A few years back, I fell into a rabbit hole online that convinced me about the “dangers” associated with my regular deodorant and the supposed “benefits” of switching to natural alternatives. This sudden shift in thinking was quite baffling, considering my lifestyle choices. My home is stocked with various “harsh chemicals” to tackle the daily messes and odors generated by my three kids and two dogs. We fully vaccinate our family and embrace modern medicine wholeheartedly. Honestly, I’m probably made up of about 74% Diet Coke at this point. The idea of being an earthy, organic type of person is far from me.
When I impulsively decided to replace our trusted antiperspirants with an all-natural deodorant I ordered online, my poor partner was caught completely off guard. One morning, he emerged from the shower only to find a recycled cardboard tube instead of his usual vibrantly packaged gel, which had names like “Fresh Breeze” or “Musk Ox Strength.” What he discovered was a strange concoction that resembled a mix of compressed sawdust and sidewalk chalk, presumably infused with essential oils.
Honestly, it looked quite gritty and smelled somewhat off even before use. However, someone online had recommended it, so I pressed on. On the day we were meant to start using our new, healthy deodorant, I was eager to see how he felt about our fresh lifestyle change. I texted him during the day to check in.
“Jenna, where’s my deodorant? I can’t stand that paper tube. I refuse to use it again. Did you try it? It felt like a cat was licking my armpit.”
I was a bit taken aback, but after trying it myself, I understood completely. It was an experience akin to that moment in The Lion King when Simba and Nala first encounter the wild.
Needless to say, I retrieved our previous deodorants from under the sink, returned them to their rightful spots, and tossed the new product in the trash. We’ve been using our old favorites ever since—until a couple of months ago, that is.
In a moment of curiosity, I told myself that if so many people rave about natural deodorants, perhaps I just picked a bad one. One night, while nursing my daughter, I stumbled upon a brand that claimed its all-natural deodorant could be used anywhere on the body. Although I had no intention of applying it beyond my armpits, the marketing was enticing.
As fate would have it, my best friend also ordered a sampler pack that same night. We decided to give it a go together. Fast forward a week, and she developed a rash in her armpit, while I experienced a rash in, well, let’s just say I ventured beyond my pits, and it didn’t work out so well for me. Lesson learned: stick to the pits.
Despite my two attempts, I concluded that natural deodorant isn’t for me. However, just because it doesn’t work for me doesn’t mean it’s ineffective for others. Many people swear by brands like Tom’s, Native, and Lume. If natural deodorants keep the odor or sweat at bay for you and make you happy, then go ahead and use them.
If you are considering natural deodorants due to perceived health benefits or to avoid ingredients in regular deodorants that you think might be harmful, here’s some news. The New York Times interviewed numerous experts, including oncologists and dermatologists, who unanimously agree that conventional deodorants are safe. Many of the claims about harmful chemicals, aluminum, and even the baseless fears linking deodorant to breast cancer are unfounded and lack scientific support.
To quote a few experts:
- Dr. Harold Burstein, a breast oncologist, stated, “To date, there’s absolutely no evidence that breast cancer is caused by exposure to anything in antiperspirants or deodorants, full stop.”
- On the topic of aluminum, Amy Borenstein, an epidemiology professor, mentioned, “The evidence is of poor quality, generally speaking.”
- Regarding skin microbiome disruption, Jack Gilbert, a microbiology expert, said there are no rigorous studies linking deodorant to skin health issues.
- Dr. Nina Botto, a dermatology professor, noted that while synthetic fragrances can cause allergic reactions, she has seen increasing cases of dermatitis from natural fragrances found in deodorants.
In summary, the best deodorant is one that meets your needs and doesn’t irritate your skin. Experts suggest unscented products to minimize allergic reactions. If you love your natural deodorant, great! If you’ve been using the same traditional deodorant for years, you can continue without worry. If you’re using natural deodorants out of fear from rumors, feel free to switch back to what works best for you.
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In conclusion, while natural deodorants may work well for some, they are not essential for everyone. The primary takeaway is that the best choice is the one that aligns with your preferences and needs.
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