Deodorant is a daily hygiene product that many of us consider essential, but it’s not always clear why. Some brands of deodorant claim to be natural, but these products may still contain propylene glycol or fragrance, two common irritants.
To help you find the best deodorant for you, experts recommend looking for one that is aluminum-free (doesn’t stop sweating) and gentle on your skin. This natural option from Native contains cyclodextrin to neutralize odor-causing bacteria and coconut and shea oil to keep your pits soft. Click the Website to know more.
Deodorants contain fragrances, natural ingredients and, often, alcohols to prevent odor. Some also contain acidifiers or pH neutralizers that maintain the skin’s natural slight acidity, which reduces bacterial action and helps to diminish odor. Other deodorants include antiperspirant ingredients like aluminum, which clogs sweat ducts to stop perspiration.
Sweat itself doesn’t smell, but a combination of body odor and bacteria creates a musty or fusty scent. Antiperspirants prevent body odor by inhibiting the production of a compound called keratin, which is responsible for creating that stench. In recent decades, makers of deodorant and antiperspirants have been able to greatly improve the effectiveness of their products by encapsulating active ingredients in time-release polymer enclosures that allow the chemicals to work over a longer period of time.
The best way to use deodorant and antiperspirants is to apply them after showering at night, which gives the formulas an opportunity to soak into the pores. If you do sweat a lot, especially in your armpits, reapply as needed during the day. If your skin tends to be sensitive, choose a less-aggressive product or opt for a natural option without the aluminum.
While it is true that some people can develop a chemical reaction to deodorant and antiperspirants, most do not. There is no evidence that these products increase the risk of cancer or other serious health problems. The rumor that aluminum in antiperspirants causes breast cancer originated from an email chain in the 1990s and is completely unfounded. There are no known links between aluminum and Alzheimer’s, either.
People with very sensitive skin should avoid both antiperspirants and deodorants that contain alcohols, which can dry out the skin and lead to a rash. In addition, those who have a condition called hyperhidrosis should only use a clinical-strength deodorant that’s designed to be as effective as possible for them. This type of sweating is usually caused by a hormonal imbalance and can be easily treated with medication and other treatments. However, the best thing to do is to talk with your doctor to discuss what’s causing your condition.
Prevents Odor
Deodorant does more than mask stink; it prevents body odor. It does so by neutralizing bacteria that creates and releasing unpleasant smells. It also often contains nourishing skincare ingredients like shea butter and coconut oil that reduce friction under the arms. In addition, a good deodorant will help to control perspiration, preventing the buildup of stinky sweat on the skin.
The armpits’ warm and moist environment is an ideal breeding ground for odor-producing microorganisms, such as corynebacteria, which feast on sweat and generate noxious waste by-products like short chain fatty acids. These noxious by-products give sweat its characteristically pungent odor, but previous deodorants didn’t address the problem at its source; they simply eliminated bacteria to avoid body odor.
Currently, the most common deodorants contain antiseptic ingredients that kill or disable the bacterial population in the armpits. This eliminates odor, but not the sweat itself, and so it’s important to use a combination of deodorant and antiperspirants for effective results.
Body odor is natural and normal, especially in kids who start sweating heavily at about the time they enter puberty, which usually happens between the ages of 8-13 for girls and 9-14 for boys. It’s important to teach kids about the proper way to apply deodorant so they don’t have unnecessary body odor problems.
Sweat itself doesn’t smell; it’s the bacteria that produce the odor when they break down proteins in the sweat. That’s why people with sensitive skin should avoid deodorants that contain harsh chemicals and instead stick with organic, vegan options made from natural ingredients.
Some deodorants also include an antimicrobial agent called triclosan, which is often used as a substitute for baking soda in deodorants because of its antibacterial properties. However, it has been linked to antibiotic resistance and is not recommended for everyday use. As with any product, a little experimentation is needed to find the best organic deodorant for your unique needs. Try a few and see which one gives you the best results, then make that your go-to. After all, smelling fresh is an essential part of feeling confident!
Prevents Skin Irritation
Many people get itchy armpits from a variety of things, including soaps and perfumes, so the thought of adding deodorant to the mix might make them squirm. However, it’s possible to find a formula that will keep you fresh and rash-free without irritating your sensitive underarm skin. Check the label and opt for a formula that’s free from any ingredients you know you’re sensitive to, like fragrance or talc. Similarly, consider choosing a moisturizing deodorant with shea butter or glycerin that keeps your underarms from getting dry. And if you’re using an aluminum-based antiperspirant, try one that’s formulated for sensitive skin to prevent irritation from the salts.
In contrast, a natural deodorant might contain plant-derived ingredients that are safe and gentle on the skin, such as tea tree oil or lichen extract, to provide odor-fighting properties, Hadley King, MD, clinical instructor of dermatology at Weill Medical College of Cornell University tells SELF. She adds that some of these formulas might also use arrowroot powder to absorb sweat and coconut oil to act as a skin conditioner. Shea and glycerin are also excellent choices for eczema-prone skin because they keep it moisturized, which can help prevent the irritation that can come with abrasions in your underarms.
While alum, an ingredient found in some natural deodorants, is mineral-based and won’t irritate the skin, it may not work well to stop underarm odor because it can leave behind a white residue on dark clothing. Instead, choose a natural deodorant that’s free from alum and talc and uses natural scenting agents such as bergamot, lavender, sandalwood or tea tree oils to provide freshness.
If you’re changing to a new deodorant, it’s important to switch over slowly. It takes a little time for your body to adjust to a new product and can prevent the itchiness that can occur when you change deodorants all at once. Try using your old deodorant on alternate days and gradually increase the amount you use of the new product to avoid a painful and itchy transition. If you’re still experiencing a reaction, talk to your dermatologist.
Keeps You Fresh
Whether you’re sweaty or dry, applying deodorant should be a non-negotiable part of your daily routine. But a quick glance down the deodorant aisle proves it’s not always easy to pick one: there are so many formulas, including gels and sprays in addition to traditional sticks, and countless scents. To help you narrow down your options, we’ve consulted our team of experts (including a board-certified dermatologist and an ACE-certified personal trainer) to find the best deodorants that actually work.
When it comes to finding the perfect antiperspirant, there are a few key ingredients to look for. The majority of the best ones contain zinc neodecanoate, which blocks sweat glands from producing moisture so you don’t smell, and sodium bicarbonate, which is great for eliminating odor-causing bacteria. Other helpful ingredients to look for include antimicrobials, which kill odor-causing bacteria instead of masking them, like triclosan and benzalkonium chloride; low doses of metallic salts like aluminum or zirconium; and natural fragrances and essential oils that can leave you smelling fresh all day.
For our picks, we looked for the most effective deodorants that are also free of harsh chemicals, parabens, and phthalates. These all-natural antiperspirants, including a top-rated option from Lume, use hardworking plant-based ingredients designed to stop odor-causing bacteria, absorb wetness, and soothe skin. The result is a deodorant that’s tough enough to stand up to heavy workouts, yet gentle enough to wear on sensitive skin.
The best deodorants for men and women are easy to apply and won’t irritate your underarms or other sensitive areas. These all-natural options will keep you smelling fresh and feeling confident, no matter how much you move.
This natural, vegan, and aluminum-free deodorant has a light coconut fragrance that’s both refreshing and clean. It’s formulated with movement in mind, and is also available unscented if you don’t want to layer on scents. This natural deodorant is a favorite among many of our editors, and a top-rated product by dermatologists. It also has a smooth finish that glides on smoothly and won’t stain clothing.