In today's fast-paced world, deodorants have become an indispensable part of your daily skincare routine. Their main role is to neutralize unpleasant odors and provide a feeling of freshness throughout the day. But have you ever wondered what's actually hidden in the composition of classic deodorants and antiperspirants? And what long-term impact can these ingredients have on our health?
Below, we reveal everything you need to know about this important topic and why it might be time to reconsider the choice of products you use every day.
What is deodorant and what is antiperspirant?
First, it is important to distinguish between the terms:
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Deodorant: eliminates or masks unpleasant skin odor caused by the breakdown of sweat by bacteria.
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Antiperspirant: stops or significantly reduces sweating by blocking the sweat glands.
Most products on the market combine both functions – both neutralizing odors and blocking sweating. However, it is this second function that can be a problem.
Problematic ingredients in conventional deodorants
Many classic deodorants contain ingredients that are increasingly associated with potential health risks:
1. Aluminum salts
The main active ingredient in antiperspirants is aluminum salts (e.g. aluminum chlorohydrate), which clog pores and prevent sweating. Some research suggests that aluminum may act as an endocrine disruptor (disrupting hormonal balance) and raises questions about its influence on the development of diseases such as breast cancer and Alzheimer's disease.
Although science has not yet reached a final verdict, many experts recommend caution, especially due to frequent and long-term use in the area near the lymph nodes and breasts.
2. Parabens
Parabens (methylparaben, propylparaben, butylparaben, etc.) are used as preservatives, but they are known for their estrogenic effect, i.e. they can mimic the action of the female hormone estrogen in the body. Increased estrogen levels are one of the risk factors for developing breast cancer.
3. Synthetic Fragrances
The fragrances used in deodorants are often a mixture of dozens to hundreds of chemicals, including phthalates, which have also been linked to hormone disruption. The problem is that manufacturers are not required to disclose all of the components of the “fragrance” because they are considered trade secrets.
4. Triclosan
An antibacterial ingredient that was popular in many deodorants until recently. Although it is increasingly banned by countries, it can still be found in some products. Triclosan can affect hormones and the skin’s microbiome.
Consequences of long-term use of classic deodorants
Although it has not been proven that the use of classic deodorants directly causes serious diseases, numerous studies indicate potential risks:
- Hormonal imbalance: long-term exposure to endocrine disruptors can affect fertility, the menstrual cycle and increase the risk of hormone-dependent cancers.
- Problems with the lymphatic system: preventing the natural process of sweating can slow the elimination of toxins through the skin.
- Disruption of the skin microbiome: antibacterial ingredients can disrupt the natural balance of bacteria on the skin, increasing the tendency to irritation, infections and dermatitis.
- Increased sensitivity and allergies: fragrances and preservatives can cause contact allergies, especially in sensitive skin.
How to choose a safer deodorant?
Health protection begins with a conscious choice of products. When choosing a deodorant, pay attention to:
- Natural ingredients: coconut oil, baking soda, magnesium hydroxide, zinc oxide, shea butter, natural plant extracts and essential oils.
- Certifications: look for labels like cruelty-free, vegan, paraben-free, aluminum-free.
- No synthetic fragrances: choose products with natural essential oils.
- Without triclosan and phthalates.
Tip: At the beginning of the transition to natural deodorants, the skin may go through a detoxification phase (increased sweating and smell), but this is normal and temporary. The body adapts to the natural process.
What we put on our skin matters
Skin is not just a surface layer – it breathes, absorbs and reacts. Since the underarm area is extremely sensitive and rich in lymph nodes, choosing a deodorant should be careful, and priority should be given to products that promote health, not just fragrance.
Taking care of yourself also means taking care of what we put on our bodies every day. If we are already careful about what we eat, why not be equally careful about what we put on our skin?
Your health starts with small, everyday decisions. Choose consciously. 🌸
Natural Deodorants – The Gentle Power of Nature
In recent years, more and more women have been switching to natural deodorants – and for good reason. After all we know about the ingredients and potential risks of traditional deodorants, a natural alternative is a safe and effective choice for maintaining healthy and beautiful skin.
What is a natural deodorant?
Unlike conventional antiperspirants that block sweating, natural deodorants:
- do not prevent natural sweating, but neutralize unpleasant odor
- support the natural functions of the skin
- use only natural ingredients such as vegetable oils, mineral powders, essential oils and plant extracts
Benefits of using natural deodorants
1. Healthier skin and natural balance
Natural deodorants allow the skin to breathe and naturally regulate body temperature. Without aluminum salts and synthetic preservatives, there is less irritation, redness and clogging of pores.
2. No harmful chemicals
Natural deodorant formulations are free of parabens, aluminum, phthalates, triclosan, and artificial fragrances, which means you're not exposing your body to potentially dangerous chemicals that can be absorbed through the skin.
3. Support for the natural microbiome of the skin
Healthy skin has a rich and diverse microbiome (natural beneficial bacteria) that protects against infections and irritations. Natural deodorants do not disturb this balance, but often additionally nurture it with ingredients such as coconut oil or tea tree oil.
4. Lower risk of hormonal disorders
By using products without endocrine disruptors such as parabens and phthalates, you reduce exposure to substances that can affect the body's hormonal balance.
5. Eco-friendly Choice
Many natural deodorants come in eco-friendly packaging, and the ingredients are biodegradable and gentle on the environment. Using such products also means contributing to reducing pollution.
6. Pleasant natural scents
Essential oils like lavender, tea tree, lemongrass, eucalyptus, or rose not only provide a beautiful natural scent, but often have additional antibacterial and soothing properties.
Switching to Natural Deodorant
What to Expect?
If you are switching from conventional to natural deodorant, be prepared for a transition period:
- Your body may be excreting toxins more for a while and your odor may be more pronounced for the first few days or weeks.
- After the adjustment phase, your body will reach its natural balance and unpleasant odors will decrease.
Tip: When switching to natural deodorants, it is helpful to gently exfoliate your underarms to remove accumulated toxins and facilitate detoxification.
Support through Detox and Underarm Scrubs
As we mentioned, switching to a natural deodorant can involve a short adjustment phase during which the body naturally flushes out accumulated toxins and regulates sweat production. During this phase, properly preparing the skin and encouraging natural detoxification can make a big difference.
Detox underarm mask – the key to an easier transition
A detox underarm mask is a product that contains natural ingredients such as activated charcoal, clay (such as bentonite or kaolin) and plant extracts. Its role is to:
- absorb toxins and aluminum salt residues accumulated in the skin
- help clean pores faster
- reduce unpleasant odors during the transition period
- prepare the skin for a more effective function of natural deodorant
By using a detox underarm mask at least 2-3 times a week at the beginning of the transition, you can significantly shorten the adjustment time and make the process more comfortable.
How to use the detox mask:
- Apply an even layer of the mask to clean, dry underarm skin.
- Leave on for 10-15 minutes.
- Rinse thoroughly with warm water and gently pat dry.
- After drying, apply a natural deodorant.
Care without compromise
When you choose a natural deodorant, you choose more than just protection from odor. You choose respect for your body, support for your skin’s natural functions, a healthier hormonal state, and a friendlier relationship with the planet.
At La PIEL, we believe in the power of nature and gentle care that does not compromise health, but supports it. That’s why all our formulas – from body milk to scrubs and serums – are based on natural ingredients, without harmful additives.
So, the next time you reach for a deodorant, remember – your skin deserves the best.
Nature knows best and your body feels it. 🌿
