Natural Deodorants and Antiperspirants
by GLI Editors in Deodorants, Personal Care and Services, Skin Care
Whether we like it or not, it is part of our culture: we are perceived in part by how we smell. Since the body’s natural process of cooling itself involves sweating, perspiration is an essential part of its natural functioning.
Thus, most of us use deodorants, which neutralize the smell of perspiration, or antiperspirants, which minimize body odor by blocking sweat from escaping through underarm pores onto the surface of the skin.
Most conventional deodorants and antiperspirants contain several ingredients linked to serious health effects, from
Alzheimer’s disease to virulent cancers. Since deodorants and antiperspirants are designed to stay on our bodies for hours, this allows the potential for more harmful chemicals to be absorbed through the skin.
While natural options are available, many people have lodged complaints about the inadequacy of natural deodorants to adequately mask body odor. There is now an abundance of alternative options—many improved upon since their initial introduction several years ago—that may inspire you to think again about incorporating natural deodorants into your body care regime. Many of these new natural body products can protect you from exposure to unnecessary, harmful ingredients and still leave you smelling fresh and feeling confident.
The Physiology of Perspiration
The apocrine glands are the reason that underarm perspiration smells stronger than the sweat secreted by the rest of the body. The two types of sweat glands 
that cover the human skin are:
- apocrine, or scent, glands located only in the armpit, ear, navel, nipple, and genital regions
- eccrine glands do the work of regulating the body’s temperature by secreting a watery sweat over the skin. This sweat quickly evaporates and keeps the body cool.
In hot weather or under stress or hard exercise, excessive perspiration exceeds the rate of evaporation. Sweat produced by the eccrine glands does not contribute to body odor because eccrine sweat contains no substances that are attractive to bacteria. Apocrine sweat, on the other hand, contains organic compounds that are quickly populated by bacteria on the surface of the skin. This bacterial activity is what produces underarm odor.
What is the Difference Between Antiperspirants and Deodorants?
Antiperspirants work by clogging, closing, or blocking the pores with aluminum ions so they cannot release perspiration. Aluminum is a hazardous material that the FDA allows to be added to body care products in regulated amounts. There is no proof that these “regulated amounts” of what is essentially poisonous to the human body are actually safe. Arguments against the use of aluminum emphasize the fact that aluminum accumulates in the brain over time and may contribute to Alzheimer’s disease and breast cancers.
Recent studies on the effects of aluminum and the dangers of antiperspirant usage suggest that it travels more easily into the lymphatic system when underarms are shaved. Your antiperspirant label may list aluminum as:
- aluminum chlorohydrate
- ammonium aluminum sulfate
- potassium aluminum sulfate
- aluminum zirconium tetrachlorohydrex gly
Aside from aluminum, most antiperspirants also contain parabens, antimicrobial agents derived from toluene—a toxic petrochemical derivative. Some evidence suggests that repeated exposure to toluene may contribute to hormone disruption.
Thirteen research studies performed since 2000 have shown that various types of parabens act like estrogen in living tissue. Estrogen is known to drive the growth of cancerous cells.
Some people with sensitive skin have an allergic reaction to parabens, which results in a skin condition known as contact dermatitis.
Antiperspirants also have harsh astringent salts containing metals that can cause granulomas (small, itchy bumps) on underarm skin.
Deodorants work by:
- neutralizing the smell of the perspiration mixed with bacteria
- antiseptic action against that bacteria
Deodorants are more healthy than antispirants because they don’t interfere with perspiration, but many conventional brands contain harsh, potentially toxic ingredients that should be avoided. Deodorant ingredients to avoid include parabens, all forms of aluminum, and the following substances:
- Propylene glycol: a penetration enhancer that absorbs quickly through the skin and which has not been fully investigated for carcinogenic potential.
- Talc: classified as a carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer if it contains asbestiform fibers, which are unregulated in cosmetic grade talc.
- Steareth-n: (‘n’ may be any number, say 100), may be vegetable derived but is processed with ethylene oxide (ethoxylated), a known human carcinogen.
- Triclosan: an antibacterial found in deodorants and soaps. It has an astounding ability to create resistant bacteria.
Ammonium alum is a prevalent natural compound that cannot be absorbed into the skin and doesn’t clog pores the way aluminum chloride does. While it doesn’t kill the bacteria or stop perspiration, ammonium alum inhibits bacterial growth that causes odor. It is the primary ingredient in deodorant crystals, a safe and effective alternative to antiperspirant and commercial deodorants.
Environmental Impact of Conventional Deodorants
Showering washes our deodorants and antiperspirants down the drain, introducing known or suspected toxins into our nation’s waterways. Octoxynol compounds, otherwise known as alkylphenol ethoxylates (APEs), are found in deodorants, antiperspirants, and bodies of water. These chemicals are slow to break down and have been shown to disrupt the endocrine systems of fish, birds, and mammals.
The process of mining aluminum used in antiperspirants destroys the landscape, pollutes water, and consumes vast amounts of electricity.
