Why use natural and plastic-free deodorants?
Natural, plastic-free deodorants are increasingly popular as concerns about plastic-waste and the chemical ingredients of antiperspirants grow.
Here we explain the differences between a natural deodorant and antiperspirant. And we’ll also look at how to use the different plastic-free natural deodorants that we sell (they’re really easy to apply, honest!).
Perspiration
Sweat and BO... First of all let’s talk about sweating. Basically, we all do it and not only is it perfectly natural, but it’s good for us as it allows the body to get rid of waste and toxins.
Fresh sweat doesn’t actually smell of anything. Body odour occurs when the bacteria naturally found in our armpits breaks down the sweat and then it starts to get a bit stinky.
The difference between deodorants and antiperspirants
The difference between the two is simple: deodorants mask odour while antiperspirants reduce the amount you sweat.
Deodorants work by using antimicrobial substances to reduce bacteria under the arms. And they also use fragrances to mask the smell.
Meanwhile, antiperspirants block sweat glands to reduce sweating. This usually involves an aluminium-based ingredient.
What are natural deodorants?
Natural deodorants are made with 100% natural ingredients such as botanical extracts, baking soda and essential oils. They use these natural ingredients to neutralise the odour-producing bacteria in our pits. And they keep us smelling fresh with the addition of natural essential oils. Because they don't contain any harmful, synthetic ingredients they are also kinder to the skin and less likely to cause irritation.
In contrast traditional, commercial deodorants and antiperspirants often contain substances such as alcohol, parabens and aluminium. These can cause irritation or worse.
Aluminium in antiperspirants
Antiperspirants aim to reduce sweat and do this by blocking the pores in the armpits. And many mass-produced antiperspirant deodorants use aluminium to block the pores in this sensitive area. This can lead to skin irritation and allergies or worse. Exposure to aluminium has been linked to Alzheimers and breast cancer and while the link isn’t definitive, many believe it’s not worth the risk.
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Because they’re not trying to block the pores, natural deodorants don’t contain any aluminium.
How to use natural deodorants
All the deodorants we sell at www.dancing-barefoot.com are made of 100% natural ingredients. They are all also plastic-free, vegan and cruelty-free (see specific product information for more details).
We currently have two types for you to choose from: deodorant creams or a deodorant stick in a push-up cardboard tube.
They might look a little bit different to what you’re used to but using them is very simple. Both types work best if you apply to a clean and dry armpit.
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Cream: Dab the cream around the armpit area and your natural body heat helps it dissolve into the skin.
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Stick: Push up to desired length and rub over the armpit. Your natural body heat will help the deodorant dissolve into the skin.
If you’ve just switched to natural deodorants it may take a few days or so for them to work properly as your body flushes out the toxins from previous synthetic-based products. And if you’re used to antiperspirants, it’ll seem like you’re sweating more as the natural deodorant is not trying to block your pores.
However, if you give your body time to adjust you can look forward to using a natural product that is kind to your skin in packaging that’s kind to the planet. It’s a win win!
