Are natural deodorants actually better for you?

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Natural deodorant is no better or worse for your health than traditional deodorant or antiperspirant. Natural deodorants often use witch hazel, baking soda and essential oils to eliminate odors. But do these natural deodorants actually work? And are they better for your health? Here are a few things to keep in mind. The short answer is no, Rudd says, but people like the word “natural.” First of all, they do not clog pores.

If you're only concerned about body odor and don't have sensitive skin, you can try a natural deodorant with more fragrance. However, personal preferences or sensitivity to ingredients may lead you to consider switching to a natural deodorant. Beyond that, there is no consensus or evidence that certain ingredients in natural deodorant products are more effective than others. While natural deodorants can help reduce armpit odor, don't expect them to actually reduce sweat as an antiperspirant.

For example, Tom's of Maine, a brand known for selling natural products, offers some antiperspirant products that do contain aluminum, along with its many aluminum-free deodorants. Natural deodorants often contain ingredients that can help absorb moisture, but these ingredients aren't as effective as antiperspirant products that actually clog pores and create sweat. While the evidence doesn't support the idea that conventional deodorants and antiperspirants have negative health effects, some people prefer to use natural products made without artificial ingredients. However, once again, it's important to remember that natural aluminum-free deodorants do not prevent sweating, they only mask their smell.

There has been an explosion of brands of natural deodorants, made with plant-based and mineral ingredients (for example, coconut oil and arrowroot). A natural deodorant for men combats odor with ingredients such as blue cypress oil, peppermint oil, spearmint leaf oil and lavender oil. Some manufacturers of natural deodorants claim that their product does not inhibit the body's ability to dissipate toxins. Primarily, natural deodorants rely on non-synthetic plant-based ingredients to create a strong fragrance.