How To Transition To Natural, Aluminium-Free Deodorant
In this guide to natural deodorant, you’ll learn how to make the transition and 6 of the best sustainable brands in the UK and USA.
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Natural deodorant is a bit like marmite - you either hate it or you love it.
Hmm, ok so that’s not completely accurate.
Sometimes it just takes a while to get used to the idea of sweating.
If you’re passionate about going natural and cruelty-free in all areas of your skincare, then you can’t leave behind your armpits.
If you’re unsure what natural deodorant is or you are wondering why your new plastic-free roll-on isn’t working as well as you thought, then this guide is for you.
Struggling to find the right natural deodorant for your skin?
I know exactly how you feel.
While it may not seem like it because I’ve been successfully using aluminium-free deodorant for over five years, I’ve spent the last two years searching for the perfect plastic-free product for my (sceptical) partner.
It has not been easy finding a natural deodorant for a hairy, sweaty man…
We’ve experienced bicarbonate of soda rashes, creams that don’t like body hair and sticks that stain shirts.
BUT we’ve narrowed it down to a select few deodorants that are perfect for men and people with body hair. I’m going to share those results with you soon.
(I’d love to give you a time frame but we have two kids that don’t believe in sleep…)
Make sure you sign up to my mailing list if you’d like to read his very honest opinion of 8 different deodorants - I’m sure there are loads of you that want the men in your life to ditch the smelly aerosols.
Coming up
Today I’m going to answer your frequently asked questions about how to make the switch to natural deodorant and which brands I like best. Of course I’m going to explore whether antiperspirant is actually safe to use (in case natural really is your marmite). I’m a huge fan of “natural” stuff but I try to avoid scaremongering and “woo.”
Obviously, all my recommendations will be cruelty-free, eco friendly and supporting small businesses (rather than Amazon). I also add affiliate links to my content after I write it to cover my hosting fees, read my disclaimer for more information.
What is the difference between a deodorant and an antiperspirant?
What are the concerns about aluminium?
Other ingredients I avoid in deodorant
How to detox mainstream deodorant from your armpits
DIY natural deodorant - does it work?
5 of my favourite cruelty-free natural deodorants?
1. What is a natural deodorant and is it better for you?
Natural deodorant can seem a bit hippy but it really isn’t. It simply allows your body to do what it is supposed to do.
Sweat.
Think about it - when you go for a run, you don’t rub antiperspirant into your whole body, even though you know you’re going to end up with sweat patches on your back (and various other places I won’t go into).
Sweat is beneficial - it helps regulate your body temperature to avoid overheating. It also plays a role in skin health and hydration.
Sure, it can take a bit of time to get used to the idea, but it’s not as bad as it sounds, honest!
Natural deodorant focuses on the bigger problem - body odour.
Body odour is caused by bacteria breaking down your sweat. Natural deodorant focuses on stopping you from getting stinky armpits by using ingredients designed to absorb and remove bad odour.
In this guide, I’m going to show you what to look for on the ingredients list so you can have a go at spotting whatever you wish to avoid.
A quick note on the term “natural”
As the term “natural” is unregulated and the word “nasties” is literally made up to appeal to consumers.
I consider a product natural if it for plant-based ingredients aka not from petrochemicals or fossil fuels. They must also contain naturally derived fragrances and preservatives.
2. What is the difference between antiperspirant and deodorant?
I like to know how non-toxic products work to ensure I’m not being greenwashed. Thankfully deodorant is one of the simpler natural products to understand because most of them have minimal ingredients. The most natural ingredients really do work.
In the last section, I mentioned how a deodorant stops odour but not sweat. Well, an antiperspirant stops sweat and odour.
Antiperspirant contains aluminium salts that block your sweat ducts to prevent sweat from leaving your body. We tend to use the word “deodorant” to describe any product we’re rubbing on our armpits, but if it contains aluminium, it’s actually an antiperspirant.
Look for: Aluminum Zirconium Tetrachlorohydrex GLY
3. Why are people concerned about aluminium?
Aluminium is one of those super controversial ingredients that come with a myriad of clickbait links. There are a couple of reasons people are avoiding it in their products. Let’s see what the science can back up, shall we?
Does aluminium in deodorant cause alzheimer’s
The first is a connection to Alzheimer’s because higher levels of heavy metals were found in the brains of patients with memory conditions. There is no evidence that aluminium from antiperspirants is linked to Alzheimer’s. More research is needed, but it is thought that the metals were from medication and diet.
Does aluminium in deodorant cause breast cancer?
