What Is Natural Deodorant? Ingredients and Benefits
Consumers are turning to natural solutions in deodorant formulas. The shift comes from a desire for products that don't contain harsh chemicals and align with a holistic lifestyle.
Whether it's due to health concerns, such as the fear of breast cancer and other life-threatening illnesses, or simply wanting a gentler formula, getting natural options can be the perfect solution.
Like their conventional counterparts, natural formulas are effective in eliminating body odors minus the harsh ingredients.
If you want to get started with your journey to find an alternative to an aluminum-based antiperspirant or deodorant, we're here to help.
Here’s an overview of what goes into a natural deodorant, detailing the ingredients that make it beneficial and the reasons why it's the best choice for your personal care routine.
What Is Natural Deodorant?
Natural deodorants are personal hygiene products designed to control body odor without using synthetic ingredients like artificial fragrances and preservatives.
Unlike conventional deodorants, these organic formulas rely on the potency of naturally derived ingredients to neutralize odor-causing bacteria. This makes them more gentle and suitable for most skin types.
Common ingredients that you will likely find in such products include:
- Plant-based disinfectants: Coconut oil, tea tree oil, and witch hazel are only a few of the plant-based ingredients used in natural deodorants to eliminate bacteria.
- Absorbent ingredients: Substances like baking soda and arrowroot powder are known for their ability to absorb moisture, which helps in keeping the underarm area dry and comfortable.
- Essential oils: Oils like sandalwood and bergamot provide a subtle scent to make you smell good while feeling fresh. Tea tree and lavender, on the other hand, possess antibacterial properties that neutralize the effects of odor-causing bacteria.
Natural formulas are also known for being aluminum-free. Aluminum is commonly found in drugstore antiperspirants, and it is used to block sweat glands. Because of this, it has been linked to certain diseases like breast cancer.
Fortunately, natural deodorants work WITHOUT impeding the body's ability to sweat. Instead, it uses absorbent and moisture-wicking ingredients to keep the underarms dry and fresh.
For individuals with sensitive underarm skin, natural deodorants are a great alternative. Their aluminum-free formulation does not interfere with the body's natural processes and reduces the likelihood of irritation, making it a suitable option.
The Natural Ingredients in Natural Deodorants
While natural deodorants aim to replace many ingredients from conventional ones, they still contain other chemicals in the form of natural compounds that help them work effectively.
These active ingredients are derived from sources found in nature and are often gentler on the skin, making it great for those who easily get an allergic reaction from harsh chemicals.
Natural deodorants boast a variety of NATURAL INGREDIENTS. These ingredients work in harmony to eliminate bacteria, neutralize body odor, and absorb excess moisture, helping you feel fresh, comfortable, and confident all day.
Here are some of the most common ones that you might find in your deodorant's ingredient list:
- Organic coconut oil: This acts as a skin conditioner, which helps with smooth application and in eliminating bacteria. While you can also find coconut oil in your traditional deodorants, you will notice that natural deodorants tend to have more organic versions.
- Baking soda: This neutralizes pH levels on the skin, reducing unwanted smell and absorbing moisture. Baking soda is also a common ingredient used for those who want to make their own deodorant at home.
- Shea butter: This moisturizes and protects the underarm area while also helping the deodorant to glide easily upon application. It contains vitamins A and E that maintain skin health, plus it's known for its anti-inflammatory and skin-soothing properties. Shea butter is another common ingredient, along with baking soda, that you can use when creating a homemade deodorant.
- Arrowroot powder: This is found in both conventional and natural, aluminum-free deodorants. It absorbs moisture and helps keep the underarms dry without clogging the pores. Arrowroot powder is comparable to baking soda; however, it may not be as accessible as the latter.
- Cocoa butter: This nourishes the skin with vitamins and fatty acids. It creates a barrier on the underarms to retain moisture, ensuring that the underarms stay smooth. They also contain essential oils that are perfect for skin nourishment.
