Are Aluminum-Free Deodorants Necessary? (2024)

FAQs

Are Aluminum-Free Deodorants Necessary? ›

“The type of antiperspirant or deodorant you use really comes down to personal preference,” says Dr. Ulupinar. “There's no medical reason to avoid using an aluminum-based product, but there's no reason not to use a natural deodorant if that's what you like.

While there is no “direct link” between aluminum and cancer, according to the American Cancer Society, using an aluminum-free deodorant is better as you're not putting unnecessary chemicals in your body.

Your body odor is probably going to smell different, and potentially stronger, than what you're used to. That's because your body is simultaneously purging its sweat glands and recalibrating the balance of microscopic organisms that live on your skin. It's establishing a new normal.

The most common concern about aluminum in antiperspirants and other topical products is that it's linked to breast cancers. There's little evidence that typical exposure to aluminum causes cancer or any other health condition, though.

"Some of the enthusiasm for natural deodorants seems to be driven by fears and myths that have been repeatedly debunked,” says Nabeeha Siddiqui, MD, a Cedars-Sinai primary care physician in Culver City. "You won't find any solid scientific or medical evidence showing these deodorants are better for you.”

Aluminum-free deodorants do not block perspiration, so your sweat flows freely with no blockages or interruption to your natural body function.

Don't Be Afraid to Sweat

The aluminum in our deodorants clogs pores, blocking sweat. It's natural to sweat a lot more once you decide to make the switch to natural deodorant. In this period of time, your body is getting used to being aluminum-free. Just let your body do the work and relax.

"When switching from an antiperspirant to a deodorant, you are removing the aluminum and releasing waste which has been blocked. This is a natural process as part of our body's built-in mechanisms, but it may contribute to releasing some slightly unusual body odor in comparison to what you are used to.

Overdose of aluminum provides oxidative stress in the brain, liver, and kidney. It is possible to enhance free radicals and change antioxidant capacity of the enzymes. Any exposure to aluminum may disrupt or inhibit several enzymes and change protein synthesis, nucleic acid function, and cell membrane permeability.

Both aluminum and parabens are potential endocrine disruptors, which means they have potential to mimic estrogen and interfere with the body's hormone levels at least in laboratory (non-human) studies.

What is the healthiest deodorant to use? ›

By the third week, the body odor will start to die down but you may notice more sweating than usual. This is your body doing a final sweat purge. You're almost at the finish line! Around week 4, your underarms are sweating less and smelling better.

Skin Irritation: Ingredients in natural deodorants, particularly high levels of baking soda, can sometimes lead to skin irritation or discomfort, especially for those with sensitive skin or allergies to specific natural components.

A deodorant detox phase typically lasts anywhere from a week up to a month, and during that time period you may experience: Increased armpit sweating. Increased body odor. Rash-like bumps in your armpits.

You really can become "immune" to your antiperspirant.

The body may adapt and find a way to unplug the glands, or simply produce more sweat in the body's other glands. "It's a good idea to switch up your deodorant brand every six months to prevent resistance," Dr.