The Best Natural Deodorants That Actually Work
Some people have concerns that conventional antiperspirant, which contains aluminum to plug sweat glands and reduce wetness that causes inflammation, contributes to breast cancer, or that other ingredients found in typical antiperspirants and deodorants - parabens and phthalates, which are banned in some other countries - could potentially contribute to cancer or even impact fertility. However, the claims are unfounded, according to dermatologists like Dr. Josh Zeichner, M.D., director of cosmetic and clinical research at the Mount Sinai Hospital Department of Dermatology in New York City. "There is no data to support the idea that deodorant or antiperspirant ingredients are absorbed to any significant degree into your circulation and that it is problematic to your health," Dr. Zeichner says.
The National Cancer Institute and American Cancer Society also reject the theory that plugging sweat glands causes cancer or contributes to Alzheimer's disease, or that ingredients in conventional antiperspirants or deodorants will definitely increase your risk, despite several studies that hint there could be a link.
Still, there are plenty of all-natural, stand-alone deodorants without aluminum antiperspirant just in case you're concerned. Here are 9 safe bets that'll keep you fresh (as long as you're not allergic to any of their natural ingredients).
1. Native Lavender & Rose Deodorant, $12 for 2.65 oz.
Active ingredients: baking soda, which helps neutralize odors, arrowroot powder to absorb moisture, and shea butter, jojoba oil for hydration, and antimicrobial coconut oil.
2. Pacifica Coconut Vanilla Underarm Deodorant Water, $9 for 4 fl. oz.
Active ingredients: saccharomyces ferment, which contains live enzymes that help neutralize and break down odor-causing compounds, natural fragrance, and anti-bacterial phenoxyethanol.
3. MegaBabe Rosy Pits Daily Deodorant, $18 for 2.6 oz
Active ingredients: corn starch to soak up sweat, coconut oil, which has antimicrobial properties, odor-preventing sage and green tea, and sandalwood oil and rose absolute for scent.
4. Le Couvent des Minimes Everyday Deodorant, $16 for 1.6 fl. oz.
Active ingredients: alum stone, an antimicrobial agent that reduces naturally occurring bacteria that break down sweat, and is made up of aluminum salts that are too large in size to be absorbed into the skin, according to Dr. Zeicher; several essential oils including orange and rosemary.
5. Tarte Clean Queen Vegan Deodorant, $27 for 2 oz.
Active ingredient: corn starch to absorb moisture.
6. Jason Dry Spray Deodorant in "Fresh Cucumber," $10 for 3.8 fl. oz.
Active ingredients: alcohol, a drying agent with antimicrobial properties, and several natural oils for fragrance.
7. Schmidt's Charcoal + Magnesium Mineral Enriched Natural Deodorant, $10 for 3.25 oz
Active ingredients: arrowroot powder, baking soda, and activated charcoal to absorb moisture. Dr. Zeichner says magnesium is only in there to balance the product's pH.
8. Primal Pit Paste Thyme and Lemongrass Natural Deodorant, $10 for 2 oz.
Active ingredients: baking soda and arrowroot powder to absorb wetness, and coconut oil, which has antimicrobial properties.
9. Lavanila The Health Deodorant in Vanilla Lavendar, $13 for 2 oz.
Active ingredients: beta glucan from oats, barley, and sugar to break down sweat molecules; lemon peel oil, an antibacterial agent; plus corn starch and baking soda, which absorb moisture.
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