Everything you need to know about natural deodorants

With global issues around environmental protection and sustainability becoming a big part of global consciousness, the worldwide movement towards natural beauty products is gaining momentum. And we’re totally here for it. People everywhere are opting for natural alternatives to popular remedies and the beauty industry has joined in, in a big way. We’re seeing natural hair dye, bath bombs with delish natural ingredients and even natural deodorant.

Let’s talk natural deodorant. It does everything a normal deodorant does, without the parabens, aluminium and phthalates, but are they as effective as their chemical counterparts? To find out more, we chatted to Tanya du Bois, owner of Naturals Beauty.

“We’re seeing an upsurge in research on the link between conventional deodorant ingredients and health issues,” Tanya explains. “One study linked aluminium-based antiperspirants to an increased risk of Alzheimer’s. Another study found a link between cancers of the breast and the use of commercial antiperspirants.

Of course, correlation does not always equal causation, but I think people would prefer to minimise the risks where they can and switching to natural deodorants is a simple way to do this. Natural deodorants don’t block your pores like antiperspirants do (the reason you don’t sweat) and they help control the bacteria causing bad odour.”

The best natural deodorant ingredients

Charcoal

“I believe charcoal to be a brilliant ingredient as it absorbs moisture very well,” Tanya says.

Shea butter

“I’m a firm believer in the power of a good moisturising ingredient like shea butter or wheat germ oil for example,” she says. “These ingredients will help prevent irritation and improve the condition of the skin.

The benefits of using natural deodorant

“The most prevalent benefits of using a natural deodorant are a reduction in the number of toxins entering your bloodstream and better conditioning of the skin under your arms,” she says. “You will still perspire, but remember sweat is good – it’s the way the body rids itself of toxins and regulates temperature. Your natural ingredients will keep the sweat from smelling bad.”

A parting tip

Tanya says, “Natural deodorants do take getting used to and you may need to play around with how much you need to apply for it to be effective, but for peace of mind regarding your health, I think it’s well worth trying out!”