If you are looking for a natural deodorant, it’s easy to become confused by so many product claims. You want a deodorant that doesn’t have chemical additives, but you want one that really works, too. Here are some ingredients to look for when shopping for products that really are natural and have deodorant capabilities too.
Potassium alum is a natural mineral salt that is effective in prohibiting the growth of odor causing bacteria. It is also used in making flour, cheese and mouthwashes. However, it does contain trace amounts of aluminum. So if you’re looking for a deodorant that is 100% aluminum free, choose one without this ingredient.
Zinc is a natural mineral that can be combined with plant-based substances to control bacteria. Zinc citrate is made from combining zinc oxide with citric acid. Zinc rincoleate is made using castor seed oil. Both are effective antibacterial agents.
The flowers of the hop plant (also known as ‘hops’) have been used for centuries to control the growth of bacteria. Beer-lovers know that hops are used as a natural preservative in the beer making process. But don’t worry – using hops in your deodorant won’t make you smell like beer. And as it turns out, hops are effective at controlling the bacteria that cause body odor, too.
Lichen is an organism that grows on just about anything from bare rocks, to fence posts to tree trunks. Because of its antimicrobial, it is often used in natural deodorants. But it may cause some irritation for people with sensitive skin or who are allergic to molds. Also, environmentalists are concerned that it is being over harvested, so if you are concerned with the eco-system you may want to choose a deodorant with alternative ingredients.
Why stay away from aluminum?
Aluminum chlorohydrate was commonly used for years because it was affective at blocking perspiration, not just blocking odor. People liked the fact that they could stop sweat from staining their clothing. But as it turns out, aluminum is a neurotoxin that has been linked to brain diseases such as Alzheimer’s, so it’s just not worth the risk.