Some natural deodorants also opt out of including baking soda (usually listed as sodium bicarbonate) because it's been commonly associated with skin sensitivity. However, NYC-based board-certified dermatologist Shari Marchbein, MD, has previously told Allure that baking soda is not typically the deodorant ingredient that will cause redness or irritation. "Although there are various causes of rashes in the armpits, allergic contact dermatitis to a fragrance contained in the deodorant is one of the more common rashes dermatologists see in this location," she explained. But, because there are so many natural deodorants on the market, you're able to choose an aluminum-free and baking soda-free formula to test out what works best for your skin.
How does natural deodorant differ from antiperspirant?
As a refresher, antiperspirants are classified as over-the-counter drugs and inhibit the formation of sweat using their active ingredient, aluminum salts, says David Bank, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Westchester County, NY. In layman's terms, aluminum physically plugs/blocks the ducts that cause sweat. Natural deodorants, by comparison, do not block those ducts.
Now, we have to remind everyone that sweating is normal and necessary for your body! It's benign on its own and essential for temperature regulation, for one. The more common eccrine sweat glands are found across most of your body's surface, while your armpits (and any hair-bearing regions) are home to apocrine sweat glands—either kind, the sweat they produce does not smell. Sweat becomes, well, smelly when normal bacteria and fungi on the skin's surface feed on said sweat — and that interaction creates an odor, Hilary Reich, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City previously explained.
What are some concerns associated with natural deodorants?
Aluminum salts (including aluminum sulfate, aluminum chloride, and aluminum chlorohydrate) have been associated with breast cancer but research (although limited) hasn't revealed any direct association between aluminum and breast cancer, Dr. Kim says. (It's more likely that cancer develops in this area because there's just more tissue there.)
As for those who should avoid aluminum, Dr. Kim recommends those who are in any family planning stage, including in-vitro fertilization (IVF), egg retrieval, pregnancy, and breastfeeding. "For now, I'd consider not using aluminum as there is insufficient data on the impact of aluminum on pregnancy and fetal development," he says.
Things to consider while using natural deodorant
We won't sugarcoat it: You may notice some unpleasant odor as your body adjusts to a natural deodorant—but it's totally normal and will fade over time. Whereas aluminum works immediately by "physicallyobstructing sweat gland ducts," Dr. Kim explains, ingredients such as baking soda and arrowroot absorb moisture without blocking said glands—and therefore take longer to do their thing. People who switch to natural deodorant often think they're producing more sweat, but Alyx Cali Rosen, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Miami, previously denied this and said that our bodies are simply producing an amount of sweat on par with not using an antiperspirant.
What does EWG-verified mean?
According to the Environmental Working Group's website, to earn an EWG Verified mark, any given product can't contain any ingredients on EWG's "unacceptable list" and the brand must be fully transparent about disclosing ingredients (especially fragrance ingredients) on consumer labels. From there, products receive a rating between 1 and 10: 1-2 (low hazard, green), 3-6 (moderate hazard, orange), or 7-10 (high hazard, red).
How we test and review products
When Allure tests a product, our editors look at it from every angle in an effort to best serve you. We review ingredients, scrutinize brand claims, and, when necessary, examine peer-reviewed scientific and medical studies. In addition to testing each and every product that’s included in each and every review, we rely on experts who shape their fields, including dermatology, cosmetic chemistry, and medicine, to help us vet the ingredients and formulas.
