Why Choose a Natural Deodorant?

A good natural deodorant ensures we stay fresh throughout the day. Most people use it daily as a standard routine, but some may need it more than others. This could be due to overactive sweat glands or sensitivity to the deodorant being used. It's therefore extra important to choose a deodorant that suits you well. 

Staying fresh as you leave the house is not just a modern concern. Did you know that even the Romans were preoccupied with how to control sweat? They applied a mixture of charcoal and goat fat under their arms. If that seems too extreme for you, but you're interested in learning more about deodorant without harmful substances, no worries, this blog will tell you all you need to know!

Deodorant, Its Function, and the Skin

Our sweat is essentially odourless, but once it comes into contact with the bacteria on our skin, it develops that distinctive 'sweat smell'. Although no one enjoys having damp armpits, sweating is beneficial for our body as it helps regulate our body temperature and allows us to expel waste products. Two well-known products to combat sweat odour are antiperspirants and deodorants. In the Netherlands, everything is often labelled as deodorant, but that's not entirely accurate, as antiperspirants work differently. The latter is frequently used, especially when there is excessive sweat production. For optimal results, apply it twice daily, which blocks the openings of your sweat glands, stopping sweat production. This occurs because metal salts like aluminium in antiperspirants react with the keratin in the skin, forming a plug that prevents sweat from escaping. By inhibiting sweat production, you also impede the natural elimination of toxins. Once you stop using the antiperspirant, sweat production resumes. A deodorant or antitranspirant, on the other hand, does not inhibit sweat production but targets the bacteria on your skin, masking the odour.

Deodorant and Aluminium: What's the Deal?

Aluminium is frequently used as an ingredient in synthetic products due to its antiperspirant properties. However, as you've read, you can't really call it a deodorant but rather an antiperspirant. Aluminium is a metal salt that blocks the sweat gland openings, stopping perspiration. Besides questioning whether you want to block your natural bodily processes, aluminium has a bad reputation, and there are heated debates about whether it poses a risk to your body. However, the concentrations of aluminium absorbed through the skin are negligible; the likelihood of ingesting it through food or drinking water is significantly higher. Nevertheless, for example, pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems, possibly due to illness, are advised to choose a natural deodorant. Another reason to opt for a natural deodorant is that aluminium reacts with the salt in your sweat, potentially causing those annoying yellow sweat stains that are hard to remove from clothing.

What is a Healthy Deodorant?

A natural deodorant consists of natural ingredients and is free from chemical additives such as aluminium, alcohol, parabens, sulphates, and fragrances. These substances can dry out your skin or cause sensitivity, leading your sweat glands to produce more sweat instead of less. A deodorant without harmful substances contains natural antibacterial ingredients like essential oils and mineral salts that protect you from unwanted odours. There are many different natural deodorants available, some with nourishing butters and others with plant extracts. Try a few and see which one you prefer.

Deodorant and the Environment

Everyone is familiar with those adverts where a man sprays his chest with deodorant, and women flock to him. You might wonder if they are drawn to his scent or if they want to lecture him. Nowadays, it's safe to say: deodorant spray? Get rid of it. Understandably, as these sprays are composed of about half propellants like butane, isobutane, and propane. These gases are used to expel the contents from the canister. These are volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that, according to Milieu Centraal, cause air pollution and smog formation. It might take some getting used to, but if you want to keep both your health and the environment happy, swap your spray deodorant for a natural roll-on or stick deodorant.

What if You Can't Tolerate Natural Deodorant?

Sources

1. Dr. Jetske Ultee via https://www.dr-jetskeultee.nl/deodorant-of-antiperspirant/
2. Vrij Natuurlijk via https://vrijnatuurlijk.nl/grote-deodorant-test/
3. Zero Waste Nederland
4. The Slow Issue
5. Alka