If you’ve noticed more “natural” deodorants on your drugstore’s shelves, or you’ve heard talk of the potential risks of chemicals in antiperspirants, you may be asking yourself, “Are natural deodorants better?” and wondering if you should be swapping out your old favorite.
You’re not the only one: There’s been a slew of viral TikToks sharing how people are switching from their trusty antiperspirant to a more natural deodorant. Their reasons for swapping range from avoiding skin irritation to worries over health risks, everything from hormonal imbalances to cancer. Either way, no need to sweat it, we’ve got the underarm low-down from doctors who know.
How antiperspirants work to block odor and sweat
Antiperspirants stop odor by physically clogging pores using ingredients like aluminum chlorohydrate or aluminum zirconium. These compounds prevent any sweat from forming in the areas where antiperspirants are applied, says Andrea Hui Austin, MD, a dermatologist at Bay Area Cosmetic Dermatology in San Francisco. No sweat, no bacteria to mix with, hence no odor.
“Over the years, there have been concerns with potential health risks from using aluminum compounds since they may be absorbed through the skin and could potentially disrupt hormonal function or have neurotoxic effects,” says Dr. Austin. And since sweating is one of the main ways our body moves toxins out, blocking sweat glands means those harmful toxins don’t get flushed out as quickly.
Another concern? Chemicals like phthalates (usually used for fragrance) and parabens (a preservative) that are commonly found in antiperspirants can enter the bloodstream once applied to the skin. And once in the bloodstream, these chemicals may mimic hormones in your body, leading to hormonal fluctuations that interfere with the endocrine system. “This is evident from how common skincare toxins like phthalates and parabens show up on bloodwork,” explains Dr. Austin.
It’s also been reported that the “plugs” created by aluminum may interfere with estrogen receptors in the breast, potentially promoting the growth of breast cancer cells. That said, “there are no strong studies that link breast cancer risk with antiperspirants that contain aluminum,” says Cindy Geyer, MD, a board-certified internal medicine doctor based in Lenox, Massachusetts. So this is a cause for concern, but no need to panic.
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How natural deodorants work to fight odor
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The sweat released by our apocrine glands (these are found in areas with lots of hair follicles, like armpits) is actually odorless. The pungent odor that comes from our underarms occurs after the bacteria already present on the skin mix with the odorless sweat.
Natural deodorants are made with bacteria-neutralizing ingredients that work to banish odor, and they are free of aluminum-phthalate and parabens. This means they never block the release of sweat. Instead, they are infused with organic ingredients and natural preservatives and fragrances such as coconut oil and rose oil, which help keep pores clear in order to allow your body to rid harmful toxins through perspiration while placing a fresh scent on skin to mask or absorb body odor.
“Natural deodorant is used to counteract body odor, not sweat,” says Stephanie Taylor, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and Senior Consultant for Medpak Solutions. “Sweating is something your body requires—it cools you down and removes toxins from you. Natural deodorant does not, like conventional ones, suppress sweat. They instead utilize mild ingredients to combat odor.”
The bottom line: Are natural deodorants really better for you than chemical antiperspirants?
The answer is maybe. In short: “Natural deodorants are considered a safer alternative,” says Dr. Austin, because they “avoid harmful chemicals and instead focus on gentle, naturally-occurring ingredients.”
“And although these ingredients do not block sweat, they can still prevent odor by absorbing moisture, neutralizing odor-causing bacteria, and can give additional benefits like soothing the skin, providing a relaxing scent and more,” says Dr. Austin.
If you’re worried about sweating, since natural deodorant is great for masking odor but probably won’t stop you from sweating, Dr. Taylor has a few tips: “Wear loose, comfortable clothing [i.e. clothing that isn’t tight around your armpits]; use witch hazel to tighten up your skin and minimize sweat; use zinc oxide, which can dry up the skin and soothe irritation.”
