July 03, 2023

Are Natural Deodorants Effective?

Are natural deodorants effective? I get asked this question all the time and I honestly answer it based on my own experience, so here it is.

I always had reservations about natural deodorants and never considered using one until my daughters started going through puberty from the age of 10 and 13 years old at the time and their underarm odour was off the charts. As their mother I could see they were really unaware of this and I was so conscious of them stinking. What was worse was the thought of someone saying something mean and making them really self-conscious and impacting them negatively leading to low-self esteem, social anxiety and negative body image. I didn’t want impressionable young people (not just my kids) to grow up with this negativity.

I had never considered a natural deodorant for myself purely because of habit however with my daughters I felt compelled to not use off the shelf aluminum or alcohol based deodorants, I knew this was the time to start educating my children on self care, starting with using a natural deodorant, I started researching - reading articles and countless reviews of real experiences of various products. I had just started studying for a Diploma in Organic Cosmetic Science and it opened my mind up to what I could make now that I understood different natural ingredients. This was the start of me formulating Natura Coconut Deodorant. I will go over my choice of ingredients in my next Skin Matters Blog Post.

Natural deodorants can be a good option for some individuals, but their effectiveness can vary depending on personal preferences and body chemistry. Here are some factors to consider when it comes to natural deodorants:

Natural ingredients are derived from plants, minerals, or other natural sources. Usually contains no aluminum compounds, parabens, and phthalates, which are commonly found in conventional antiperspirants and deodorants. Many people choose natural deodorants to reduce their exposure to potentially harmful chemicals.
Odor control works by neutralizing or masking underarm odor rather than by blocking sweat. They often contain ingredients like clays, essential oils, or natural antibacterial agents to help combat odor-causing bacteria. However, it's important to note that the effectiveness in controlling odor can vary depending on individual body chemistry and the specific product.
Sweat Control: Natural deodorants are designed to address odor rather than sweat production. If reducing sweat is a priority for you, natural deodorants may not provide the same level of sweat control as antiperspirants.
Skin sensitivity: Natural deodorants generally are a preferable alternative for individuals with skin sensitivities and allergies as natural deodorants don’t contain potential irritants found in conventional antiperspirants and deodorants.

Finding the right natural deodorant is all about trial-and-error. Different brands and formulations may work differently for each person due to differences in body chemistry and individual preferences. It may take some experimentation to find a natural deodorant that effectively controls odor and suits your needs. Ultimately comes down to personal preference and your own individual health priorities. Some people find natural deodorants to be effective and preferable due to their natural ingredients, while others may prefer conventional antiperspirants for their sweat-reducing properties. I hope this helps you make an informed decision. It's important to find a product that works well for you and helps you feel comfortable throughout the day.

Alofa Atu

Lufilufi xo