Why Make The Switch To A Natural Deodorant?
So what exactly are the benefits of natural deodorants and why should you consider using one? Making the switch to a plastic free and natural deo may not be at the top of your list when getting started on your eco-journey, but it should be.
If you’re making changes to live a more environmentally-friendly life, there are some compromises you simply won’t want to make.
One of those is personal hygiene.
We get it: nobody wants to smell of BO, and it can be easy to assume that you have to stick to familiar deodorant products from well-known beauty brands.
Don’t sweat it, our natural deodorants can serve as an alternative that can give you confidence and keep your body fresh and odour-free.
Ok, granted- most natural deodorants are different from the silver spray cans we’re used to buying from the local supermarket, and they may seem alien at first. However, ditching your canned antiperspirant and replacing it with a greener product can reduce disposable packaging, depending on the format and how you use it. What's more, there are some more surprising benefits to doing so…
1. Choose an Aluminium-Free Formula If You Prefer
One reason people choose a natural deodorant is a preference for an aluminium-free formula. That is a personal choice, rather than evidence that ordinary antiperspirant use causes disease.
The original article linked to a discussion of aluminium and Alzheimer’s disease. A discussion of aluminium exposure should not be treated as proof that using an antiperspirant causes dementia.
Alzheimer’s Research UK explains that research has not established that everyday exposure to environmental metals causes Alzheimer’s disease.
The US National Cancer Institute also reports no clear evidence that aluminium-containing underarm antiperspirants or cosmetics increase breast cancer risk.
Aluminium-free deodorants are widely available. Check whether you want odour control from a deodorant or sweat reduction from an antiperspirant: they serve different purposes.
2. Find Odour Control That Suits Your Skin
Deodorants help manage odour; antiperspirants reduce sweating. An aluminium-free deodorant will not usually reduce perspiration in the way an antiperspirant does.
Depending on your skin type, you may prefer a particular texture, scent or fragrance-free formula. Natural ingredients, essential oils and bicarbonate of soda can still irritate some people, so check the ingredients and stop using a product that causes discomfort.
Choose a product for comfort and useful odour control, rather than a promise to detox your body or guarantee perfectly dry underarms. Follow its directions, especially when applying after shaving.
3. Look for Less Wasteful Packaging
Changing formats can be an opportunity to use less disposable packaging. Cardboard sticks, reusable containers and refill systems have different advantages, so look at the whole pack and how long the product lasts.
A natural label alone does not establish the environmental impact of a formula. Compare the ingredients, packaging and information supplied by the manufacturer instead of assuming that every spray or conventional deodorant has the same footprint.
Empty aerosol cans may be accepted by local recycling services; check the rules where you live and never puncture them. Plastic-free packaging still needs appropriate disposal, so check cardboard coatings, mixed materials and refill instructions.
4. Check Cruelty-Free and Vegan Credentials
Natural, vegan and cruelty-free describe different things. A natural deodorant is not automatically free from animal-derived ingredients or covered by an independently verified animal-testing policy.
Look for a clear current policy and recognised certification where available. Check the exact brand and product rather than assuming that every natural range follows the same standard.
We recommend double-checking the company’s current cruelty-free credentials. A third-party guide can help you identify questions to ask, but brand policies and certification can change.
When shopping with Friendly Turtle, check the current product description for its ingredients and any vegan or cruelty-free certification.
5. Find a Formula That Works with Your Clothes
Finally, let’s talk about yellow stains.
There’s nothing more frustrating than getting ready for a night out, only to stain your dress or shirt with a yellow or white mark.
Sweat, product residues, fabrics and washing routines can all affect underarm marks. Changing formula may help with some stains, but results vary.
Natural deodorants can also leave oil, wax or powder marks. Use the recommended amount, allow it to settle before dressing and follow your clothing’s care label.
So if you like your white organic cotton T-shirts as much as we do, look for a formula and application routine that suit both your skin and your clothes.
What Is The Best Natural Deodorant?
So, we’ve covered the biggest benefits of making the switch to natural deodorant - so now only one question remains: what’s the best natural deodorant?
As is the case with any health and beauty product, there’s no right or wrong answer here.
We recommend that you try a few products and brands to see what works best for you - and stick with your favourite.
Our Original 2019 Pick: Earth Conscious
Earth Conscious featured in our original 2019 recommendations. Formulas, certification, scents and availability can change, so the examples below are historical recommendations rather than a promise about today’s stock.
Our original pick included an Earth Conscious deodorant stick in jasmine and rose. Browse our current natural deodorants to compare available formats and ingredients; essential oils do not guarantee that a formula suits sensitive skin.
A stick is applied directly, while a balm or cream may be applied with clean fingertips according to its instructions. Use the amount recommended for the product you choose.
The Lavender & Tea Tree Natural Deodorant Tin was another original suggestion. That old product page is no longer published; compare current formats in our deodorant collection instead.
Peppermint and spearmint was another scent mentioned at the time. Choose by your preferences and skin suitability, rather than assuming that a stronger scent means stronger protection.
For more on packaging and ingredient choices, read our guide to choosing a plastic-free deodorant. The best option is one you can use comfortably and consistently.
Ready to get started? Check out our natural deodorants and compare the current product information.
If you’ve got any questions or fancy a chat, get in touch — we love to chat about our eco-conscious health and beauty products!
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