Here’s Why We Use Natural Deodorants

Sweat stains or smelling bad are things we’d rather like to avoid. We get it. But we’re human after all, and the human body sweats. And there’s a good reason for that:

Sweating is a body function that allows our body to release toxins and regulate temperature (cooling mechanism) (Source: Texas A&M University Health Science Center). And it’s actually healthy. Or why do you think it’s important to sweat when you’re sick or why do you think Saunas have been a health remedy since 2,000 BC?

Not sweating at all is neither normal nor healthy. Fact: According to the Mayo Clinic, sweat alone is odourless anyway, and it only develops an odour when mixing with the bacteria on your skin.

While chemical-containing deodorants from the drugstore usually use questionable ingredients like aluminium to prevent you from sweating at all (which doesn’t really make sense since sweat is odourless), natural deodorants allow your body to sweat by using only naturally absorbent ingredients like clay or baking soda but use botanicals from nature to neutralise the bacteria that cause body odour.

Interesting to know:

There’s a difference between deodorants and antiperspirants. Deodorants use antimicrobials or ethanol to kill the bacteria that cause body odour, whereas antiperspirants use aluminium-based salts to clog sweat glands. But most “deodorants” you see on shelves are actually deodorant-antiperspirant combos.

Natural deodorants don’t clog your sweat glands, but often contain disinfecting and antibacterial properties, such as coconut oil or essential oils which help neutralise your BO. Regular deodorants, on the other hand, often use aluminium and other chemicals that build up on your skin. Combined with the natural bacteria that cause sweat, the odour can actually get even worse in the long run.

Have you ever taken a look at the back label of your deodorant? Do you see words like parabens, phthalates, triclosan, and aluminium? Google and you will find many opinions about these questionable ingredients. Some of these chemicals, synthetic fragrances and preservatives have been linked to cancer, Alzheimer’s, and hormonal disorders.

While some scientists don’t believe that aluminium can cause Alzheimer’s or that other chemical ingredients could increase the risk of cancer, we prefer to play it safe. Because the fact is that every product we use on our skin gets into our body. So why risk using often-worrying ingredients when you can do very well without them? We at Grace & Green always opt for natural ingredients, no matter what.

Ever got a skin rash or pimples after using a deodorant? You’re not alone. A study published in the journal Contact Dermatitis concluded that deodorants are the leading cause of fragrance-related allergic rashes. So if you have sensitive skin or suffer from skin allergies, better avoid synthetic fragrances and opt for responsible ingredients like coconut oil, which has antibacterial properties and can prevent skin irritation.

Many natural deodorants come in plastic-free and eco-friendly packaging. This means that you’re not contributing to landfill with plastic roll-ons – yay! Also research what the brand you buy from is committed to: Some have ethical and sustainable standards, are biodegradable and/or recyclable meaning that you have less of an environmental impact on the world.

Are you curious and want to try out a natural deodorant? Take a look at our new Deodorant Balms that are all-natural, alcohol, aluminium and plastic-free and handmade in the UK.