Benefits of Using Aluminium Free Deodorant

Most people shopping for deodorant are simply looking for something with a nice fragrance, that will prevent underarm sweat and fight odor.

You’re not alone if you pick up a conventional antiperspirant at your local supermarket, with little thought about what the aluminum may be doing to your pores of your sensitive underarm skin. You might not even know what an aluminum free deodorant is, or be aware of the benefits of aluminum free.

But, the personal care products you use can have an impact on your health, so lets take a look at how antiperspirants work, why you might want to ditch them and the benefits of aluminium free deodorant.

Key Takeaways: Benefits of Using Aluminium Free Deodorant

1. Reduces Skin Irritation: Aluminium free deodorants are often gentler on the skin, making them suitable for individuals with sensitive skin. Unlike aluminium-based deodorants, these alternatives are less likely to cause irritation or rashes.
2. Avoids Blocking Sweat Glands: Aluminium compounds in traditional deodorants can block sweat glands, but aluminium-free options allow the body to sweat naturally. This natural process is crucial for temperature regulation and toxin release.
3. Minimizes Exposure to Potential Toxins: By avoiding aluminium, these deodorants reduce exposure to this element, which some studies suggest could be linked to health concerns. Although definitive connections are yet to be established, many prefer to err on the side of caution.
4. Potentially Safer for Breast Health: Some research indicates a possible link between aluminium in deodorants and breast health concerns, though the evidence is not conclusive. Using aluminium-free products can be a precautionary measure for those concerned about this potential risk.
5. Environmentally Friendly Options: Many aluminium-free deodorants come in eco-friendly packaging and use natural ingredients, making them a more sustainable choice for environmentally conscious consumers.
6. Suitable for All Skin Types: Aluminium free deodorants are generally well-tolerated by all skin types, including those prone to allergies or dermatological conditions. This inclusivity ensures a broader range of users can safely use these products.
7. No Yellow Staining on Clothes: One of the practical benefits is the reduction of yellow stains on clothes, which are often caused by the reaction between sweat and aluminium in traditional deodorants.
8. Fragrance and Chemical Sensitivities: For those sensitive to synthetic fragrances and chemicals, aluminium-free deodorants often provide a gentler alternative. They typically contain natural fragrances and fewer harsh chemicals.

Why is Aluminum in Antiperspirant Deodorants?

Aluminum, primarily in the form of compounds like aluminum chlorohydrate, plays a crucial role in antiperspirant deodorants. This ingredient is effective in reducing perspiration. It functions by interacting with sweat to form a temporary gel-like plug within the sweat ducts. Its use in antiperspirants highlights the targeted approach of these products in controlling sweat, in contrast to deodorants which primarily address body odor.

This action obstructs the flow of sweat to the skin’s surface, thereby reducing the amount of perspiration that is noticeable on the skin and clothing. Aluminum’s inclusion in antiperspirant formulations is driven by its efficacy in controlling sweat, which is a primary concern for many users seeking to reduce underarm wetness.

You’ll find aluminium salts in antiperspirants, but not in deodorant. Some people prefer to use aluminum free deodorant due to concern surrounding links to skin irritation and, more seriously but not yet proven, breast cancer.

When comparing deodorants and antiperspirants, the presence and role of aluminum compounds become a distinguishing factor. Deodorants are designed to mask or eliminate body odor without affecting the production of sweat. They typically contain ingredients that neutralize or mask the smell of perspiration.

On the other hand, antiperspirants, containing aluminum-based compounds like aluminum chlorohydrate, target sweat production directly. These compounds temporarily block the sweat glands, significantly reducing the amount of sweat that reaches the skin. This difference in action – odor control versus sweat reduction – is pivotal in understanding the unique purposes and benefits of each product type.

Aluminium-free deodorants, by allowing natural sweating, align with the body’s physiological processes. Unlike aluminium-based antiperspirants that block sweat ducts, these deodorants let the skin breathe and sweat naturally. This respect for the body’s innate functions is especially significant for those who prioritize natural bodily rhythms and processes.

