If your deodorant smells good and keeps sweat minimal, then it’s a good deodorant, right? Wrong.

Your deodorant could lead to terrible complications. Commercial deodorants sold in major stores contain harmful ingredients that our pores can absorb. Parabens, aluminum, phthalates, and other chemicals are found in top selling deodorant brands like Dove, Secret, and Degree.

Harmful ingredients are put in products to make deodorant affordable and effective, but the problem is when it is toxic for the consumer. As more and more people are becoming aware of this issue, natural deodorants are showing up on our shelves. But, they’re not all made the same; what works for one may not work for another. So, here is your guide to finding the right natural deodorant for you!

How are these ingredients harmful?

As mentioned, parabens, aluminum, and phthalates are just a few toxic ingredients in leading deodorants. Parabens and aluminum both can act as disruptors to our hormones, altering fertility, and damaging our organs. Parabens can also irritate the skin and increase risk for cancer.

Further, aluminum in deodorant is harmful, because it pierces our sweat glands and blocks our pores. This causes our pores to be clogged with bacteria that our body needs to let out. Phthalates are endocrine disruptors and have been linked to reproductive, neurological, and developmental issues. These are just a few unhealthy ingredients, and there are many others. The time to change your deodorant is now!

Switching to a Natural Deodorant

Here is some information that no one told me about when I switched to a natural deodorant. When you first switch to a natural deodorant, you may think your deodorant is not working, because you will initially sweat more, and your body odor will most likely be worse.

When this happened to me, I switched right back to my chemical-filled deodorant. I know now, through research, that armpits detox themselves from years of toxins when you stop using aluminum. The suggested time for this detoxing period is 30 days.

In your detox period, I recommend purchasing an underarm detox bar to get the best results. Now that I have made it through my detox period, my natural deodorant leaves me odorless, and I am at peace knowing there are no harmful ingredients getting into my body through my armpits.

Tips and Tricks

It is important to note not all natural deodorants contain the same ingredients. Important components to look for are deodorants made with an absorbing ingredient, a neutralizing ingredient, and a natural fragrance. Common absorbing ingredients may be baking soda or charcoal. Baking soda could irritate the skin since it isn't made for skin use, so charcoal is a safe ingredient to look into. An example of an odor neutralizer may be coconut oil. Lastly, a natural fragrance may be any essential oil to give off a non-toxic scent. Again, these are just common ingredients and suggestions I have seen and used in my experience, but remember that everyone’s skin is different.

Be patient, and enjoy the process of becoming a healthier you!

Be Well, Auburn.