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A few years back, I found myself deep in an online rabbit hole exploring the “dangers” of conventional deodorants and the touted “benefits” of natural alternatives. The irony of this obsession is hard to ignore, especially considering my general approach to health and hygiene. My home is stocked with a variety of “harsh chemicals” that I use to manage the chaos created by my three kids and two dogs. We fully immunize ourselves and our children and have a deep appreciation for established science and conventional medicine. Honestly, at this point in my life, I might as well be mostly Diet Coke. I’m definitely not the earthy, organic type.
So, when I suddenly decided to swap our trusted anti-perspirants for some all-natural deodorant I bought online, my husband was totally caught off guard. One morning, after his shower, he discovered that instead of his usual brightly packaged gel stick—something like “Freshness Tsunami” or “Strong As A Musk Ox”—he was faced with a cardboard tube filled with a strange substance that resembled a mix of compressed sawdust and chalk. It was supposed to contain essential oils, but honestly, it looked and smelled questionable.
The day we were meant to start our new, healthier deodorant journey, I eagerly texted him at work to ask how it was going. His response was swift: “Katie, where’s my deodorant? I hate this paper tube. It’s awful. Did you even try it? It felt like a cat was licking my armpit.” Feeling a bit hurt, I decided to give it a shot myself. He was right; it was as uncomfortable as he described. It reminded me of that scene from The Lion King.
Needless to say, I retrieved our old deodorants from their hiding spot and returned them to their rightful place, tossing the new product in the trash. We resumed using our regular deodorants without a second thought—until a few months later.
In a moment of curiosity, I thought I’d give natural deodorants another chance, convinced I had just chosen a bad one initially. While nursing my daughter in the middle of the night, I came across an advertisement for a widely promoted natural deodorant that claimed to be suitable for use all over the body. Though I had no plans to use it beyond my armpits, the marketing convinced me to try it out. Coincidentally, my best friend had ordered a sampler pack that same night, so we were in this together.
A week later, both of us ended up with rashes—mine from experimenting with the product on areas it claimed to be safe for use. Lesson learned: sometimes, it’s best to stick to what you know works.
Despite my experiences, I recognize that many people rave about natural deodorants, from brands like Tom’s to Native to Lume. If they work for you and keep you feeling fresh, by all means, use what makes you happy! However, if you’re drawn to natural deodorants in hopes of avoiding harmful ingredients in conventional options, here’s what the experts say: an article in The New York Times featured several professionals—oncologists, dermatologists, and epidemiologists—all affirming that regular deodorants are safe. The myths surrounding harmful chemicals, aluminum, and even claims linking deodorants to breast cancer lack substantial scientific support.
To address some common concerns:
- Do deodorants cause breast cancer? Dr. Harold Burstein, a breast oncologist, stated, “There’s absolutely no evidence that breast cancer is caused by exposure to anything in antiperspirants or deodorants, full stop.”
- Is aluminum in deodorants harmful? Amy Borenstein, an epidemiology professor, noted that while there was once a focus on aluminum’s link to Alzheimer’s, the evidence is of poor quality and the topic has largely been abandoned.
- Do deodorants disrupt skin microbiomes? Jack Gilbert, a skin microbiology expert, mentioned that there are no rigorous studies linking deodorants to skin microbiome issues.
- Are natural deodorants gentler on the skin? Dr. Nina Botto pointed out an increase in allergic reactions to natural fragrances, which can be found in many natural deodorants.
The consensus among experts is clear: the best deodorant is the one that meets your needs without irritating your skin. Unscented products are often recommended, and while allergic reactions to scents can occur, they do not pose the severe health risks some fear.
If you love your natural deodorant, fantastic! Stick with it. But if you’ve held on to your classic powder-scented Secret since high school, there’s no need to switch. And if you’re using natural deodorant due to fear from marketing tactics but find it’s not worth the cost, feel free to return to something that suits you better.
For more on this topic, check out this piece from our other blog, where we delve into related subjects. And if you’re exploring options related to home insemination, sites like Make a Mom can provide excellent resources, or you can learn more about IVF through Healthline.
Summary:
Natural deodorants have sparked much debate, with many believing they are healthier than conventional options. However, experts affirm that standard deodorants are safe, debunking myths about links to serious health issues. Ultimately, the choice between natural and traditional deodorants should be based on personal preference rather than fear of harmful ingredients.