Aluminium is absorbed into the skin and has oestrogen-like effects. As oestrogen can play a part in breast cancer growth, this is the most common concern.
While there is no evidence that aluminium causes breast cancer, there is proof that it absorbs into your skin, collects in breast tissue and interferes with hormones.
One study found that women who used more antiperspirant had higher levels of aluminium in their breast tissue. The conclusion was that women using it frequently (sometimes several times a day) at a young age may be more likely to get breast cancer than those who use it less.
A 2014 review found there was no link between aluminium antiperspirants and breast cancer.
Does aluminium in deodorant cause kidney problems?
There are some concerns that aluminium builds up in your body which can lead to kidney problems but the National Kidney Foundation say it is almost impossible to absorb enough aluminium through your skin for this to happen. The kidneys remove toxins and metals from your body but the only people that need to avoid antiperspirant are those with stage 4 kidney disease where their kidneys are functioning at less than 30%.
Conclusion
If you really don’t get on with deodorant and want to stick to antiperspirant, the National Cancer Institute doesn't see aluminium as a cause of cancer. That being said, it is present in breast tissue and there is proof it can mess with hormones so I’d stick to using it once a day to be on the safe side.
3. Does aluminium-free antiperspirant exist?
No, it does not. If you want to avoid aluminium you will have to switch to deodorant. It is not as hippy as it sounds. I never get sweat patches and my partner (a big sweaty man) is happy using natural deodorant because even when he sweats he doesn’t smell bad.
4. Ingredients to be concerned about in mainstream deodorant
So we know that aluminium stops you from sweating by plugging your sweat ducts, but what happens to the other ingredients you might find in synthetic deodorants, like parabens and phthalates?
This list of ingredients is what I personally choose to avoid in all my beauty products and toiletries.
PARABENS
The reason I switched to natural deodorant five years ago was to avoid parabens. I’d discovered they were “nasties” but I didn’t actually know why at the time.
Later on, I learnt parabens are preservatives which means they’re used to stop bacteria and mould from growing in a product.
There was some research in the 90s that showed parabens were able to mimic oestrogen - this study was flawed and the hormonal effect of parabens was very weak.
The main study that freaked everyone out was this one that found parabens in breast cancer tumours. From what I can tell, this is where they really got a “nasty” reputation but there is no scientific link that proves parabens cause cancer.
Therefore, parabens are not banned in the EU or anywhere else. Further reading: Breastcancer.org, 2016 research
Look for - Methylparaben, ethylparaben, propylparaben, methyl 4-hydroxybenzoate, butylparaben and propyl 4-hydroxylbenzoate
PRESERVATIVES
We need preservatives, like parabens, to prevent bacteria from growing in products that contain water.
Now that companies have been unofficially forced to stop using them (by consumers that don’t want “nasties”, not regulatory bodies) they have had to turn to other preservatives.
This is where buzzwords like “no nasties” are problematic. A paraben-free product still needs a preservative, only now you don’t know what you’re looking for. Many of the alternatives are allergens or irritants.
Some other preservatives I avoid:
Methylisothiazolinone
Methylchloroisothiazolinone
Triclosan
Benzalkonium Chloride
Phenoxyethanol
Benzisothiazolinone
FRAGRANCES + PHTHALATES
Fragrances are understandably a common ingredient in deodorant because people assume there needs to be perfume in order to smell nice. This isn’t true - an effective deodorant neutralises the smell with its main ingredients.
The problem I have with fragrances is that companies do not legally have to disclose them. A brand might hide its fragrance because it is made in a lab using petrochemical derivatives (from fossil fuels).
Synthetic fragrances are usually stabilised with a hormone-disrupting chemical; called phthalates. There are lots of different phthalates, some of them are banned in the EU for causing reproductive issues, some are being phased out in children’s products, like bottles and toys (phthalates are also used to soften plastic).
The only solution I have found is to avoid synthetic fragrances and any brands being secretive to customers.
It’s also worth noting that just because a fragrance is natural doesn’t mean it can’t be irritating though. Essential oils are highly potent so if you have eczema or sensitive skin I’d consider using a low allergen fragrance or even fragrance-free.
I’ve used a few fragrance-free deodorants and they’ve worked absolutely fine.
5. How to detox mainstream deodorant from your armpits
Neither I nor my partner noticed our armpits “detoxing” when we made the swap to natural deodorant. However, I’ve heard from a fair few people that their bodies went through a short transition period when they stopped using aluminium.
