Have you ever thought about what is in your deodorant or antiperspirant? Do you know the difference between a deodorant and antiperspirant?

Deodorant is used to mask or neutralize body odor. Antiperspirant, on the other hand, is a “drug” because it temporarily blocks your sweat glands to reduce perspiration.

Sweat is actually odorless and colorless. Half of all your sweat glands secrete fat and protein from your body, which is a thriving ground for bacteria to live. When sweat mixes with bacteria, then it becomes smelly. Sweating helps the body stay cool and eliminates toxins from the body.

What is Lurking in Your Antiperspirant?

Antiperspirants contain an aluminum compound as their active ingredient. (Which is how they are classified as an antiperspirant, rather than a deodorant.) Some studies have shown a link between aluminum in the body and brain and Alzheimer’s disease, as well as breast cancer.

Other common ingredients are:

• Parabens: Parabens can be found in every day cosmetic products and personal care products.   Parabens have been linked to disturbing the body’s hormonal balance and to mimic estrogen, as estrogen is said to play a part in breast cancer formation.
• Silica: Silica is a known skin irritant, it may also be contaminated with crystalline quartz, which is a carcinogen.
• Triclosan: The FDA classifies triclosan as a pesticide, while the IARC has it listed as a possible carcinogen. (Triclosan has been banned from all hand soaps due to high doses causing a decrease in the levels of some thyroid hormones.)
• Propylene Glycol: Propylene glycol is another common ingredient with health hazards. It may cause delayed allergic reactions, and is considered a neurotoxin, which may cause kidney and liver damage.

Natural Options

Now this is a hard one. There are TONS of options for natural deodorants (remember deodorants do not contain aluminum, so they do not stop sweating, they just mask odor.) Just like my natural hair care journey, my quest to find a perfect deodorant has been just as difficult (and smelly!)

I found out after trying several brands of deodorant that I am sensitive to baking soda which is found in a lot of natural deodorants. I got a terrible red, itchy, burning and painful rash on both my armpits! (Which was very discouraging!!) Not only was I trying to figure out how to stay as fresh and “non-smelly” as possible, I was combating a terrible rash!

I have tried both sticks and cremes where you had to apply with your fingers. Brands that I have tried that didn’t work for me:

Schmidts– Has baking soda and I broke out with every scent I tried. I also got clogged sweat glands that ended up causing pain and hard nodules in my armpits.
Primial Pit Paste Jasmine– Has baking soda and again I broke out.
Soapwalla– (trial size) Didn’t last until lunch, then it made me extra smelly.
Lone– (trial size) Didn’t last but a couple of hours.
Lone Bold Mint– (trial size) Smelled terrible with my body chemistry.
Meow Meow Tweet– (trial size) Didn’t last until lunch.
The Natural Deodorant Company– At first I LOVED this one. (I had a mini trial size.) It lasted all day long, it didn’t break me out. I bought a full jar and for some reason it was a different texture, different smell, and didn’t last at all. (sad face)
Toms– I have tried Toms several times through the years and I have never gotten it to last more than an hour or two.

What I’m Currently Using

I am switching back and forth from Crystal Invisible Solid Deodorant and Sprouts Mineral Salt Deodorant Stone. I am a fan of both of these. If it is an extra hot day I do have to reapply, but most of the time I do not. (I have learned to apply more than normal in the mornings.) Although, if I have applied the mineral salt stone, I do NOT reapply it. A salt stone will absorb any odor you have. You should only apply it to clean pits.

I have contemplated trying Native Deodorant (as a lot of my chiropractic colleagues use it). They have a line with baking soda and sensitive line that doesn’t use baking soda, with a ton of scents to choose from. So I have considered getting a sensitive stick, but I haven’t committed to spending more money when I have something that is working fine.

Bottom Line

Trial and error! I wish this was an easy one. If you are passionate about cleaning out the chemicals in your life, you will stick with it. If you get a rash from a brand you are using, switch and try something with different ingredients. There is no such thing as an armpit detox. Yes, your body will rid the build up of chemicals from your “chemical” deodorant, but you should not break out in painful rashes. I wanted to quit several times and go back to my Dove deodorant, but didn’t.

If you want to know any natural alternatives to anything, give me a shout! (Or your local chiropractor.)  Chiropractic is more than a pain relief remedy. It is full body health without mainstream chemicals. Which includes everything from cloth diapers, food allergy testing, pain and beyond!

~Dr. Lacey~
Carder Chiropractic Clinic, INC.
El Reno, OK 73036