Why change to a clean, natural deodorant?
Deodorant isn’t exactly the most glamorous of subjects, but let’s face it - we all need it, and it’s a normal part of our everyday lives. As more and more of us make the move to more natural products - such as kitchen detergents and shampoos - deodorant is one thing that's all too easy to overlook. After all, it’s there to disguise one of the less palatable aspects of being human - body odour - something we’d all like to pretend doesn’t exist. But sadly it does, so today we’re turning our attention to natural deodorants and why it’s worth making the switch...
What do we mean by clean?
Before we go any further, let’s start with the basics: what do we actually mean by ‘clean’? Using deodorant is all part of keeping ourselves clean and hygienic, but the word ‘clean’ takes on a different meaning in this context. It’s a term used to describe products that are safe for people and planet. That typically means they’re organic and don’t contain any toxic ingredients - aluminium being a key one to look out for in the world of deodorants.
While we’re on the subject, it’s worth noting that antiperspirants and deodorants aren’t the same thing. Antiperspirants stop you sweating to keep you dry (aluminium is what does that), while deodorants stop you smelling by neutralising or disguising natural body odour, but don’t stop you sweating. Lots of regular deodorants are also antiperspirant deodorants, so do both - but natural deodorants deal with the smell, not the sweat.
It’s better for you
The aluminium in an antiperspirant works by clogging your sweat glands to prevent sweat from escaping, but there’s concern among some that there may be health concerns associated with it. In particular, some have posited a link between antiperspirant deodorants and breast cancer. While there’s currently no scientific evidence to support this hypothesis, it’s little wonder that many people would rather err on the side of caution and use deodorants comprised of natural ingredients. After all, we sweat for a reason - to stay cool and rid our bodies of toxins - so it’s unnatural to block it.
It’s better for the planet
The other aspect to ‘clean’ products such as deodorants is that because they’re made with natural ingredients, they’re also better for the environment than ones stuffed with nasty chemicals. It’s impossible to stop these chemicals getting out into the environment (when we take a shower, for example), so using natural deodorants means you won’t have to worry about what harmful toxins you’re unleashing.
What’s more, you’ll find that brands who care about what’s in their deodorants also care about what they’re packaged in. If you’re doing your bit to eliminate single-use plastic and are on the lookout for sustainably packaged deodorants, the natural deodorant market is a great place to look.
Making the switch
It’s not exactly a secret that making the switch to natural deodorant is a slightly, er, pongy process. Although sweat itself doesn’t smell - any odour is caused by bacteria growing in it - unfortunately, your body has to go through a transition phase that involves expelling all the toxins when you go cold turkey on traditional deodorants.
But fans of natural deodorants say it’s worth sticking with it, as this transition phase normally only lasts around two weeks. Top tip: the transition can be made easier by using clay masks under your arms (you can get them especially for this purpose, but you can also use the kind you’d normally use on your face), which helps to draw out the nasty stuff your body wants to get rid of.
Some of our favourite natural deodorants to try
Ready to give natural deodorants a try? Here at Caara, we’ve got plenty of options to help you get started, and these are a few of our favourite natural deodorant brands.
The Natural Deodorant Co
The Natural Deodorant Co create invisible, super-effective natural deodorant balms with a creamy texture that melts effortlessly into your skin to provide excellent odour protection. They’re 100% natural, vegan and palm oil and cruelty-free, and come in gorgeous flavours like Lemon and Geranium and Grapefruit and Mint. These balms are made with antibacterial magnesium and sodium bicarbonate, enhanced by moisturising coconut oil and shea butter that your delicate underarm skin will love.
Salt of the Earth
With a choice of three different formats, natural deodorants from Salt of the Earth give you more options in how you apply your deodorant. Whether you choose a roll-on, spray or crystal, one thing’s for sure: you’ll only find 100% natural ingredients here. Harnessing the power of botanical extracts and essential oils, these award-winning, eco-friendly deodorants are completely free of aluminium chlorohydrate, and they’re vegan and cruelty-free as well. Oh, and they get the job done remarkably effectively too, with aloe vera to keep your skin soft into the bargain. Choose from an unscented version or lovely fragrances such as Lavender and Vanilla.
Salt & Stone
With their grown-up packaging and award-winning formulation, Salt & Stone is onto a winner with its Formula No. 1 natural deodorant. Not for nothing do they describe this as the most advanced natural deodorant on the market: it achieves the feat of providing 48 hours of odour protection thanks to its powerful blend of probiotics. Not only that, but it features moisturising hyaluronic acid, which not only keeps skin soft and supple but also provides antioxidant defence from environmental stressors. The best thing is that it achieves all this despite being completely free from aluminum, alcohol, parabens, synthetic fragrances and dyes. Choose from several sophisticated natural scents, including Eucalyptus and Cedarwood, Vetiver and Sandalwood and Eucalyptus and Bergamot.
SoapWalla
SoapWalla’s selection of natural deodorant creams come in fully sustainable packaging and are made with vegetable powder, clay, and essential oils including lavender, peppermint and tea tree. This powerful concoction of natural ingredients stops bacteria in its tracks, thereby keeping odour at bay. With a version available for sensitive skin, this is a great choice for starting your natural deodorant journey.
Have you made the switch to a natural deodorant? How have you found it, and what would you say to others thinking of doing the same? We’d love to hear your experiences!