balance in humans and lead to a variety of health problems, including atrophic breasts, vaginitis, and urinary tract infections.
If you’re looking for a deodorant that will stand up to heavy sweating, LoveFresh’s Super Strength Deodorant offers around twice the baking soda of many other natural options, plus arrowroot powder and other absorbent ingredients. It’s also free of talc, and uses only essential oil for fragrance.
For a more traditional option, try Tom’s of Maine, which has been around for almost 50 years and is known as a socially minded company. They donate to charity, encourage their employees to volunteer, and work with TerraCycle to ensure customers recycle their packaging.
Each & Every’s natural deodorant is unique in that it uses dead sea salt to absorb odor, and comes in a wide variety of scent combinations. The brand also doesn’t use any talc or parabens, and their packaging is made from sugarcane. Their deodorants are also vegan and gluten-free.
Packaging
When it comes to choosing an eco-conscious deodorant, the packaging is just as important as the formula. Many brands are embracing sustainable materials in their deodorant packaging, such as paper-based or biodegradable plastics. This helps to reduce waste and pollution, and also aligns with the values of eco-conscious consumers.
For example, Routine offers a zero-waste natural deodorant packaged in cardboard tubes coated with plant-based wax. This allows the deodorant to stay waterproof, but is still compostable and recyclable. Their deodorants are free from aluminum, parabens, and synthetic preservatives, as well as vegan and cruelty-free. They also donate 1% of their revenue to the Ocean Conservancy through their 1% for the Planet membership.
Another brand that prioritizes sustainability is Fat and the Moon, which uses organic ingredients in their deodorants. They offer a variety of unique scents like geranium and lemon, and their deodorants are formulated with arrowroot powder and baking soda. They also use reusable glass jars for their deodorants, which can be recycled again and again after each use.
Lastly, some brands are experimenting with compostable deodorant packaging. This is an alternative to traditional plastics, which can take hundreds of years to break down and are harmful to the environment. Compostable deodorant packaging will break down into natural organic matter, leaving behind nutrient-rich soil. This type of deodorant packaging is also good for the planet because it requires less energy and resources to produce than plastics, as well as it cuts down on landfill waste and pollution.
Some brands are also experimenting with other types of sustainable deodorant packaging, such as paper-based and biodegradable plastics. These materials help to reduce waste and pollution, as well as align with the values of eco-conscious consumers. Some brands are even offering refillable deodorant options, which can reduce the need for new packaging with each purchase.
One company that is leading the way in sustainable deodorant packaging is Schmidt’s, which offers a non-toxic natural deodorant made with organic essential oils and no aluminum, parabens, or synthetics. Their products are gluten-free and vegan, and they are made in a solar powered facility. The zero-waste option from Hammond Herbs includes a combination of natural and organic ingredients such as shea butter, coconut oil, arrowroot powder, and baking soda. Their formula is also free from alcohol, talc, phthalates, propylene glycol, and mineral salts.