Many consumers are choosing to avoid using deodorants that contain any form of aluminum. Though research has yet to support or refute any claim that there are links between cancer or Alzheimer’s Disease and aluminum in cosmetics; many are choosing caution by favouring more natural products.
Choosing a Natural Deodorant
Unfortunately it is not simple buying a truly “natural” deodorant free of chemicals. Even human-made ammonium alum products can be labeled as being natural, yet Dr Mercola and others question the safety of alum. When selecting a natural deodorant check the ingredients artificial chemicals such as DEA, SLS, parabens (ethyl, methyl, benzyl, butyl and propyl) and any form of aluminum.
Safer ingredients include vegetable glycerin, bioflavanoids, lichen, herbal extracts, green tea, aloe vera, baking soda and essential oils. Dr. Christine H. Farlow, D.C. has been called "The Ingredients Investigator" and has been researching the safety of ingredients used in food, cosmetics and personal care products since 1991. To learn more about the safety of ingredients in deodorants, visit her website. or the Environmental Working Group's Skin Deep Database.
Natural Aluminum Free Deodorants
Some excellent products that don’t contain aluminum are now available to prevent body odour, and here are five examples from a range of brands:
- Dr. Hauschka Fresh Roll On Deodorant has won a Green Beauty Bible Award. Senior articles editor at the Daily Green Christine Richmond claims "This prevented odor better than my antiperspirant." The deodorant has many positive reviews and even Martha Stewart is a fan. The packaging is eco friendly as it comes in recyclable glass, not plastic.
- Aromaco solid deodorant by Lush Cosmetics contains fewer than ten ingredients and uses witch hazel combined with essential oils to prevent bacteria from growing on sweat and creating bad smells. The product is also vegan and is popular with patchouli lovers. They also sell two other ammonium free solid deodorants with different scents.
- Herbal Clear claims to be effective because it contains lichen, an antimicrobial that inhibits bacteria that cause bad odours. It also contains sodium stearate, coriander and tea tree.
- Tom’s of Maine deodorant is also free from aluminum and contains botanical hops, aloe barbandensis leaf juice and witch hazel water to stop bacteria from multiplying on the skin.
- Aubrey Organics have a powerful vegan friendly product called E Plus High C Roll-On that claims to provide total protection. It contains many essential oils such as arnica flower, chamomile, sandalwood and jasmine to both deal with bacteria and provide a pleasant fragrance. The roll-on also carries the Leaping Bunny Logo.
Sweating is a natural process and deodorants do not interfere with this unlike most antiperspirants. Finding a natural deodorant free from aluminium is easier when looking at eco-friendly brands such as Aubrey Organics, Dr Hauschka and Lush. Read Essential Oil Deodorant Recipes for easy and cheap ways of making deodorant at home.
Sources:
- FireHow.com How to Choose a Safe Deodorant (Accessed July 6, 2010).
- TheDailyGreen.com Best Natural Deodorants (Accessed July 6, 2010).
Priya Chauhan - A designer, topic editor and feature writer (for Hinduism) and all round experimenter of healthy living; Priya enjoys being creative, and ...
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