According to Lester Brown’s Eco-Economy: Building an Economy for the Earth (Norton,2000), each year the aluminum industry consumes as much electricity as the entire continent of Africa.
Alternative Options
It’s up to you, conscious consumer, to choose the best and safest product for your body. Before you buy any deodorant or product that goes on your skin, always read the ingredients. Eschew conventional antiperspirants altogether and opt instead for hypoallergenic, paraben-free, and aluminum-free deodorant. Choose deodorants with ingredients like:
- Vegetable glycerin
- Charcoal
- Vinegar
- Baking soda
- Algae extracts
- Green tea
- Aloe vera gel
- Natural preservatives like bioflavanoids and lichen
- Essential oils
Many of these new natural body products can protect you from exposure to unnecessary, harmful ingredients and still leave you smelling fresh and feeling confident.
Some manufacturers of natural deodorants are:
| Aubrey Organics | Crystal Body | Jasön * | Pure and Natural | Weleda | |||||
| Avalon Natural Products | Dessert Essence | Kiss My Face | Terra Naturals | ||||||
| Burt’s Bees | Earth Essentials | Miessence | Tom’s of Maine * |
* Some products may contain proplyene glycol.
Always read ingredient labels, even of purportedly natural brands. Also remember that everyone’s body chemistry is different. What worked for your friend may not work so well for you and you may have to try a few before you find the right one.
Some people find that crystal rocks and tea tree oil-based deodorants are too harsh and cause irritation, while others say
some natural deodorants give off unpleasant odors that are worse than the body odor itself. You may want to experiment with your own products by looking for recipes online and:
- making homemade deodorant with baking soda and essential oils
- trying an apple cider vinegar or witch hazel extract-based spray
A very healthy diet rich in unprocessed vegetables and grains and low in meat-based products, alcohol, and caffeine is shown to help reduce body odors. Regular showering and wearing fabrics that breathe can also do wonders for a sweeter smelling you without compromising the health of your body.
Article Contributors: Julie Reid
Related Posts:
Posted on Feb 26, 2008
Africa, allergic reaction, Alzheimer's disease, Aubrey Organics, Avalon Natural, cancer, cancers, care products, chemicals, contact dermatitis, Crystal Body, electricity, endocrine systems, FDA, granulomas, harmful chemicals, International Agency for Research, irritation, Julie Reid, Lester Brown, Maine, natural body products, oil-based deodorants
About the Author
GLI Editors
Green Living Ideas provides ideas, tips, and information to help you improve the environmental sustainability of every aspect of your life: home energy, green building and remodeling, cars, food, waste recycling—and everything in between. GLI's editorial voice is driven by founder Sean Daily and Editor-In-Chief Adam Shake, and written by an amazing staff of author and interns.24 Responses to “Natural Deodorants and Antiperspirants”
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Anne
Jan 26, 2008
From what I understand, ammonium aluminum sulfate (which you have listed as something that can be found in an antiperspirant) is the same as ammonium alum.
Guest
Feb 05, 2008
From what I understand, ammonium aluminum sulfate (which you have listed as something that can be found in an antiperspirant) is the same as ammonium alum.
Any further elaboration on this comment??
Guest
Feb 12, 2008
Alum is the accepted term for aluminium sulfate hence ammonium alum = ammonium aluminium sulfate. Another interesting note is that baking soda often contains potassium alum which is listed as a harmful ingredient. . .
But you don\’t have to worry – so far there is no scientific evidence that aluminium compounds are actually harmful.
william
Jun 05, 2008
never mix teatrea oil and rubbing alcohol unless proven safe in some amounts I did burn\’t my skin like it was on fire killed the top layer of some of my skin thought I was going to have to go to the hospital luckily I didn\’t after feeling like my underarm was on fire for 12 hours
Guest
Jun 24, 2008
Aluminum is harmless. Iron is an important part of our diet, but it is more toxic than aluminum. People who know nothing about science/chemistry can be easily fooled. Check out the MSDS for aluminum to see how harmful pure concentrations really are. http://www.sciencelab.com/xMSDS-Aluminum-9922844
I\’m not for poisonous chemicals because I know things like lead, asbestos, and many cleaning supplies are harmful. Working in a lab around these things every day reminds me of their toxicity.
Guest
Jul 13, 2008
My 13 year old gets excema. I had been buying antiperspirant/deodorants designed for sensitive skin. Lately, she has begun to perspire profusely – to the point of physical discomfort. It\’s not so much of an odor problem. She just gets uncomfortably wet. The sensitive skin products are not helping much at all. The clinical strength products DO work but cause her to break out. She wants to continue using these anyway because the wetness is more uncomfortable than the rash (according to her). I, on the other hand, have serious concerns about her skin. Is there anything that will address both issues? Again, this is NOT an odor problem, which is what most of the above seems to focus on. It is a wetness problem.