While it’s important to understand that preventing underarm sweating doesn’t significantly hinder the body’s overall ability to detoxify, choosing a product that works in harmony with your body’s natural sweating process can be a preference for many seeking a more natural approach to personal care.

Possible negative effects of aluminium deodorants

Although the research into the possible negative effects of aluminium in deodorants such as causing breast cancer and Alzheimer’s is hardly conclusive, there are still reasons you might not want to be smothering it all over your underarms.

• Aluminium blocks your pores. Now, this isn’t hidden knowledge. It’s the reason that deodorant manufacturers use it. But our bodies are designed to sweat and stopping that function on a daily basis for most of our adult lives is unlikely to have positive effects.
• Perspiration not only cools you down when faced with excess heat, but helps your body get rid of toxins. Those clogged pores might block odor, but what else are they preventing your body from releasing?
• Aluminium antiperspirants often contain other chemicals such as parabens which have estrogen-like qualities that could mess with the natural balance of the body.
• It’s the aluminium in your deodorant that causes those annoying yellow stains in your clothes, not your sweat.
• Other ingredients such as harsh chemicals and synthetic fragrances can cause irritation.

Aluminium Free Deodorant Benefits

Aluminium salts are a popular ingredient in conventional antiperspirant deodorant as they block sweat glands and thus control sweat. Remember, the sweat glands excrete sweat to help you cool down and detox- and it’s not sweat that causes underarm odor, it’s a actually odor causing bacteria.

So, when you think about it, applying a substance that intentionally blocks your pores to prevent a natural bodily function has to be questionable at best. Sweating is one of the ways your body releases toxins so there are undeniably potential health effects to inhibiting this process.

Naturally, the average person doesn’t want to live with pit stains and horrific body odor, but there are natural options available which can provide odor protection and help you avoid irritation too.

Reduced Skin Irritation: Aluminium-free deodorants are often gentler on the skin. For individuals with skin sensitivity, these deodorants minimize the risk of irritation. The absence of aluminum compounds, which can be harsh on sensitive skin, makes these products a suitable choice for those seeking a milder alternative.

No Pore Blocking: Unlike antiperspirants that contain aluminum to block sweat glands, aluminium-free deodorants allow pores to remain open. This natural approach respects the body’s perspiration process, maintaining the skin’s ability to breathe and sweat naturally.

Potential Health Safety: The use of natural ingredients like Aloe vera, Lavandula (lavender), Citrus, Rosemary, and Geranium in aluminium-free deodorants aligns with a growing preference for products perceived as safer and more health-conscious. These ingredients are valued for their natural properties, offering a sense of reassurance for health-conscious consumers.

Less Clothing Stains: Aluminium compounds in antiperspirants can react with sweat to create yellow stains on clothing. Aluminium-free deodorants, devoid of these compounds, are less likely to cause such staining, preserving the appearance and longevity of clothes.

How Does Deodorant Without Aluminum Work?

Deodorants without aluminum work by targeting odor rather than sweat production. They often contain ingredients that neutralize or absorb body odor, provide a pleasant fragrance, and maintain skin health. Unlike aluminum-based antiperspirants that block sweat glands to reduce wetness, these deodorants allow natural perspiration while ensuring that the underarm area remains fresh and odor-free.