- Tapioca starch: This helps absorb moisture and oils, ensuring that the underarms feel dry and comfortable. For people who are looking for an alternative to baking soda, tapioca starch is a great choice.
- Activated charcoal: This detoxifies the underarms by drawing out impurities and bacteria, aiding in odor control. Activated charcoal is also a common ingredient in other personal care products.
- White tea: This contains antioxidants that soothe the skin and help reduce irritation while keeping the underarm area fresh.
What makes natural deodorants appealing is the simplicity of their ingredients. They're infused with familiar components, unlike the long list of chemicals typically found in regular deodorants.
With these familiar ingredients, it is easier to create your own natural deodorant formula. However, purchasing one is simply MORE CONVENIENT while ensuring that you get the most for your underarm care.
TIP: If you have sensitive skin, select a fragrance-free organic deodorant option to minimize the risk of allergic reactions. While natural scents are less likely to irritate than synthetic ones, they can still cause sensitivities in some individuals.
Why Switch to Natural Deodorant?
Sweating is a natural body function. However, when the body is producing EXCESSIVE moisture and bacteria start metabolizing sweat into acids and produce odor, it becomes a problem.
For most people, it decreases their confidence and self-esteem. That's why they try every solution to address such issues, like using traditional or natural deodorants.
Traditional deodorants target underarm bacteria to eliminate odor. Oftentimes, manufacturers include fragrances to give off a pleasant smell. However, this DOES NOT inhibit sweating.
If the primary concern is excessive sweating, an aluminum-containing antiperspirant is likely used.
Unlike deodorant formulas, antiperspirants use aluminum salts to block sweat glands and prevent moisture. These are often scented to provide effective odor protection.
There are formulations which combine deodorants and antiperspirants in one. This has become ideal for those seeking to prevent sweat and maintain a fresh scent throughout their busy day.
But why do you still have to switch to natural options when you have traditional ones? Well, there are plenty of reasons why you should consider switching to natural deodorant. Here are some of them:
- Natural deodorants use natural fragrances or an essential oil to neutralize odors.
- It DOES NOT contain harsh chemicals, such as parabens and aluminum, that are likely to cause serious health conditions with long-term use.
- Natural ingredients keep your underarm microbiome healthy; it does not eliminate good bacteria that maintain skin health.
- It does not completely impede your body's ability to sweat, and its formula is less likely to cause skin irritation.
- The skin's pH balance influences the body's smell, and maintaining it is essential. Natural deodorants support this balance and offer odor control, complemented by a gentle scent.
Natural deodorant is a great solution to address body odor. It ensures that you feel FRESH and COMFORTABLE all day, minus the synthetic fragrances and chemicals!
What is the Difference Between Deodorant and Antiperspirant?
Deodorants and antiperspirants may seem like they serve similar purposes. But they function through different mechanisms. One is more focused on subduing odors, while the other focuses on stopping sweat.
Deodorants combat body odor using their antimicrobial properties. These are often derived from mineral salts and ethanol, which kill bacteria. These antimicrobial agents ensure the underarms remain smelling fresh without impeding natural sweat production.
Antiperspirants differ as they use aluminum as an active ingredient to stop sweat and reduce moisture by temporarily blocking sweat glands. This also helps prevent the growth of odor-causing bacteria by keeping the skin dry.
Current scientific evidence does not conclusively link aluminum-based products to breast cancer or Alzheimer’s disease. Nonetheless, the potential health concerns have fueled the popularity of ALUMINUM-FREE deodorants and antiperspirants.
Aluminum-free options, particularly natural formulas, contain ingredients like baking soda, coconut oil, natural fragrance, essential oils, and magnesium hydroxide to control odor.
Choosing between a deodorant and an antiperspirant often depends on individual needs and personal preferences. It's essential to consider how you react to different formulas and select products that align with your health, comfort, and lifestyle.