Best natural deodorants for odor, sweat and skin
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While many strides have been made in the natural deodorant category, there are those who find they still smell that distinct underarm odor when wearing it. When it comes to finding a natural deodorant that works best for you, looking for an option that works with the natural chemistry of your body is important, as individual responses to deodorants may vary, Dr. Austin notes. “Keep in mind that finding the most effective and suitable natural deodorant for your body chemistry might require some trial and error.”
Two great overall options that Dr. Taylor recommends are Native Deodorant and Schmidt’s Natural Deodorant. “They’re well-crafted products that use great ingredients, avoid strong chemicals and are safe for sensitive skin,” she says.
Also, tat? These days, many deodorants offer multiple benefits, so you might look for one with benefits beyond keeping odor at bay. For example, one that also helps tamp down on menopausal hot flashes, slows hair growth or lightens darker underarm skin.
To smell great all day
As someone who’s always struggled with underarm sweat, it took me a long time to hop on the natural deodorant bandwagon—but Curie Natural Deodorant Stick made me realize I should have switched a long time ago. It smells better than even some of my perfumes and there is a wide range of unique scents to choose from (my favorite is Santal Sage, but Coconut Nectar is a close second).
To brighten dark underarms
If you’re looking to lighten dark underarms, look for a natural deodorant made with alpha hydroxy acid (AHA), like Drunk Elephant Sweet Pitti Deodorant Cream. It’s made with mandelic acid, an AHA that gently exfoliates to remove a buildup of dead, dry skin cells that cause armpits to appear darker.
To soothe razor burn
Dr Teal’s Aluminium Free Deodorant Rose & Milk contains milk, which has proteins that calm red, irritated skin (such as irritation you may find after you shave), and the high amount of antioxidants in roses repairs skin and cuts down on inflammation.
To ease hot flashes
Tom’s of Maine Long Lasting Deodorant in Wild Lavender is infused with the light floral scent of wild lavender, which, when inhaled, helps soothe the central nervous system—and studies show can help ease hot flashes by 50%.
To treat + prevent underarm chafing
Kosas Chemistry AHA Serum Deodorant is packed with skin-soothing ingredients like aloe vera juice and hyaluronic acid. Aloe’s saponins create an invisible barrier over skin that limits friction, while humectant hyaluronic acid nourishes skin to heal already chafed underarms.
DIY your own natural deodorant
If you prefer to whip up your own natural deodorant, simply follow the recipe below from Heather Moday, MD, a doctor who specializes in allergy and immunology, as well as integrative and holistic medicine.
To do: Mix 1⁄4 cup of baking soda, 1⁄4 cup of cornstarch, 1⁄3 cup of coconut oil and 6 to 10 drops of peppermint essential oil in a jar with a lid. Apply by warming up a dime-sized amount of the mixture in your hands until it’s liquid and rub under your arms.
Why it works: Baking soda absorbs odor, cornstarch soaks up excess sweat, peppermint oil is antibacterial and offers a pleasant scent and the coconut oil is antimicrobial.
How to transition to natural deodorant without the stink
When swapping to a natural deodorant, it’s perfectly natural to experience more moisture in the underarm area during the transition. In fact, Dr. Austin notes that an increased amount of sweating is a good sign and perfectly normal when you swap because your pores will no longer be blocked up.
Additionally, doing a twice-weekly armpit “detox” before switching over to a natural deodorant will also help ease the transition. This pulls out impurities so the body can more easily adjust and allows natural deodorant to work its odor- and sweat-nixing magic.
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Armpit Detox: Why Dermatologists Say You Should Give Your Underarms Some TLC + How to Do It
All it takes is 3 simple steps!
To do: Skip using any type of antiperspirant or deodorant for one week (the colder months are a great time to try this out!). Then, twice a week, apply an armpit mask of 1 tablespoon each of bentonite clay, apple cider vinegar and warm water mixed together to form a yogurt-like consistency. Next, swipe under the armpits and let sit for 10 minutes; wash off with warm water. Or try a premade clay mask like Curie Armpit Detox Mask. Why it works: Bentonite clay absorbs and removes embedded toxins and impurities while apple cider vinegar balances the skin’s pH level, creating a clean slate for natural deodorants.
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