1. Baking Soda: This common kitchen ingredient is effective at neutralizing odors. Baking soda in deodorants works by creating an environment that is less favorable for odor-causing bacteria to thrive, thus reducing body odor.
2. Corn Starch and Talc: Both corn starch and talc are absorbent materials. They help to absorb moisture from the skin, reducing the feeling of wetness. This absorbency aids in keeping the underarm area dry and comfortable.
3. Starch and Arrowroot: Similar to corn starch, these ingredients are used for their moisture-absorbing properties. Arrowroot, in particular, is gentle on the skin, making it a suitable option for those with sensitive skin. These starches help to keep the underarms dry without blocking sweat glands. Arrowroot powder is valued for its moisture-absorbing properties, making it an excellent ingredient in deodorants. It helps keep the underarms dry without blocking sweat glands. Its gentle nature makes it suitable for sensitive skin, offering a soothing effect while maintaining effectiveness.
4. Ethanol: Ethanol, or alcohol, is used for its quick-drying and antibacterial properties. It helps in reducing the bacteria population on the skin, which is responsible for body odor. Ethanol also contributes to the refreshing sensation felt upon application.
5. Lavandula (Lavender): Lavender, scientifically known as Lavandula, is prized for its pleasant fragrance and antibacterial properties. In deodorants, it not only imparts a soothing scent but also helps to inhibit the growth of odor-causing bacteria, ensuring freshness throughout the day.
6. Citrus: Citrus extracts, derived from fruits like oranges and lemons, are utilized for their refreshing scent and natural antibacterial qualities. They contribute to the deodorizing effect of the product, combating body odor with a fresh, clean aroma.
7. Rosemary: Rosemary is another herb frequently used in aluminium-free deodorants for its natural antibacterial properties. Its inclusion helps to reduce the presence of odor-causing bacteria and imparts a crisp, invigorating scent.
8. Geranium: Geranium, often used for its floral fragrance, also possesses natural antibacterial properties. It aids in neutralizing body odor and provides a gentle, pleasing aroma, making it a popular choice for natural deodorant formulations.
9. Aloe Vera: Renowned for its soothing and moisturizing properties, Aloe Vera in deodorants helps calm and hydrate the skin. This is particularly beneficial for those with sensitive or irritated skin, as it provides a nurturing effect while controlling odor.

Health Considerations and Myths

Breast Cancer and Cancer Myths: Concerns about the link between aluminum in antiperspirants and breast cancer have circulated widely. However, extensive research has not established a direct causal relationship between the use of aluminum-containing antiperspirants and the development of breast cancer.

Similarly, broader claims connecting antiperspirants to cancer lack robust scientific support. These concerns are largely based on myths and misunderstandings about how the body interacts with these substances.

Alzheimer’s disease: While the scientific community has not established a direct link between aluminium in antiperspirants and Alzheimer’s, some studies have explored the potential accumulation of aluminium in the brain and its possible effects on neurological health.

Expanding our understanding of these concerns is crucial. The hypothesis is that prolonged exposure to aluminium could contribute to the development of Alzheimer’s disease. However, current research indicates that the amounts typically absorbed from deodorants are relatively insignificant compared to other sources of aluminium in our environment and diet.

Role of Detoxification: The idea that antiperspirants hinder the body’s natural detoxification process by blocking sweat is another common myth. Sweating is not a primary detoxification pathway for the body; the liver and kidneys play a more significant role in this process. The amount of toxins excreted through sweat is minimal, and preventing underarm sweating does not impact the body’s ability to detoxify.

Paraben-Free: Aluminium-free deodorants often do not contain parabens, which are preservatives used in many cosmetic products. Parabens have raised concerns due to their estrogenic properties, which in theory could influence breast cancer risk.

While no conclusive evidence supports this risk, the absence of parabens in aluminium-free deodorants aligns with a precautionary approach and caters to consumers seeking products with fewer synthetic additives.

Phthalate-Free: Phthalates, commonly used in fragrances, have been scrutinized for their potential health impacts, including hormonal disruptions. Aluminium-free deodorants are often phthalate-free, appealing to those concerned about the possible effects of these chemicals. By avoiding phthalates, these deodorants present a more natural, potentially safer option for consumers.

Potentially Kinder to Your Skin’s Microbiome: Aluminum-free deodorants are typically free of preservatives and other irritating ingredients that may significantly alter the skin microbiome​​.

Aluminium-free deodorants, free from parabens and phthalates, offer an alternative that addresses these concerns, regardless of their scientific substantiation, and cater to a growing preference for more natural, minimally processed personal care products.