From what I’ve been told, the second week seems to be particularly bad as the body removes toxins and rebalances sweat production. You may find you sweat more than usual and get body odour after a few hours giving the impression the natural deodorant isn’t working.
If your body begins to “detox,” it should be over within 2 - 3 weeks, 4 at most.
Nevertheless, nobody wants to go to work stinky and there are a few things you can do to help detox your armpits and minimise body odour.
Tips for transitioning to natural deodorant:
Choose a convenient time to swap.
Remove dead skin from your armpits every day. You can do this by using a gentle exfoliating sponge in the shower (like a konjac or loofah).
If you use a mild exfoliator in the shower, you may wish to include your armpits once or twice a week during the transition. There is no need to do this every day.
Any time your armpits start to smell, wash the sweat off with some soap and reapply your natural deodorant.
If you are finding the smell is particularly bad, you may want to apply some bicarbonate of soda but if you notice any redness or discomfort you should top this immediately as some people are sensitive to baking powder.
Just to be clear, I haven’t done this myself because I never had a transition period. This is based on the experiences of other people I know.
6. DIY natural deodorants - do they work?
Yes, homemade deodorant recipes are simple and effective.
You can find my favourite three-ingredient recipe here.
7. The best cruelty-free, natural deodorants
1. Fussy
Type - stick
Packaging - 50% recycled plastic case
Vegan - Yes
Palm oil - None
Location - UK-based with international shipping
Discount - SUSTAINABLYLAZY15 for 15% off
Fussy uses a science-backed formula that contains probiotics to keep your armpits smelling fresh. You save money by subscribing and then receive refills in the post every three months so you never run out. Fussy contains no controversial ingredients, and is also palm oil free.
2. Hi Bar
Type - stick
Packaging - cardboard tube
Vegan - Yes
Palm oil - TBC - they haven’t mentioned it, but it contains glycerine
Location - USA
Discount - SUSTAINABLYLAZY for 10% off at Earth Hero
Did you know the popular American shampoo bar brand, Hi Bar has a natural deodorant, too? It comes in three scents and has a rating of 4/5 stars - most people find it works well, but occasionally someone is irritated by the baking soda in it. If you have sensitive skin, then opt for the blue baking soda-free deodorant they offer.
3. WILD
Type - stick
Packaging - aluminium and recycled plastic
Vegan - yes
Palm oil - Contains derivatives
Location - UK-based with international shipping
Discount - AFFLAZY10 for 10% off your first order.
Like Fussy, you have to buy their aluminium case upfront and after that, you just pay for refills which get delivered to your door on a flexible subscription. You simply choose the colour case you’d like and pick your scents. Wild is really effective but make sure you let it dry before putting it on because Wild can leave white marks on your clothing.
4. THE NATURAL DEODORANT CO
Type - Cream
Packaging - glass pot (new pots are now made with metal lids)
Vegan - yes
Palm oil - None
Location - UK
The Natural Deodorant Company are more costly than other options but they make luxurious products. They are free from preservatives, palm oil, alcohol and artificial fragrances.
The Natural Deodorant Co. currently have three types:
Clean - a daily deodorant
Gentle - for those with sensitive skin (bicarb-free)
Active - an extra-strength formula for the most demanding days/exercise.
Where to buy:
5. NATURAL DEODORANT STONE
Type - Crystal
Packaging - A pouch with a paper label (see photo above)
Vegan: yes
Palm oil - None
Location - UK
This natural stone by EcoBath is literally a rock! It’s super smooth and glides on easily when wet. You cannot use it dry though. My first impression was that it looked like it was going to last forever and I was impressed I didn’t smell. My impression a few days later was a look of horror because my partner dropped it and it smashed into 3 parts. I guess it’s a travel-size deodorant now…
It is made from potassium alum and natural mineral salts. There is no fragrance so if you’d like a smell then this probably isn’t for you.I like it but it’s very slippery when wet so keep it out of reach of children (and clumsy adults!). I also think the packaging is a bit pointless.
6. EARTH CONSCIOUS
Type: Stick or balm
Packaging: A metal tin or a cardboard tube
Vegan: yes
Palm oil - Contains derivatives
Location - UK
This was one of the first plastic-free deodorants I ever used so I was pretty impressed with the compostable packaging. While it is effective, it can be quite irritating due to the bicarbonate of soda in it. I know some people who love this product, but if you’re sensitive it could give you an armpit rash.
Earth Conscious are an award-winning zero-waste brand that makes its (highly rated) products in the UK. Just be sure to let the deodorant dry before applying it because it can leave marks on your top.
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How are you getting on with natural deodorant?