Are Natural Deodorants Really Better For You? A Cleveland Clinic and Mount Sinai Dermatologist Share the Truth
Here's the truth about that whole aluminum thing.
You may have heard a rumor that has made the rounds: the aluminum in deodorants and antiperspirants can cause breast cancer. That specific claim has been debunked by medical studies, as the National Cancer Institute shares. However, aluminum may potentially be detrimental in other ways. As Penn Medicine reports, a build-up of aluminum in your body can bring on certain bone diseases and dementia. Alzheimer’s disease can also be a risk when using products with aluminum, according to 2016 research.
So, does it make sense to ditch the deodorant with aluminum listed as an ingredient? And to forgo deodorants with other not-so-great add-ins, like parabens and talc? Is there an actual danger when using these products? How great is the risk?
Read on to find out if natural deodorant is a healthier choice, based on advice from two dermatologists.
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What Is Natural Deodorant, Exactly?
According to a 2021 study from CivicScience, 9 percent of respondents use natural deodorant, and it’s only growing in popularity.
But what exactly is natural deodorant?
“Natural deodorant primarily means it is aluminum-free,” says Dr. Jeannette Graf, MD, board-certified dermatologist and Assistant Clinical Professor of Dermatology at Mt. Sinai School of Medicine, adding that they “typically contain no artificial ingredients and use plant-based ingredients such as arrowroot and moisture-absorbing ingredients such as cornstarch and baking soda.”
How Does Natural Deodorant Differ from Traditional Deodorant?
That traditional deodorant you’ve been using for years? It actually differs quite a bit from the stuff in natural deodorants.
“Natural deodorants tend to use more herbs or plant-based ingredients to decrease bacterial growth or create a nicer fragrance,” says Amy Kassouf, MD, FAAD, a dermatologist at the Cleveland Clinic. She says that ingredients like baking soda can change the pH of the skin, which can help stop bacteria.
Just keep in mind that like any deodorant on the market, natural deodorants don’t act as antiperspirants or block sweat glands, as Dr. Graf points out.
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Are Natural Deodorants Really Better for You?
Dr. Kassouf says that at the end of the day, the difference isn't that significant, and the choice to go natural or non-natural is a personal one. While aluminum-related health concerns continue to be studied, are these concerns big enough to make you stop using your usual, trusty deodorant?
At the very least, switching to natural deodorant can help with allergic reactions and rashes, if that’s something that you’re prone to with traditional deodorants.
Dr. Graf explains, “Natural deodorants most likely aren’t going to be game changers for your health, but have less of a chance to cause allergy and irritation.” Dr. Kassouf adds that many people get irritated by aluminum-based products, especially the clinical strength ones.
So, what are the potential benefits of using natural deodorant, both in the moment and in the future?
“The short- and long-term benefits of using a natural deodorant is a much lower chance of allergic contact and irritant dermatitis,” Dr. Graf says. “If you want to err on the side of caution, you can use natural deodorants to avoid allergic contact and irritant dermatitis.”
Still worried about what aluminum might do to your health if you’re not sure about switching? “There have been some theories about aluminum exposure, but most are drawn from much higher systemic exposures and have not been well-proven with topical exposure,” Dr. Kassouf says. In other words, experts have mainly been studying large quantities of aluminum and how it affects a person’s whole system; there hasn’t been a lot of evidence that topically applying it to your underarms is a risky endeavor.
Whether you’ve decided to swap out your regular deodorant for a natural one, or if you’d like to explore options that aren’t natural but still could be better for you, here are our experts’ top recommendations.
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Effective Natural Deodorants
Salt & Stone Natural Deodorant, $20 on Amazon
SALT & STONE Sensitive Skin Deodorant | Natural Deodorant Gel for Women and Men, Aluminum Free, Baking Soda Free, Vegan | Santal & Vetiver (2.6 oz)
This extra-strength deodorant from a cult brand has “hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid and probiotics, which naturally ferments to balance skin’s microbiome for a healthy level of bacteria,” Dr. Graf says. Salt & Stone Natural Deodorant, $20 on Amazon.
