Benefits of Switching to Aluminum-Free Deodorant
Deodorant is an easy, quick way to feel fresh and smell great all day long. It’s especially helpful in hot and humid weather when we tend to sweat more and develop body odor faster. Unfortunately, most deodorants on the market contain potentially harmful ingredients like parabens, phthalates, or aluminum.
These substances can be detected on labels as propylene glycol, tridecyl, or adipate. If these words sound like gibberish to you, don’t worry. You don’t need to be a chemist to understand whether a product is good for your skin or not. Reading these labels might even have raised some red flags for you too! Luckily, there are plenty of aluminium free deodorant options that are safe and healthy for sensitive skin types.
Why You Should Switch to Aluminum-Free Deodorants
Toxic ingredients present in regular deodorants can cause a variety of health issues. Some main one is skin irritation. Regular deodorants contain ingredients that clog pores and prevent the skin from properly detoxing. That’s why most people experience some degree of skin irritation when using regular deodorants. If the irritation is mild, it can be treated with a soothing, skin-friendly product. But if you have frequent outbreaks, it’s time to switch to a natural deodorant.
Why Are Deodorants With Aluminum Bad?
Some people wonder why aluminum-free deodorants are a better choice than aluminum ones. Well, first, considering the potential health risks of aluminum, it makes sense to switch to aluminum-free deodorants. But let’s take a look at the facts.
Foremost, aluminum-free deodorants do not inhibit odor, but rather fight it. Aluminum-based deodorants, on the other hand, temporarily stop odor by clogging pores and preventing sweating. But, in the long term, aluminum-based deodorants can cause body odor by causing bacterial buildup. That’s because aluminum deodorants have antibacterial properties, which can lead to an overgrowth of bad bacteria on the skin.
So, Why Is Aluminum in Deodorants?
Well, aluminum is a naturally occurring element, but it’s also highly toxic. This toxic nature makes it perfect for deodorants since they are meant to fight odor. The purpose of aluminum in deodorants is to temporarily stop the production of sweat, which is how our bodies get rid of toxins. Since aluminum-based deodorants also have antibacterial properties, they also prevent bacteria from building up on the skin and causing odor.
However, it’s important to note that deodorants are not antiperspirants. They are designed to temporarily stop the production of sweat for a few hours. But, after the effect wears off, the body will reabsorb the toxins and the odor will come back.
How Does Aluminum Help Stop Odor?
Humans naturally sweat to get rid of toxins, like excess salt and water, and regulate body temperature. But excessive sweating can be problematic for people with sensitive skin. Excessive sweating can lead to rashes, infections, and even skin cysts when bacteria build up on the skin.
People with diabetes, obesity, and heart diseases are also at risk of developing hyperhidrosis, a condition that causes excessive sweating. Deodorants are meant to temporarily stop the production of sweat, which is how these toxins exit the body. Aluminum, the main ingredient in deodorants, has antibacterial properties that can kill the bacteria on the skin and prevent the accumulation of toxins that cause bad odor. However, aluminum-based deodorants can be bad for sensitive skin.
Alternatives to Aluminum in Deodorants
When looking for an aluminum-free deodorant, there are a few key ingredients to look out for. First, look for mild ingredients like essential oils, baking soda, and shea butter. Those ingredients have soothing and antiseptic properties that can help treat skin irritation. Other ingredients to look for are natural preservatives like grapefruit seed extract, vitamin E, and citrus oils.
Grapefruit seed extract, for example, is a natural preservative with antifungal, antibacterial, and anti-oxidant properties. Many deodorants on the market are infused with baking soda, which is a natural pH-balancing agent that can help to treat skin irritation. Another option is switching to a natural body spray.
Bottom line
Choosing an aluminum-free deodorant can be a great way to protect your skin from the harmful effects of regular deodorants. Try switching to an aluminum-free deodorant and see if it makes a difference to your skin. If you experience any irritation, try switching to a different brand or try out a different ingredient in your deodorant, like baking soda.