Natural Deodorants 101: The Essential Guide

There is a growing demand for natural deodorant products. These natural products provide an alternative to conventional deodorants which are filled with chemicals and other toxic ingredients. It’s important to keep in mind that not all natural deodorants are created equal – some products are more safe and effective than others. We know switching to a new product can be challenging, but we’re here to help! Our guide provides insight on the different types of natural deodorant products to help you find the all-natural deodorant that’s best for you!

The Benefits Of Switching To A Natural Deodorant

There are many benefits of switching to a natural deodorant. Here are some of the biggest reasons that people leave those conventional deodorants behind!

1. It’s The Safer Choice:
Many conventional products use harmful ingredients that can affect your overall health and well-being. One of the most common ingredients is aluminum. Though aluminum is a naturally-occurring ingredient, it can be harmful in high doses and can cause some serious health effects. Scientists have found a correlation between aluminum and certain types of cancer. Some other harmful ingredients include parabens and phthalates, which could be linked to cancer and organ damage. At Honestly pHresh we’ll help you find a deodorant that you can feel good about!

2. Don’t Sweat It, A Little Perspiration Is Good For You:
Conventional antiperspirants use aluminum to block sweat glands and prevent body odor. But body odor isn’t caused by sweat! Body odor is caused by bacteria on your skin. Sweat is actually odorless and sweating is a natural bodily function that helps flush toxins from your body. Interfering with this process clogs your pores which can lead to toxic build-ups, acne, and other dermatological issues. Our deodorants fight odor-causing bacteria and allow your body to sweat naturally!

3. Say Goodbye To Those Yellow Pit Stains!
When the aluminum reacts with sweat, it can cause yellow stains at the armpits, ruining clothes. Natural deodorants are aluminum-free which means they don’t leave any yellow stains behind. So go ahead and switch to an all-natural deodorant. Your wardrobe will thank you!

4. Avoid Those Awful Skin Irritations:
The chemicals and fragrances in mainstream deodorants can wreak havoc on those with allergies or sensitive skin. Natural deodorants are often formulated with allergies and skin sensitives in mind, so you can enjoy odor protection without suffering from rashes and irritation!

5. Better For You And The Environment:
One of the most common ingredients in commercial deodorants is triclosan. Triclosan is used for its antibacterial properties, but this ingredient is harmful to both humans and the environment. It can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions and has been linked to more serious health problems. Triclosan is also toxic to certain types of algae. What does this mean? The use of triclosan in deodorants and other products has contributed to the contamination of U.S. waterways. When this ingredient gets washed down the drain, it can affect a whole aquatic ecosystem. Talk about change! Switching to a natural deodorant won’t just improve your health, it will help make our waterways cleaner!

What Makes A True Natural Deodorant?

The term “natural” is widely used on product descriptions these days. Unfortunately, those descriptions can be deceiving. A product may be listed as “natural” even though it includes artificial and potentially harmful ingredients. So, how do you know if a deodorant is truly all-natural? Learning more about which ingredients are used in natural deodorants is a step in the right direction! Common natural deodorant ingredients include:

Absorbent ingredients, which fight wetness, like:

• Arrowroot powder
• Clay
• Activated charcoal
• Tapioca starch
• Diatomaceous earth

Antibacterial ingredients, which kill odor-causing bacteria and add a wonderful natural scent:

• Tea tree oil
• Orange essential oil
• Lemongrass oil
• Lavender oil
• Peppermint oil
• Magnesium chloride
• Rosemary extract

Natural emollients/moisturizers, which soften and condition skin:

• Shea butter
• Cocoa butter
• Beeswax
• Coconut oil
• Aloe vera
• Vitamin E oil

It is also important to know what ingredients to avoid. Here are some of the top ingredients to watch out for!

Fragrance: When the term “fragrance” is listed on an ingredients label, it is usually an indicator that a chemical scent has been used. It is a blanket term that is used by manufacturers to obscure the ingredients used to create a fragrance in the factory. Other terms for a synthetic fragrance include: “fragrance oils,” “perfume” and “parfum.” Even some products labeled “fragrance free,” “unscented” or “for sensitive skin,” still list “fragrance” among their ingredients. True natural deodorants do not use any artificial fragrances.

Talcum Powder: This very common ingredient is made from the mineral talc. It absorbs moisture and reduces friction, helping deodorant apply smoothly. Talc, in its natural state, contains the carcinogen asbestos. While the talc used in modern consumer products is asbestos-free there is a current debate on a potential link between talcum powder and ovarian and lung cancers. Research studies on both humans and animals have produced mixed results.

Aluminum: As we mentioned, this ingredient is primarily used as an antiperspirant. It blocks sweat production, which disrupts the body’s natural way of flushing toxins from its system. The ingredient is also suspected of a long list of dangerous health effects, including cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, and more. The benefits of using aluminum-free deodorant are extensive.

Propylene Glycol: This petroleum-based ingredient is used in a wide range of products, from deodorant to auto antifreeze. Both the FDA and World Health Organization state that propylene glycol is safe for use in foods, pharmaceuticals and cosmetics. However, the Environmental Protection Agency mandates using gloves when handling propylene glycol and disposing of it by burial, so its safety remains in question.

Parabens: The use of paraben preservatives is very common in the skin care industry. Even though parabens usually constitutes 2% or less of most formulas, they have been linked to numerous health problems, include cancers, hormone issues, and allergies.

Phthalates: Also hiding under the ingredient “fragrance,” phthalates are plasticizing chemicals often used in deodorants and other self-care products for their consistency and ability to help dissolve other ingredients. They are considered to be endocrine disrupting and are probable carcinogens.

