Why Switching to a Natural Deodorant Just Makes Sense
When we think about what we put on our skin every day, deodorant is probably one of the most routine, right? A quick swipe and we’re off. But have you ever stopped to wonder what’s actually in your deodorant? If you’re using a conventional one, it could be more than you bargained for—aluminum, preservatives, synthetic fragrances… the list goes on.
Today, I want to dive into why making the switch to a natural deodorant is one of the BEST choices you can make for yourself and how it helps support the natural, detoxifying role of your armpits.
Aluminum and Other Ingredients We Don’t Need
Let’s start with aluminum. It can be listed on the label as "aluminum salts", "aluminum compounds", "aluminum chlorohydrate" or other names.
This is the ingredient that gives conventional antiperspirants their “sweat-blocking” power. It works by plugging your sweat ducts to keep you dry, but here’s the thing: sweating is a natural, necessary process! It helps cool the body and release certain toxins, so blocking sweat isn’t just unnecessary; it can actually be counterproductive to what your body’s trying to do for you.
Plus, we’ve all heard about the concerns surrounding aluminum in deodorants and antiperspirants. It is commonly used in antiperspirants because it clogs sweat ducts to prevent sweating, but here’s the issue:
⚠️ Blocking sweat means your body misses out on part of this natural detoxification process.
Additionally, lots of studies have raised concerns about aluminum in personal care products. For instance, a 2013 study found that increased aluminum levels in breast tissue might be associated with the location of certain breast tumors, though further research is needed to determine a causal link. Another study from 2021 showed that aluminum could accumulate in the body and potentially affect cellular processes, raising questions about its safety with prolonged exposure. While the evidence is not yet conclusive, many experts recommend caution, making the aluminum-free choice an easy one for peace of mind.
Erring on the side of caution: If you can stay fresh without aluminum—and you absolutely can—why wouldn’t you?
Then, we have preservatives with parabens, which are known hormone disruptors, and artificial fragrances.
Toxic Preservatives and Artificial Fragrances
Conventional deodorants also often contain preservatives, like parabens, which can mimic estrogen and disrupt the hormone system, potentially increasing the risk of hormone-related cancers. One study found parabens in breast tissue, and while more research is needed, this hormone-mimicking effect is enough to make many of us pause.
Artificial fragrances are another concern. Did you know that “fragrance” on a label can mean dozens of different chemicals? Not only can these be skin irritants, but some also have questionable long-term effects on our health. In fact, a 2020 study found that synthetic fragrance chemicals could interfere with the endocrine system, affecting hormone balance.
By choosing a natural deodorant, you’re eliminating these potentially harmful additives and instead relying on simple, plant-based ingredients for a fresh, clean feeling.
The Armpits: Your Natural Detox System
Our armpits play a fascinating role beyond just being, well… armpits. This area has a high concentration of sweat glands called apocrine glands, which produce a type of sweat that’s slightly different than the kind you’ll get from your forehead or hands. This sweat contains proteins and fats, which can create odour when bacteria break them down.
But here’s the cool part:
💡Sweating in the armpit area actually aids in removing certain toxins from the body. Cool!
Research has shown that sweating is one way the body helps rid itself of certain harmful chemicals, like heavy metals, pesticides, and BPA (a common plastic chemical, and a really nasty one). Researchers noted that sweating is an important method for removing certain compounds the body can’t break down on its own. By using a natural deodorant without aluminum, you allow your armpits to function normally, supporting this key part of your body’s detox pathway.
Takeaway: Blocking sweat can get in the way of a key natural process. Switching to a natural deodorant, which doesn’t clog up your sweat glands, allows your armpits to function naturally, helping you stay fresh without forcing your body to work harder to rid itself of harmful toxins.
The Benefits of Going Natural in Your Pits (and no, it doesn't automatically make you a hippie 😜)
"ONLY CLEAN IN YOUR ROUTINE" - Shop deodorant by Routine.
Switching to a natural deodorant isn’t just about ditching chemicals; it’s about choosing products that work in harmony with your body. It also doesn't mean that you will smell bad! In fact, quite the opposite. (Although to be fair, prepare for an adjustment period while your body balances itself and can finally release backed-up toxins and chemicals...)
Here are a few reasons people make the switch and never look back:
🌿Gentle Ingredients: Truly clean, all natural deodorants like these by Routine. Natural Beauty use plant-based ingredients like coconut oil, shea butter, and essential oils, which are gentle and nourishing for your skin. Coconut oil, for instance, is known for its antimicrobial properties, which can help reduce odour without the need for harsh chemicals.
🌿Supports Natural Detox: With no aluminum to block your sweat glands, natural deodorants allow your body to do what it’s supposed to do—eliminate toxins. This is a crucial part of overall wellness, as backed by research showing how sweat can help the body remove specific environmental toxins.
🌿Real Scents, No Chemicals: Using essential oils and botanical extracts, natural deodorants offer light, natural scents without the artificial chemicals. It’s a subtle and genuine way to smell fresh! Many essential oils like tea tree and lavender not only smell nice, but are known for their antimicrobial effects, helping reduce odour naturally.
🌎 Eco-Friendly: Many natural deodorant brands are also committed to sustainability and eco packaging, so you can feel good about the choice you’re making for yourself and the planet.
What to Expect When You Make the Switch
Let’s be honest, transitioning to natural deodorant can feel a little...different, at first.
💡It’s common to experience what people call a “detox phase” as your body adjusts to the absence of aluminum and synthetic chemicals.
Here's an interesting anecdotal story: when my daughter was 17, she went on a 3-week backpacking trip through the Canadian Rockies. Because of the bears, the kids on her trip weren't allowed to wear deodorant so as not to attract them with the smell. For THREE weeks. Yikes! (I mean, God bless 'em - but teenagers are the stinkiest humans ever.😂) What was neat was, everyone stank and sweat profusely to high heck for the first 2 weeks and then...no one really smelled anymore, and all of them experienced less sweating overall, by the end of the trip.
You might even sweat a bit more than usual or notice a stronger odour initially. But don’t worry—this phase is temporary! It’s just your body recalibrating and adjusting to sweating freely again. Research shows that people typically adjust within two to three weeks and even experience less sweat overall afterwards. Wow!! 😃
Give It a Try—For Your Health and Peace of Mind
At the end of the day, choosing a natural deodorant is about so much more than just eliminating a few questionable ingredients. It’s a choice to support your body’s natural functions, prioritize your wellness, and feel confident in what you’re putting on your skin. So why not give it a try? You might just find that natural is what you’ve been needing all along. 💚
Wishing you many blessings and good health my friends!
Kirsten xo
SHOP CLEAN, ALL NATURAL DEODORANT HERE:
https://elvasallnaturals.com/collections/deodorant
💡Here's What we personally think about Routine. natural deodorants:
"We give this product 5 stars. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Every time someone in our family bought another natural deodorant, we always just regretted not buying Routine again.
After 5+ years of testing all the natural deodorants possible (most don't work very well!), we decided it was time to bring on this great product for our customers. This deodorant is our favourite and it works better than any others in market we've tried. We also love that the product is locally made and sustainable." - Kirsten & Ian, Co-Founders, Elva's All Naturals
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