A Wolf
Oct 13, 2008
Just thought I would point out that every deodorant product sold by Toms of Maine contains propylene glycol.
mercurymagic
Mar 29, 2009
I too have a problem with excessive wetness, and have very sensitive skin. I unfortunately have a very physical job (which I love), but find that by the end of the day my undergarments are soaked in sweat – GROSS!! Do you know of any product that is natural or safe for extremely sensitive skin and reduces or eliminates wetness.
Bonnie
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Apr 20, 2009
I use baking soda. I just wet my fingers and dip it into the soda.I have no odor, even when I work outside.Works for me but maybe not for others.
KRANTHI
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Apr 24, 2009
hey can u help me for excessive under arm sweating i tried many i need some natural or prescribed one..plz send me
Tara
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May 22, 2009
I have been using baking soda applied after shower to damp under arms for about a week now. No odor at all! I have found that if I perspire, my clothes smell. I apply baking soda to my clothes at the arm pit area and now my clothes stay odor-free as well. Works better than crystal sticks or Tom of Maine (which made me smell worse than no deodorant at all)
wvdrtnsf
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Jun 23, 2009
What to do about other body odor? I am have many odor from private area. I am have allergic from manys deodorant. Please. It burn when deodorant, if no then stink.
Ricky Von Shuten
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Jun 26, 2009
@wvdrtnsf – for the private area I make a mixture of ground peanut shells (allergy warning), used coffee grinds, and baking soda. Rub it on liberally and rinse with cold coffee. Repeat. Lightly dab dry with brown paper towel.
Ava
Oct 23, 2009
Hi I was wondering can you compost old deodorant just like the store bought kind? i am obsessed with composting and i would really love it if someone could answer these questions for me!!
Discerning consumer
Feb 18, 2010
Great article! Many years ago I got to thinking we were made to sweat and it wasn’t a good idea to use antiperspirants. While I was at it I decided to switch to a natural deodorant. For all those years I tried one after another without satisfaction. If there are any on the market I have not tried I’d be surprised. Well my luck improved last September at our local farmer’s market. A family owned business is producing a natural deodorant that actually works (as in eliminates odor on contact and lasts all day) and the ingredient list is natural and safe. So I would like to reveal this secret product as it deserves to be broadcast worldwide. The product name is “In Love With Body Care.”
Tom
Mar 05, 2010
To above poster on how Iron is harmful, aluminum is not.
Things to keep in mind:
The old saying “Everything in Moderation” applies to Iron, as well as a host of other things we take in our diet.
As far as the pdf file you linked to, how am I to know who is behind that research? The frequent commercial by the innocuous sounding “API” and their slogans and interesting claims, but who is funding “American Petroleum Institute”? They make claims like “9.2 million jobs supported”, which, I assume, is meant to make the public think that they are “created” by oil and natural gas…when in reality, it is not needed for farming (go ask India and Argentina how they feel about Monsanto, round-up and chemical fertilizers).
Anyway, not to digress from the topic at hand. Just because a harmless sounding scientific organization claims something is not a problem for you and not to worry, doesn’t mean that’s the case. Always FOLLOW the money, if there is money to be gained, people LIE.
shycutieeex3
Mar 15, 2010
right now i am using arms & hammer natural deodorant. the only difference is that i don’t smell but i still sweat. apparently they are making natural deodorants .. which are good because the anti perspirants with aluminum (which are not working for me at the moment) are starting to scare me with the breast cancer and all .. but how come there are no natural anti perspirants ? that would be nice . grrr . i hate sweating .. it makes me feel so dirty when i am actually clean .
Jim
Apr 24, 2010
I would like to bring this article’s writer(s)’ attention to this study published by the United Nations Environment Programme: http://www.chem.unep.ch/irptc/sids/OECDSIDS/57-55-6.pdf
On page 3, concerning propylene glycol’s effects on human health, the study declares, “[t]hese data support a lack of carcinogenicity for PG.” Therefore, I would assume it’s safe to say that propylene glycol is a safe, natural ingredient.
Also, I do not think that Tom’s of Maine would use it so extensively if they did not do their homework and conclude that it was perfectly safe.
EcoPaige
May 21, 2010
In Love With Bodycare’s natural deodorant rocks!! Seriously the best I’ve ever found.
Lori
Jun 07, 2010
I am not sure the long term effect but I was breaking out with a rash under my arms from excessive sweating and I got a prescription named, “Drysol.” Works like a charm…completely shuts down your sweat glands in your arm pits and redirects to other areas of your body. I don’t have any rashes anymore and the only place I noticed more sweating was a little on my chest and my feet — no biggie. Hope this helps.
Emily
Jun 21, 2010
I have been using extra virgin coconut oil on my armpits for a week now and I have no body odor! I live in Florida and it is a very hot June right now. I don’t think I will ever buy deodorant again. The coconut oil is just so effective. I have been using plain coconut oil, but I looked at the Tropical Traditions website tonight and noticed they sell a coconut oil deodorant on their site.