What is the difference between natural and traditional deodorant?

What is the difference between natural and traditional deodorant?

Learning to identify toxins in the products you use is essential to finding the most optimal health possible. Understanding what the ingredients are in the deodorant you use is a necessary step in reducing your toxic exposure and living a healthier lifestyle.  

Traditional deodorants can contain chemicals such as:

Aluminum chlorohydrate is one of the most common compounds used in antiperspirants. It is included in up to 25% of hygiene products and is typically added as an antiperspirant.  Aluminum salts plug sweat proteins that bind to the wall of the sweat duct, thus having an anti-sweating effect.

Triclosan is a compound shown to impact the body’s hormones and can interfere with hormonal signaling. Triclosan’s endocrine disrupting factors have been proven by a myriad of scientific studies and because of this, the FDA actually banned its use in hand soaps. It is still permitted in low amounts in items such as deodorant.

Diethanolamine (DEA) is a compound used in deodorant and other hygiene products that has been linked to increased risks of developing cancer.

Parabens are chemicals used in traditional care products that mimic estrogen’s role in the body. Parabens have been linked to the development of breast cancer.

Antiperspirant types of deodorants, especially those containing chemicals such as aluminum are not recommended by holistic health practitioners because the body has processes it uses to detoxify itself. When you place toxic chemicals into your sweat glands, your body cannot fully rid itself of toxins. Sweating is the body’s way of ridding itself of toxins and when you inhibit your body’s ability to remove contaminants, you do not expel dangerous things your body needs to get rid of. Sweating is a natural process that must be done in order to have the most optimal health possible.

There are many holistic substances which can be used as natural deodorant options to control odor. For example, rock crystal deodorants are a type of alternative deodorant that are made from a natural mineral salt called potassium alum. The potassium alum salt kills the bacteria that causes underarm odor. It is not an antiperspirant and you will still sweat, but the sweat will not smell.  This is beneficial because it allows your body to expel toxins without you smelling terrible. It is not like traditional deodorants and will not coat already sweaty areas. It only works if you apply it to clean skin to prevent smells. An easy trick if you cannot shower before applying is to wipe your underarms with soap and water with a washcloth before applying.

If you don’t like the rock crystal type, many other natural toxin free deodorants can be found at your local health food store. You can also make your own natural deodorant with the following recipe:

HOW TO MAKE NATURAL DEODORANT

Ingredients:

1 Tbsp Coconut Oil

1 Tbsp Shea Butter

1 Tbsp Beeswax Pellets

3/4 tsp Vitamin E Oil

2 Tbsp Cornstarch

10 drops Essential Oil of Choice

Instructions:

Combine coconut oil, shea butter and beeswax in a double boiler or melting device.

Allow mixture to heat.

Stir thoroughly.

Remove from the heat as soon as mixture is completely melted.

Add Vitamin E oil and cornstarch and stir until smooth.

Remove the saucepan from the stove

Leave the container in the water to make the mixing easier.

Add in the essential oil.

Pour into storage container.

Allow the deodorant to cool completely.

Remember, sweating is the body’s process to remove toxins, so you want to be able to do so! Switching to a natural deodorant is a great way to help your body be healthier.

Mary Tylor Naturals is here to provide you with Better Ingredients for a Better Life!

For more information on this topic, you can listen to our podcast episode!