Pros and Cons of Using Aluminium-Free Deodorant

Will a natural deodorant really work for me?

We’ve talked about aluminum free deodorant benefits in terms of your health, but of course you want to know if aluminum free deodorants really do what you expect antiperspirants to do; to keep you odor free and pit stain free too!

if you’re used to using an aluminum based antiperspirant, it might take your body a little while to get used to the lack of aluminum ingredients- your pores will suddenly be open and free to get rid of all the nasty toxins that your old deodorant had been covering up. When you think about it, the need for this short detox period is a sign of how much your aluminum deodorant was working against your body!

After the first couple of weeks, the vast majority of our customers are reaping the benefits of aluminum free natural deodorant and so never look back.

So if the negative effects of using aluminium are probably nothing to worry about are there benefits of going aluminium free with a natural deodorant?

Allowing your body to function naturally by using an aluminum free deodorant is better. Your body might not be absorbing high levels of aluminum salts, but the salts are acting to clog your pores and disrupting your body’s natural processes.

When you switch to an aluminium free deodorant you are allowing your body to sweat. Now, this might not feel like something you are looking for, but given a bit of time, your body will adjust. You will sweat less and natural deodorants still have ingredients that keep you dry.

Natural deodorants are generally better for the planet as well as your skin. They tend to have recyclable packaging rather than plastic. It’s easy to find one with plant based ingredients. They tend to be free of chemicals, cruelty-free, and use sustainable ingredients so you don’t have to worry that the amazon is being destroyed to make palm oil for your beauty products.

And finally natural deodorants improve over time as your skin detoxes and you need to use less so you will likely save money and smell better than you ever did with your old antiperspirant.

If you are ready to give natural deodorants a try read up on transitioning to natural deodorants: Armpit detox benefits and how to do it here.

Swapping to natural deodorant- Our top tips

Think about the format that will suit you – a stick format might be handy for bringing to the gym, however our cream deodorants come in cute reusable tins and are often easier to apply

Choose your time – week off work coming up? What better time! You can detox any time at all but lots of our customers make the swap at a time they know they will be close to home a lot, handy if you fancy extra showers.

Drink lots of water, shower at least daily, and wear cool breathable clothing to ease the detox process

1. Understand the Adjustment Period: Your body might take some time to adjust to natural deodorant. This period can last a few weeks and involves your sweat glands and skin microbiome adapting to the change. During this time, you might experience more sweating or a stronger odor than usual.
2. Detox Your Armpits: Before starting with natural deodorant, consider detoxing your armpits. This can be done by using masks made from ingredients like bentonite clay and apple cider vinegar. It helps remove any build-up from conventional antiperspirants and can ease the transition.
3. Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water helps to flush out toxins from your body, which can reduce body odor.
4. Wear Breathable Fabrics: Natural fibers like cotton, linen, and bamboo are breathable and can help reduce sweat and odor.
5. Apply on Clean Skin: Always apply deodorant to clean, dry skin to ensure its effectiveness. This might mean more frequent showers or using a washcloth to freshen up during the day.
6. Reapply as Needed: Unlike antiperspirants, natural deodorants don’t stop you from sweating and might need reapplication throughout the day, especially on hot days or after physical activity.
7. Test Different Products: Not all natural deodorants are created equal. You might need to try a few different brands or formulations (like sticks, creams, or sprays) to find the one that works best for you.
8. Be Patient: Remember, it’s a transition. Give your body time to adjust and don’t get discouraged if the first product you try doesn’t work perfectly.
9. Watch for Skin Reactions: Natural doesn’t always mean gentler. Some ingredients, like baking soda or essential oils, can irritate sensitive skin. If you notice redness or discomfort, try a different product.
10. Mind Shaving Practices: Shaving can irritate your skin. Try to apply natural deodorant a while after shaving, or consider shaving at night and applying deodorant in the morning.
11. Consider Diet Changes: Sometimes, what you eat can influence body odor. Foods like red meat, spicy foods, and alcohol might increase body odor, while fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can help reduce it.