FAST FACT: Recent studies have raised questions about whether traditional products alter the skin’s microbiome. The microbiome is said to be sensitive to chemicals and compounds. That's why some consumers opt for natural products that support the skin's balance and health.
Natural Deodorants: Covering Smell, Not Sweat
Switching to a natural deodorant WON'T stop you from sweating because it lacks antiperspirant ingredients, such as aluminum salts that you typically find in traditional variants.
It may take time for your underarms to adjust when transitioning to a natural product. This period is a NORMAL part of the process as your body acclimates to an aluminum-free formula.
One benefit of using an organic deodorant is the retention of your innate scent signature. This personal scent is part of who you are, and masking it entirely isn't necessary to feel clean and confident.
Additionally, using a deodorant that completely gets rid of odor also gets rid of good bacteria, thus affecting your underarm's microbiome.
Furthermore, chemicals found in regular antiperspirants, particularly those containing aluminum, can irritate the skin. This is especially true for sensitive skin types, which may react negatively to harsh ingredients.
Looking for an aluminum-free deodorant is a good option for those who want to neutralize unwanted scents and smell fresh without the use of aluminum-based compounds.
In some cases, a natural deodorant may be a better choice, especially if you don't have a medical condition that requires an antiperspirant prescribed by a doctor.
REMEMBER: Sweating is an innate bodily function, and the right natural deodorant focuses on masking odors without interfering in sweat production, unlike antiperspirant solutions.
Your Diet and Natural Body Odor
Your diet plays a significant role in determining your natural body odor. What you eat can influence the scent your body emits — certain foods may have a more pronounced effect on how you smell.
A 2006 study from the Chemical Senses Journal explored the effects of diet on natural body odor and found that food can alter the intensity and pleasantness of natural smells.
Consuming red meat, for example, has been associated with a MORE INTENSE body odor. Foods classified as red meat include beef, lamb, and pork, among others.
Similarly, eating spices with strong scents, like garlic or onions, can also impact the way your body smells, as the compounds responsible for their strong aroma can be excreted through the pores.
Increasing the intake of fruits and vegetables, on the other hand, may lead to a more pleasant body odor. These foods are rich in fibers and antioxidants, which can have a positive effect on your scent.
This DOES NOT imply that you must completely eliminate certain foods from your diet. However, being aware of how your diet affects your natural odors can help you understand and possibly manage how you smell throughout the day.
Benefits for Clothes and Sweating
Sweat can react with aluminum compounds in your antiperspirant, causing stubborn yellow stains on clothes and leading to discoloration.
Opting for an aluminum-free deodorant is one effective way to prevent staining. Without aluminum compounds, the discolorations are significantly reduced, keeping your clothes clean and fresh.
Organic ingredients in natural formulas, such as coconut oil and essential oils, minimize the white residue that conventional deodorant products leave behind. These are less likely to soil dark, light, and tight-fitting clothes.
Besides not staining your clothes, many consumers also report reduced sweating after switching to a natural deodorant.
Without certain chemicals, the body can produce sweat normally. While you would initially produce more during the transition period, your body will slowly adapt, leading to NATURAL sweat reduction.
Changing to natural deodorant options can be beneficial, particularly for those who have concerns about excessive sweating. These are also great alternatives if you want to ditch stains and residue that ruin your clothes.
Key Takeaways on Natural Deodorants
An organic deodorant is a gentler alternative for your underarms. It does not contain harsh chemicals and allows your body to breathe and function naturally.
Natural deodorant tackles body odor using naturally derived ingredients to eliminate odor-causing bacteria. This keeps you feeling FRESH and CONFIDENT without interfering with natural sweat production.
Choosing the right deodorant is about finding a product that is effective at odor control WITHOUT using bad ingredients that could result in serious health conditions with long-term use.
A great example of a gentle yet effective option is the Fresh Monster Natural Deodorant for Kids. It empowers even the young to feel confident about their natural odor minus the harmful substances.
