For anyone who has used a "natural" deodorant, you know the struggle. You feel self-conscious because you feel moist under the pits, or you feel unnecessarily smelly, and then you end out giving up and going back to store-bought; OR you learn the hard way of the baking-soda rashes under the pits that literally BURN.
To understand the benefits of Natural Deodorant, we need to understand what's so wrong about the store-bought deodorant, and what it does to our bodies. As someone who has used store-bought DEO my whole life, and barely finding something that actually works, I feel pretty confident having tried and failed with so many natural deodorants before. I'm just a Potato blogger/podcaster who likes to smell nice. SUE ME.
How Do Aluminum-Based Deodorants Work?
Glad you asked, because I'm here to tell you! Aluminum-based deodorants work by reducing the amount of sweat produced by the body and inhibiting the growth of odor-causing bacteria on the skin.
Sweating is a natural process that helps regulate body temperature and remove toxins from the body. However, sweat can also create an environment for bacteria to grow, which can cause body odor.Aluminum-based deodorants contain aluminum salts, such as aluminum chloride, that are designed to reduce the amount of sweat produced by the body. These salts form a temporary plug in the sweat ducts, which reduces the amount of sweat that is able to reach the skin surface.
In addition to reducing sweat production, aluminum-based deodorants also contain antibacterial agents that help inhibit the growth of odor-causing bacteria on the skin. This helps to keep the underarm area smelling fresh and clean. Apart from the fact that "plugging your skin holes to stop sweat from coming to the surface." How else were you personally harmed by this explanation? (joking... dont sue me for emotional harm)
What are the Long-Term Affects of Store-bought Deodorant with AND without Aluminum?
There is ongoing debate and scientific research regarding the potential long-term effects of using store-bought deodorants with and without aluminum. While some studies have suggested possible links between aluminum exposure and health concerns such as breast cancer and Alzheimer's disease, the evidence is still inconclusive and more research is needed.
Here are some of the potential long-term effects that have been suggested by various studies:
Aluminum-based deodorants
Breast cancer: Some studies have suggested a possible link between aluminum exposure and breast cancer, particularly due to the fact that aluminum has been found in breast tissue. However, the evidence is not conclusive and other studies have found no significant association between aluminum exposure from deodorants and breast cancer risk.
Alzheimer's disease: Some studies have suggested a possible link between aluminum exposure and Alzheimer's disease, although the evidence is inconclusive and there is still debate among researchers about whether or not aluminum plays a role in the development of this disease.
Skin irritation: Some people may experience skin irritation or other adverse reactions from using aluminum-based deodorants, particularly if they have sensitive skin.
Non-aluminum-based deodorants
Skin irritation: Some people may experience skin irritation or other adverse reactions from using non-aluminum-based deodorants, particularly if they are sensitive to the ingredients in these products.
Ineffectiveness: Some people may find that non-aluminum-based deodorants are not as effective at controlling sweat and odor as aluminum-based deodorants.
Benefits of Natural Deodorants
Natural deodorants are deodorants that do not contain synthetic chemicals or aluminum, and instead use natural ingredients such as essential oils, plant extracts, and baking soda to control odor and sweat. Here are some potential benefits of using natural deodorants:
Avoidance of potentially harmful chemicals: Natural deodorants are typically free of synthetic chemicals, such as parabens, phthalates, and triclosan, which are commonly found in conventional deodorants. These chemicals have been linked to health concerns such as endocrine disruption, skin irritation, and cancer.
Reduced risk of skin irritation: Some people may experience skin irritation or other adverse reactions from using conventional deodorants, particularly those containing aluminum. Natural deodorants are often formulated with ingredients that are gentler on the skin and less likely to cause irritation.
Environmental friendliness: Natural deodorants are often packaged in recyclable or biodegradable materials, and the ingredients used in these products may be more sustainable and eco-friendly than those used in conventional deodorants.
Customizable fragrances: Natural deodorants often contain essential oils and other natural fragrances, which can be customized to suit individual preferences and may offer a wider variety of scent options than conventional deodorants.
