If you think about it, antiperspirants are actually quite an extreme product. By adding just a small amount of aluminum salts, they make the impossible possible. Aluminum salts tightly adhere to sweat glands and lock in sweat production. They often feel more effective than regular deodorants because, by blocking the production of sweat, they prevent odors from even forming.
However, due to the various potential health risks associated with aluminum salts, many people are gradually turning to more natural deodorants as replacements. If you are one of them, let us break down the “secret weapons” used in natural deodorants so you can understand how they work to eliminate odors without the use of aluminum salts.
The issue, much like the current “clean beauty” trend, is that many natural deodorant brands on the market don’t clearly explain the specific ingredients they use. Unlike antiperspirants, which almost all rely on aluminum salts, natural deodorant brands use a variety of different methods and ingredients to neutralize odors.
So, if you tried your first natural deodorant and found the results underwhelming, and you are tempted to switch back to an aluminum-based antiperspirant—wait a minute! Let us spend five minutes explaining these to you. There are 8 main ingredients that natural deodorants use to stop odors, and one of them is bound to be a perfect match for your body chemistry to achieve the best results!
Secret Weapon 1: Baking Soda
Pros: Baking soda is the most popular deodorizing ingredient in natural deodorants. There are many options available in terms of scent, style, and price. Baking soda has natural antibacterial and deodorizing properties; because it is alkaline, it creates a high pH environment where odor-causing bacteria cannot survive.
Cons: Since the pH of baking soda is much higher than that of skin, it can cause slight irritation or redness in people with sensitive skin. This is more common in DIY baking soda deodorants, as their concentration is often higher than that of commercial brands. Some data suggests that an excessively high pH may actually encourage the growth of certain odor-causing bacteria. Finally, baking soda-based deodorants can sometimes leave residue on clothing, so be mindful when dressing.
Secret Weapon 2: Magnesium Hydroxide
Pros: Like baking soda, magnesium hydroxide has antibacterial properties and maintains a high (alkaline) pH. The difference lies in their interaction with water: magnesium hydroxide has lower solubility, so it takes longer to dissolve fully in sweat. This not only means less irritation but potentially better staying power.
Cons: As mentioned, highly alkaline products can cause redness in sensitive skin. Some people try to save money by applying milk of magnesia directly to their underarms, but this can damage the skin and be completely ineffective because it lacks the absorbent powders, masking agents, and soothing moisturizers found in formulated deodorants.
Secret Weapon 3: Exfoliating Acids
Pros: Unlike alkaline products, exfoliating acids create an acidic environment, bringing the skin to a perfect pH balance that prevents odor-causing bacteria from reproducing. This is a skin-friendlier option with less irritation and stronger deodorizing power.
Cons: Not many brands currently use acids as the primary deodorizing agent in their formulas, so options are relatively limited, and the price point tends to be higher.
Secret Weapon 4: Fermented Elements (Probiotics)
Pros: Unlike deodorants that work by killing or reducing bacteria, these contain active enzymes that break down odor-causing compounds into amino acids, neutralizing the smell produced by sweat glands through various bacterial strains.
Cons: Probiotics are difficult to measure as they are diverse and variable. When searching for these, you may see ingredients on labels such as Saccharomyces Ferment Filtrate, Lactobacillus Ferment, Fructose, Inulin, and Alpha-Glucan Oligosaccharide.
Secret Weapon 5: Witch Hazel
Pros: Witch Hazel has been proven to have certain antibacterial functions. It is an astringent, though this does not mean it “shrinks pores” to reduce sweat output as some brands claim.
Cons: Brands that feature witch hazel for odor control usually don’t rely on it alone; they typically add other ingredients like prebiotics and baking soda to achieve actual odor neutralization.
Secret Weapon 6: Zinc Ricinoleate
Pros: Derived from castor oil, this is a highly efficient deodorizing substance that neutralizes unpleasant odors. While it is a complex molecular process that scientists are only just beginning to fully understand, some find it effective, though it may not be the strongest option on this list.
Cons: Not many deodorants on the market use zinc ricinoleate as their primary odor control. Be wary of products sold as “zinc-based” that rely on zinc oxide; zinc oxide helps prevent sunburn but does not inhibit odor.
Secret Weapon 7: Fragrance Oils
Pros: These deodorants do not neutralize odors or kill bacteria; instead, they use a mild base paired with various scents to mask the smell. They are suitable for people who do not sweat much or have mild body odor.
Cons: If you are looking to truly stop body odor rather than just masking it, these may not meet your needs. Additionally, high concentrations of fragrance have downsides: synthetic fragrances can contain potentially harmful ingredients, and high amounts of natural essential oils can be more irritating than baking soda.
Secret Weapon 8: Silver
Pros: Natural deodorants containing silver offer three main benefits. First, silver has powerful antibacterial and antimicrobial properties that inhibit the growth of bacteria and fungi. Second, natural silver is derived from ore, making it a pure, natural element that aligns with the clean beauty trend. Finally, its antibacterial properties provide longer-lasting protection compared to some other natural ingredients.
Cons: Using silver-based deodorants carries potential risks. Long-term, excessive use can potentially lead to argyria (silver poisoning). Additionally, silver emissions into the environment may negatively impact ecosystems, so sustainability factors should be considered. Some individuals may also be allergic to silver, leading to skin irritation like redness and itching. Finally, products containing silver are generally more expensive. You should carefully weigh these potential risks before use.