Triclosan: As we mentioned, triclosan is used for its antibacterial properties, but it can have harmful effects on your body and the environment. Triclosan is classified as a pesticide by the FDA and as a probable carcinogen by the Environmental Protection Agency. Most companies have now removed triclosan from their formulas, but you should check your product labels to be safe.

It is best to avoid products that include any of these ingredients. Have you ever seen a brand that lists “paraben-free” or “phthalate-free” big and bold right on the label? Unfortunately, some brands that highlight that they are free of one or more of these chemicals, still use other toxic ingredients. There are multiple tiers within the natural deodorant marketplace, based upon how stringently the company which to adhere to the principles of using all-natural ingredients. These tiers include:

1. The Big Brands: Mass-marketed natural deodorant brands often contain substances that are still questionable, such as propylene glycol. Some of these brands make misleading natural claims. The sad truth is that companies are able to claim their products are “natural” as long as they use some natural ingredients. This is why it is important to read through all of the ingredients before you buy.

2. The Better Brands: These products strive to improve upon the big-name natural products by removing all chemicals and toxins from their formulas. However, some may still utilize known natural irritants, such as baking soda. If you have tried some of these brands only to experience rashes and irritation, this is why. At Honesly pHresh our motto is “no B.S.” We keep baking soda out of our deodorants to provide you with an effective, irritant-free product that keeps you smelling pHresh!

3. The Best of the Bunch: These are the best of the retail natural deodorants. These all-natural deodorant products improve upon the “better brands”, by removing all chemicals, toxins and known irritants from their formulas. For example, Honestly pHresh’s line of deodorants is all-natural, chemical-free, and won’t cause any irritation. But does a deodorant that natural actually work? You better believe it!

4. The DIY Approach: Some purists decide to skip pre-made deodorants completely, choosing to make their own natural deodorant at home. While there are some positives to this approach (quality control, absolute assurance of natural ingredients, etc.), there are also some downsides. Primarily, the ingredients can be expensive and you may need to spend a lot of time on trial and error before you find the right recipe.

If you have experimented with a few of these natural deodorants and still struggle to find the one that works best for you, contact our deodorant specialists. We are here to help make your transition to an all-natural deodorant as easy as possible! One thing to consider is the type of deodorant you want to use.

How to Select the Best Natural Deodorant for Me

When selecting a natural deodorant, there are several different types to choose from. Each have their own characteristics, benefits, and advantages. These are some of the factors to consider when choosing which type of natural deodorant is right for you.

The basic types of natural deodorants include:

Natural Deodorant Creams: These are deodorants that use oils and/or butters as a base. They have the most moisturizing properties of the natural deodorant types. However, deodorant creams can be inconvenient to apply and often take longer to dry.

Natural Deodorant Sticks: This is a common form most of us know well from conventional brands. Natural deodorant sticks are easy to use and apply quickly, without requiring extra dry time. Just be sure to check the ingredients; some natural deodorant sticks use baking soda as an absorbent, which may irritate sensitive skin.

Natural Deodorant Sprays: A big draw of spray deodorants is convenience. They are easily applied and won’t get on your clothes. You can also spray them on shoes, yoga mats, gym bags, etc., to keep odor at bay.

Natural Roll-On Deodorants: This natural deodorant is created in a liquid form that is applied to the armpits with a roll-on ball applicator. There are some benefits of this medium; for example Honestly pHresh’s natural roll-on deodorants are easy to apply and feature absorbable magnesium that the body can metabolize.

Getting Ready To Make The Switch

When you take the plunge and switch to a natural deodorant, you may experience some changes in your body.

Sweat: As the aluminum in your sweat glands subsides and allows perspiration again, you may experience a temporary increase in sweat production, as your glands release fluids that were previously held back.

Tenderness/Sensitivity: The unblocking of sweat glands also means an increase in the amounts of bacteria and fluids released by the lymphatic system, which can cause some users to feel tenderness or sensitivity in their body. This is caused by the beneficial process of removing toxins from the body.

These changes may be inconvenient, but they won’t last for long! They just signify that your body is getting back to its natural process. So go ahead and sweat! Healthy looks good on you!

Deodorant Detox Myths

While a bit of additional sweat is common, there are some red flags to look out for. Some natural deodorant brands will tell you that skin irritation and rashes are normal changes. That is a myth! Skin irritation and rashes are your body’s response to harmful ingredients. If you are experiencing these changes, it may be time to switch to an irritant-free formula, such as Honestly pHresh’s naturally-scented deodorant. We also have an all-natural unscented deodorant available for those with greater skin sensitivities.

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can be challenging, but switching to a natural deodorant doesn’t have to be! Some natural deodorant brands have a series of steps or a “detox process” you need to go through before you can begin using their products. This process can be challenging and may make it more difficult for you to switch to a natural product.

At Honestly pHresh, we like to keep it simple! You can experience all of the positive impacts of a natural deodorant without any additional steps. In fact, you can keep the same routine that you had when you used a conventional deodorant brand. Just swipe, roll, or spray on one of our all-natural deodorant products and enjoy 24 hour odor protection that will keep you smelling pHresh!

Time For Change

With all of the potential health risks and skin irritation associated with chemical-based deodorants, it’s a great time to take the plunge and make the switch to a natural deodorant. To get started on your transition, browse through Honestly pHresh’s wide selection of all-natural deodorant products.

Contact one of our specialists if you have any questions about natural deodorants and ingredients. You can rest easy knowing your days of using chemical-based deodorants are in the past. Your body will thank you!