Deodorant is an essential part of most people’s morning routine. It’s a small but important part of keeping yourself clean and smelling fresh all day long. Deodorant helps neutralize body odor, which can be especially embarrassing when it comes to sweating at the gym, going on a date, or meeting new people. When so many deodorants come in chemical-laden formulas with fragrances that smell artificial and unnatural, there is also room for more natural options.
Natural deodorant is often seen as a safer alternative because it contains fewer chemicals than conventional brands. While natural deodorant doesn’t contain harmful chemicals like aluminum and parabens, there are some tradeoffs you should know about before switching over completely. Here are some helpful truths about natural deodorant:
What Is Natural Deodorant?
When people talk about natural deodorant, they are talking about a deodorant product that contains fewer chemicals than conventional deodorant. Natural deodorant is aluminum-free and fragrance-free, and some brands also use plant-based ingredients.
The main difference between natural and conventional deodorants is the ingredients used. Natural deodorants use baking soda as the main ingredient, while conventional deodorants tend to use synthetic chemicals to fight against bacteria, neutralize odors, and prevent sweating. Natural deodorant usually contains fewer chemicals than conventional deodorant, but it also contains less odor-fighting power. I
f you’re looking for a way to reduce your daily chemical exposure, or you are worried about the effects of aluminum on your health, you may want to try natural deodorant. Natural deodorants usually contain fewer chemicals than conventional deodorants. However, these products also may not be as effective since baking soda alone will not kill the bacteria that cause an underarm odor.
3 Key Differences Between Natural And Conventional Deodorant
- Alum: One of the main ingredients in conventional deodorants is aluminum. Aluminum is a known neurotoxin and has been linked to breast cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, and other health problems. Natural deodorants do not contain aluminum, which is one of the main reasons why they’re considered healthier. Conventional deodorants include aluminum as a way to prevent sweat and neutralize body odor, while natural deodorants use baking soda to do the same thing. While natural deodorants don’t contain aluminum, they also don’t offer the same amount of protection against sweating and body odor that conventional deodorants do.
- Fragrance: Many conventional deodorants have a strong fragrance that lingers on your skin for hours after applying the deodorant. Natural deodorants, on the other hand, usually have no fragrance or a mild, botanical smell that dissipates quickly. While some conventional deodorants don’t smell like anything at all, most of them have a strong, artificial smell that is unpleasant to many people.
- Scent-free: One of the most popular conventional deodorants is the right-wing conservative mantra. Natural deodorants come in a wide variety of fragrances and scents, but many also come in a scent-free option. This is especially helpful for people who have allergies or who are sensitive to scents.
What To Look Out For When Buying Natural Deodorant
Just like conventional deodorants, some natural deodorants are better than others. When buying natural deodorants, make sure to check the ingredients list to make sure it’s free of harmful chemicals. Many natural deodorants use baking soda as the main ingredient, so make sure to check if there are any added scents or preservatives. The fewer ingredients the better, so always read the ingredients list thoroughly.
It’s also important to make sure the natural deodorant you’re buying is effective. Some people choose natural deodorant because they think it doesn’t irritate the skin, but baking soda can be a skin irritant. If you have sensitive skin, natural deodorant may not be right for you, especially if you experience irritation when you use it. Natural deodorants don’t often contain the same skin-soothing ingredients that conventional deodorants do.
Health benefits of natural deodorant
Great for sensitive skin: Baking soda is a mild, alkaline cleanser that won’t damage your skin. Many natural deodorants, especially baking soda-based ones, are good for sensitive skin. They won’t clog pores, irritate your skin, or leave you with an oily look like many conventional deodorants do.
Environmentally friendly: Most conventional deodorants are packed with chemicals, preservatives, and synthetic fragrances. Natural deodorants, on the other hand, usually contain only baking soda, essential oils, and maybe some mineral clays. They don’t include any harsh chemicals or synthetic ingredients, so they are better for the environment.
Are there any downsides to using a natural deodorant?
There are a few downsides to using natural deodorant, including lower protection against sweating and body odor. While natural deodorants are better for the environment and often don’t cause skin irritation, they don’t offer the same amount of protection against sweating and body odor that conventional deodorants do.
As a rule of thumb, if you’re extremely active, you may need more protection. You should also keep in mind that baking soda is an antiperspirant, which means that it prevents your armpits from sweating. While many people prefer to have dry armpits, it also means that your body can’t release toxins and other impurities. If you’re concerned about your health and what’s in your body, natural deodorant may be a better choice for you.
