Natural Deodorant vs Chemical Deodorant: Which Works Best for You
What are deodorants, and why do you need them?
Many people have a habit of using deodorants and antiperspirants as a part of their daily hygiene and freshness regimen. But it often becomes difficult to choose between natural and chemical deodorants, given the wide variety of products that are available in the market.
One of the major functions of deodorants, as we all know, is to control excessive sweat and get rid of the foul odour that develops from the sweat. Though sweat occurs as a result of a natural process in the body, it needs to be controlled by using a deodorant.
In many cases, health care professionals are concerned about the use of chemical deodorants and, therefore, they often advise using natural deodorants and antiperspirants. This article will help you to get a clear idea of what natural and chemical deodorants are, how they function, and which is the best to choose.
What happens when you use chemical deodorants?
Though many people try using chemical deodorants, the primary question that arises is whether these deodorants are safe for your health at all. The major reason why chemical deodorants are thought to be unsafe is that they contain synthetic chemicals that can increase the risks of developing various types of health issues, such as allergic reactions, dermatological problems, and so on.
To understand whether a chemical deodorant is safe for use or not, one must analyze the list of ingredients that are present in it:
1. Phthalates:
Phthalates are antibacterial chemicals that are found in chemical deodorants. But a major side effect of these chemicals can be the disruption of the endocrine system. Some major adverse effects can also include early puberty and increased risks of breast cancer.
2. Triclosan:
Triclosan is another harmful chemical that is present in synthetic deodorants for controlling sweat and killing the bacteria in the body that cause heavy sweat. But this chemical disrupts the natural hormonal process of the body. This chemical is responsible for increasing the risks of breast cancer as well.
3. Fragrance:
This is one of the major ingredients of chemical deodorants and antiperspirants that consists of thousands of microscopic ingredients combined. Since the names of such ingredients are never listed, it becomes difficult to understand whether they contain harmful ingredients and their side effects.
4. Parabens:
Parabens are chemicals present in chemical deodorants and body sprays that get absorbed into the body when applied. These chemicals can act like estrogen and can also increase the risk of breast cancer.
Other chemicals in chemical deodorants:
Apart from these, chemical deodorants also consist of components such as Diethanolamine, which is highly carcinogenic in nature.
Butane and Isobutane not only cause cancer, but can also increase the risks of diseases related to your reproductive health.
Another element that is found in chemical body deodorants is Aluminium, which may stop the secretion of sweat from sweat glands, but can increase the risks of developing tumors.
Due to the risks of such kinds of health hazards, many health experts recommend that people shift to the use of natural deodorants.
What are natural deodorants, and why should you use them?
Natural deodorants are deodorants that are devoid of harmful chemical ingredients and use natural alternatives for safer control of sweat and body odour.
The components that are found in natural deodorants not only help in controlling the foul smell of the body, but also reduce the risks of developing any severe health issues.
Components present in Natural Deodorants:
The components that are present in natural deodorants will differ from one brand to the other, and even based on the types of smell. But some of the most common ingredients may include the following:
Extracts of white tea leaf - these are filled with antioxidant properties that will not only help in sweat control, but will also protect the skin from damage
Extracts of Aloe vera - Aloe vera is another natural ingredient that is known for its hydrating properties, and can also create a cooling effect when applied, and can also improve the skin
Peppermint oil - Peppermint oil is often recommended for its natural antiseptic properties, and when applied to the skin, it also helps in cleansing and reducing the stress on the skin
Lavender Oil - Lavender oil is also beneficial for the skin due to its antibacterial properties, and it can also reduce irritation and kill bacteria in the armpits.
Apart from these components, natural deodorants can also contain other important natural elements such as coconut oil, tea tree oil, arrowroot powder, and other essential oils that can help to manage skin health and do not cause any severe health problems.
Reasons for choosing Natural Deodorants over Chemical Deodorants:
There are certain factors that health care professionals recommend people choose natural deodorants over chemical ones. Some of them can be listed below:
1. They are free from harmful chemicals:
Considering the ingredients of natural deodorants, they are free from harsh chemicals that can prove to be hazardous to the skin. These deodorants are free from harmful substances such as parabens, phthalates, metals like aluminium, and so on. Rather, they consist of essential oils for a soothing effect on the skin.
Moreover, these deodorants do not pose the risks of developing cancer diseases and are safe for the skin. Natural deodorants do not use fragrances that can consist of harmful ingredients. The refreshing scent comes from natural ingredients. Some of the most vital components that are found in natural oils and butters also help to soothe the underarm area and nourish the skin by locking in the foul odor.
2. Natural deodorants are gentle on your skin:
Applying natural deodorants does not cause any significant harm to the skin, as it may happen with chemical deodorants. The ingredients of natural deodorants are mostly herbal in nature, and thus, they are smooth and gentle on the skin.
Since natural deodorants do not contain any synthetic components, they also do not trigger any allergic reactions or dermatological health issues after use. Natural deodorants are also free from irritants and thus they do not cause any kind of rashes, redness, or irritation on the skin.
3. Natural Deodorants are safe for your health:
Natural deodorants are free from the harmful chemical components that can make people severely ill after prolonged use. For instance, these natural deodorants are free from parabens and other preservatives that do not disrupt the hormonal balance as well. They also lack harmful elements like aluminium that block sweat glands. Rather, the body naturally regulates odour and sweat production in the body without causing any major harm to your health.
4. Natural deodorants allow natural detoxification:
Sweating is a natural process of the body. Natural deodorants do not consist of artificial synthetic components that can prevent sweating; rather, they allow this natural process and prevent bad odour by controlling the bacteria that are responsible for the foul smell. Without disrupting the body’s natural functions, natural deodorants help to keep you fresh all day long with their natural ingredients.
5. Natural deodorants have environmental benefits:
Using natural deodorants can also be beneficial for the environment. This is because, since these deodorants do not use any kind of hazardous ingredient and they use eco-friendly packaging, using recyclable or compostable materials instead of plastic, they are highly beneficial for the environment.
Final Thoughts:
Both chemical and natural deodorants are available in the market, but doctors and health experts usually recommend people use natural deodorants because they are safe for the skin and overall health.
But before using deodorants, be it chemical or natural, it is important to do a patch test to ensure that you are not developing any side effects from them.
And even if you do experience any symptoms of negative effects on your skin, you must consult a dermatologist at once.