Tom’s of Maine Long Lasting Deodorant, $11.99 on Amazon
TOM'S OF MAINE, Deodorant Stick Long Lasting Lavender - 2.25 oz
Tom’s of Maine, a widely beloved natural brand, has a deodorant that’s a favorite among many. Dr. Kassouf says that it’s “well tolerated” and “reasonably priced,” making it a natural deodorant with widespread appeal. Tom’s of Maine Long Lasting Deodorant, $11.99 on Amazon.
Kosas Chemistry AHA Serum Deodorant, $16 on Amazon
Kosas Chemistry Deodorant | BO-Fighting AHA Serum, Nourishing and Stain-Free, (Serene Clean)
Looking for a deodorant with other skin-benefiting ingredients? Dr. Graf suggests this pick from Kosas, which she says has soothing ingredients like aloe vera juice and AHAs, “which are a nontoxic alternative to deodorize and exfoliate the underarms.” Kosas Chemistry AHA Serum Deodorant, $16 on Amazon.
Hello Fresh Citrus Deodorant with Shea Butter, $24 for 3 on Amazon
hello Shea Butter Fresh Citrus Deodorant for Women and Men, Aluminum Free, Baking Soda Free, Parabens Free, 24 Hour Protection, 2.6 Ounce (Pack of 3)
How about a “great-smelling” deodorant, as Dr. Graf describes it? She loves the aroma of this one, in delightful “Fresh Citrus,” and she likes that it offers 24-hour protection. Hello Fresh Citrus Deodorant with Shea Butter, $24 for 3 on Amazon.
The Least-Offensive Non-Natural Options
Kiehl’s Superbly Efficient Antiperspirant & Deodorant Cream, $32.98 on Amazon
Kiehl's Superbly Efficient Anti-Perspirant & Deodorant Cream 75ml/2.5oz
Not ready to take the dive into natural deodorant? You can forgo some ingredients while not going full-on clean if that’s your preference. For example, Dr. Graf recommends this fragrance-free option from Kiehl’s that has nontoxic ingredients like witch hazel to purify your underarms. Kiehl’s Superbly Efficient Antiperspirant & Deodorant Cream, $32.98 on Amazon.
Dove Beauty 0% Aluminum Deodorant Stick, $20.97 for three on Amazon
Dove 0% Aluminum Deodorant For Odor Protection Sensitive Deodorant Stick Provides 24-Hour Protection, 2.6 Ounce (Pack of 3)
Dove Beauty has recently released several new deodorant alternatives, like this one without aluminum. Generally, when shopping non-natural deodorants, Dr. Kassouf recommends looking for fragrance-free products made for sensitive skin, but she does like this line. Dove Beauty 0% Aluminum Deodorant Stick, $20.97 for 3 on Amazon
Secret Clinical Strength Soft Solid Sensitive Unscented Deodorant, $20.60 for a pack of 3 on Amazon
Secret Clinical Strength Soft Solid Sensitive Unscented Deodorant, 1.6 oz (Pack of 3)
Dr. Graf says, “While this antiperspirant and deodorant is clinical strength, it’s unscented and has soothing ingredients like provitamin B5.” Secret Clinical Strength Soft Solid Sensitive Unscented Deodorant, $20.60 for a pack of 3 on Amazon.
Next up, find out if you sweat too much, and why some people sweat more than others.
Sources
Dr. Jeannette Graf, a board-certified dermatologist and Assistant Clinical Professor of Dermatology at Mt. Sinai School of Medicine.
Amy Kassouf, MD, FAAD, a dermatologist at the Cleveland Clinic.
National Cancer Institute: “Antiperspirants/Deodorants and Breast Cancer”
Penn Medicine: “Is Deodorant Harmful to Your Health?”
Neuroscience Letters: “Chronic exposure to aluminum and risk of Alzheimer's disease: A meta-analysis”
CivicScience: “Interest in Natural Deodorant Grows in Popularity”