Arrow Root Powder...FOR THE WIN!
If you're like me with a sensitivity to baking soda, and everything, you probably have given up on a lot of the natural deodorants on the market because they make you sweat excessively, or they give you a horrible rash....I thought I had officially needed to resign to being a little ball of swear because I get anxiety...until I discovered the holy grail of ingredients for sweating and natural deodorants!
Arrowroot powder is a natural ingredient that is commonly used in natural deodorants as a substitute for aluminum-based compounds. Here are some potential benefits of arrowroot powder for sweat control:
Absorbs moisture: Arrowroot powder has natural absorbent properties that can help to absorb moisture from the skin, which can help to reduce sweat and keep the underarm area dry.
Neutralizes odor: Arrowroot powder can help to neutralize odor-causing bacteria on the skin, which can help to prevent unpleasant odors.
Gentle on the skin: Arrowroot powder is a gentle ingredient that is less likely to cause skin irritation or other adverse reactions than some of the synthetic chemicals used in conventional deodorants.
Vegan and cruelty-free: Arrowroot powder is a natural and plant-based ingredient that is vegan-friendly and cruelty-free, which may be important for individuals who are concerned about animal welfare and environmental sustainability.
Overall, arrowroot powder is a natural and effective ingredient for controlling sweat and odor in natural deodorants. However, it is important to note that individual results may vary, and some people may still experience sweat and odor even when using arrowroot-based deodorants. Additionally, it is always a good idea to patch test new products on a small area of skin before using them on a larger area, particularly if you have sensitive skin.
Recommendations and Final Thoughts
Personally, I am HEAVILY advocating for a new natural deodorant I found, and ran out of, so I needed to sprint to find more: Green Goo
I urge anyone to try this brand out, and see how it works for them. I don't think I've ever be so relieved at how dry this keeps me throughout the day. As usual, I will encourage anyone to do their own research on what works for their own bodies, and to LISTEN to what your body is telling you. The skin is the bodies largest organ. The skin is considered the body's largest organ because it covers the entire surface of the body and is composed of multiple layers of tissue, including the epidermis (outermost layer), dermis (middle layer), and subcutaneous tissue (innermost layer). The skin has a total surface area of approximately 20 square feet in adults and can weigh up to 20 pounds. What that organ absorbs matters. Be gentle, be kind and be conscious of the items you place on your organ (lol).
RESOURCES:
Here are a few scholarly studies on the potential long-term effects of aluminum-based deodorants:
1. Darbre PD. "Aluminium, antiperspirants and breast cancer." Journal of Inorganic Biochemistry. 2005 Nov;99(9):1912-9. doi: 10.1016/j.jinorgbio.2005.06.001. PMID: 16045991. (source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16045991)
This review article discusses the potential link between aluminum exposure from antiperspirants and the development of breast cancer. The author notes that aluminum has been found in breast tissue, and that some studies have suggested a possible link between aluminum exposure and breast cancer risk.
2. Flarend R, et al. "A preliminary study of the dermal absorption of aluminum from antiperspirants using aluminum-26." Food and Chemical Toxicology. 2001 Apr;39(2):163-8. doi: 10.1016/s0278-6915(00)00121-6. PMID: 11106709. (source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11106709)
This study looked at the dermal absorption of aluminum from antiperspirants using a radioactive isotope of aluminum. The authors found that a small amount of aluminum was absorbed through the skin, but noted that the potential health effects of this absorption are unknown.
3. Mirick DK, et al. "Antiperspirant use and the risk of breast cancer." Journal of the National Cancer Institute. 2002 Dec 18;94(24):1904-11. doi: 10.1093/jnci/94.24.1904. PMID: 12488481. (source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12488481)
This case-control study found no significant association between antiperspirant use and breast cancer risk. However, the authors note that the study had some limitations, and that further research is needed to fully understand the potential effects of aluminum exposure from antiperspirants.
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