A few years ago, I fell down an internet rabbit hole concerning the supposed “dangers” of conventional deodorants and the touted “advantages” of natural alternatives. Looking back, it’s amusing considering my lifestyle filled with a myriad of “harsh chemicals” to manage the messes created by my three children and two dogs. We are staunch believers in vaccinations—if there were extra shots available, we’d take them. We trust solid science and Western medicine, and our grocery cart usually contains non-organic produce. Honestly, I feel like I’m made up of about 74% Diet Coke at this point. I am anything but a naturally inclined person.
When I whimsically decided to swap out our reliable anti-perspirants for an all-natural deodorant I ordered online, my husband was totally unprepared for the change. One morning, post-shower, instead of his usual vibrant gel deodorant named something like “Freshness Tsunami” or “Strong As A Musk Ox,” he found a recycled cardboard tube filled with a substance that resembled a mix of compressed sawdust and chalk, complete with an odd smell. Despite its questionable appearance, I was convinced by an internet recommendation.
On the day we were supposed to embrace our new healthy armpit regimen, I eagerly texted him at work to see how it was going. His reply was less than enthusiastic: “Katie. Where’s my deodorant? This paper tube is awful. I can’t stand it! Did you even try it? It feels like a cat licking my armpit.”
I was initially offended but decided to test it myself. He was right; it was uncomfortable. The experience was reminiscent of a scene from The Lion King, where Simba and Nala have a less-than-pleasant encounter. Consequently, I retrieved our old deodorants from their hiding spot under the sink and resumed using them.
That is until a few months later, when I thought I should give natural deodorant another chance. Late one night while nursing my daughter, I stumbled upon a brand heavily marketed for its all-natural formula that could be used anywhere on the body. Despite my initial intention to only apply it to my armpits, I was drawn in by its claims. It just so happened that my best friend ordered a sampler pack that same night, so we decided to embark on this journey together.
Fast forward a week: she developed a rash in her armpit, and I ended up with a rash in a different area—let’s just say, the product didn’t work as advertised. Lesson learned. Natural deodorant simply isn’t for me.
However, just because it didn’t work for me doesn’t mean it’s ineffective for others. Many people swear by brands like Tom’s, Native, or Lume. If natural deodorants keep the odor and sweat at bay for you, then stick with what you love.
If you’re using natural options out of concern for your health or to avoid certain ingredients in conventional deodorants, there’s some news you should know. An article in The New York Times featured experts including oncologists and dermatologists who confirmed that regular deodorants are completely safe. The claims about harmful chemicals, aluminum, and breast cancer are largely unsubstantiated and often stem from marketing tactics rather than solid scientific evidence.
For instance, Dr. Harold Burstein, a breast oncologist at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, stated, “There’s absolutely no evidence that breast cancer is caused by exposure to anything in antiperspirants or deodorants.” Similarly, the concerns about aluminum causing Alzheimer’s disease were dismissed by epidemiologist Amy Borenstein, who noted that the evidence supporting such claims is of poor quality and has been largely abandoned.
Experts also negated the idea that deodorants disrupt skin microbiomes, with Jack Gilbert from UC San Diego revealing that there are no rigorous studies to support that claim. Moreover, dermatologist Dr. Nina Botto pointed out that while synthetic fragrances can cause allergic reactions, natural fragrances often lead to similar issues.
Conclusion
The best deodorant for you is one that meets your needs and doesn’t irritate your skin. If you prefer natural products, that’s great. If you’ve been using the same old deodorant for years and it works fine, there’s no need to switch. And if you’re feeling pressured by rumors but find natural options don’t suit your budget or preferences, don’t hesitate to go back to your trusted alternatives. Experts affirm that conventional deodorants are safe choices.
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Summary
Natural deodorants are trending, but are they really better for you? While some individuals find success with these products, many experts suggest that conventional deodorants pose no health risks. Ultimately, the best choice is the one that suits you without causing irritation, regardless of whether it’s a natural or traditional option.
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