AS much as deodorant and antiperspirant are a vital part of the daily hygiene routine, sweating is in fact a normal – and essential – bodily function to get rid of toxins and regulate body temperature.
This brings us to aluminium – the most commonly used ingredient to block the sweat gland and pores, thereby reducing sweat and body odour.
Perhaps the biggest health concern about aluminium is that it could increase the risk of breast cancer; aluminium is said to build up in the breast tissue over time, disrupting the body endocrine system.
While the myth continues to be circulated, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has no evidence or research data to substantiate the claim.
Aluminium has proven to be fine for most people, even though many have manifested painful cysts, itchy rashes and hyperpigmentation forming in the underarm area.
Furthermore, when aluminium reacts with sweat, it can cause yellow underarm stains on the clothes.
Since switching to natural deodorant, users have not experienced any of those problems that could further upset sensitive skin. There are some other issues, including a temporary increase in sweat production and sensitivity during the initial period of transition. They signify the body’s natural detoxing process from the sweat glands.
These changes can be challenging to go through but you can now rest easy knowing the days of using chemical-laden deodorants are in the past.
Some of the alternative absorbent ingredients in natural deodorant to replace aluminium are: baking soda, magnesium hydroxide, arrowroot powder, kaolin clay, bentonite clay, activated charcoal and many more.
1. Joi
The vegan and cruelty-free deodorant brand is formulated without synthetic fragrance, alcohol, aluminium, parabens and phthalates, and instead incorporates baking soda as one of its main active ingredients to effectively neutralise bacteria and eliminate body odour. Its roll-on applicator spreads a thin layer of liquid onto the skin without feeling overly sticky. A little goes a long way, thus, a single bottle of 50ml is said to last up to three months.
Other than its four main scented deodorants, Joi also has a sensitive skin natural deodorant option specially formulated without baking soda. It uses magnesium hydroxide and arrowroot powder to keep the underarm area fresh and dry for 12 hours.
Joi is so confident in the efficacy of its natural deodorant that the brand will offer a 30-day money back guarantee. It really does show the level of confidence they have in their products.
2. Veri Natural
The Veri Natural Deodorant Cream is not your average deodorant. As its name suggests, the cream form of deodorant unfamiliar to most people may be intimidating to use, but founders Syaiful and Saifullah assure you how a dollop size of it can allow you to go about your day, odour-free.
Controversial ingredients such as aluminium and other chemical stabilisers are replaced with a blend of corn starch, baking soda and kaolin clay as its active ingredients.
Coconut oil, shea butter, jojoba oil and vegetable glycerin are included for their moistu-rising effects to soothe the skin.
The Veri Natural Deodorant Cream is vegan-friendly and doesn’t leave sweat stains on clothes. It is available in five scents: Tea Tree Lemon, Rose Vanilla, Juniper Cedarwood, Lavender, and Jasmine.
3. Skind Naturals
Unlike other regular natural deodorants that typically use baking soda as an absorbent, the plant-based deodorant brand Skind Naturals, however, opts for arrowroot powder to soak up moisture.
Its deodorant is completely vegan with no animal-derived ingredients, free from nasties, harmful chemicals, aluminium, sulfates, alcohol, parabens and synthetic fragrances. They are made with clean ingredients such as nourishing plant oils and butter to soothe and condition the skin.
The brand’s deodorant stick in a biodegradable push-up paper tube is quick to apply without requiring extra dry time.
The newly-introduced cream formula has a soft, non-greasy, lightweight texture that glides onto the skin easily, leaving the skin dry post-application.
Both versions are available in various scents derived from natural essential oils but they also come in an unscented version.
4. Siobhan Handcraft
Siobhan Handcraft Organic Deodorant uses arrowroot powder, bentonite clay and kaolin clay instead to help draw out odour-causing bacteria accumulated under the skin.
It is additionally formulated with natural emollients including shea butter, rice bran oil, beeswax and vitamin E to soften the skin and keep the armpits moisturised and fresh. Each deodorant stick contains a woody, floral or fruity scent enriched with essential oils such as cedarwood, ylang-ylang, lavender and frankincense.
The upside of the brand is that it uses sustainable paper packaging for its deodorant to be environmentally-friendly.
