Are Natural Deodorants Really Better for You? (Published 2021) (2024)

FAQs

Is natural deodorant actually healthier for you? ›

"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.”

According to the U.S. Food & Drug Administration, conventional antiperspirant deodorants are safe — so there's no need to worry or switch to a natural deodorant on account of your overall health.

Chemical-laden, traditional deodorants tend to clog pores and make it harder for your body to sweat the way it needs to. Organic deodorant still helps to prevent odor by keeping natural bacteria from mixing with the salt and water on the skin while allowing your body to sweat the way it should!

When you switch from antiperspirant to natural deodorant, your body needs a little detox time. You might sweat a bit more at first, but don't worry! Keep going and soon your armpits will be clean and balanced. After a few weeks, the smell will go away and you won't have to think about the bad stuff in antiperspirants.

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This is perfectly normal, and could last as long as 30 days. Once your body acclimates to the absence of aluminum, you can use natural deodorant freely without worry. It's also not uncommon for women to have hyperhidrosis, a condition that causes you to perspire more than the average person.

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. Aluminum-free deodorants usually contain natural ingredients that are gentler on the skin.

What most people don't realize is that your body has to go through a detox period when you give up mainstream deodorants. Yep, you read that right – you have to detox from your deodorant. But it's not as bad as it sounds – we promise!

Increased Sweat Sensation: Natural deodorants do not contain aluminium-based compounds that block sweat glands, unlike antiperspirants. This absence means users may experience a greater sense of sweating, as the natural deodorants focus on odour control rather than sweat prevention.

What happens when you stop using aluminum deodorant? ›

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.

“If you stop using aluminum, salt-based antiperspirants, your skin will naturally shed the aluminum from the sweat glands over time,” he says. When one writer went on an armpit detox, she experienced increased odor during the first few weeks. By week four, that odor had subsided.

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. Sweating helps your body cool down and release toxins, so it's time to welcome the change.

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. Aluminum-free deodorants usually contain natural ingredients that are gentler on the skin.