While soaps and body wash rinse away sweat and grime, deodorant keeps odor at bay throughout the day by masking funky smells and killing odor-causing bacteria. So, it’s a crucial part of the defense—no matter the season. If you have sensitive skin or prefer eco-conscious products, natural deodorant is your best bet.
Traditional deodorants use ingredients that may irritate skin or disrupt your body’s natural sweat response, like parabens, phthalates, or, most notably, aluminum. While the FDA does list aluminum as a safe ingredient to be used in deodorants or antiperspirants, to be clear, those with sensitive skin can still find it irritating. This is because the ingredient can cause inflammation leading to itchiness and rash, as well as worsening dry skin conditions like eczema, says dermatologist Dr.
Not to mention, aluminum can inhibit the body’s natural sweat response by actively plugging pores with heavy metals that stop sweat from being excreted, she says. Still, there is also a lot of noise out there regarding aluminum contributing to Alzheimer’s disease or cancer, but none have been substantiated. Still, natural alternatives skip this risk and instead rely on plant-based ingredients like essential oils, probiotics, and starches to combat odor and moisture.
Quick reminder: Deodorants do not block sweat; they mask body odor. Only an antiperspirant will do this, but there are no natural antiperspirants, as aluminum is required to plug sweat glands. So, natural deodorants are used as an alternative to both.
Plus, they tend to be better for the environment by often using biodegradable ingredients or eco-friendly packaging to reduce waste and plastic pollution. With all of this in mind, it’s fair to wonder why natural deodorants aren’t the norm. Well, these products have a bit of a bad reputation when it comes to their ability to last as long as traditional aluminum-filled options.
While this does hold true for many natural deodorants, there are options on this list that last just as long, and in the case of Ursa Major Hoppin' Fresh Natural Deodorant, which lasts well over 24 hours, outperforms most traditional deodorants. Salt and Stone incorporates hyaluronic acid and seaweed extract in its natural deodorant to eliminate bad odor, prevent underarm darkening, and deliver intense hydration, which is crucial for preventing funky smells, maintaining health skin, and ensuring proper sweat gland functioning. Not to mention, these ingredients will keep you smelling fresh from morning to night.
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