Why Should You Use Aluminum-Free Deodorant?

Deodorant is one of those simple but important inventions that we’ll be forever grateful for. With a few quick swipes (or sprays), you can go about your day without worrying about unsightly sweat stains or scaring people away with your body odor. But have you ever stopped to wonder how your deodorant keeps you sweat-free all day or what ingredients you might be putting on your skin? If the deodorant you’re buying is actually antiperspirant, aluminum salts are the likely answer.

Aluminum, a highly abundant metal in the earth’s crust, is commonly found in beauty products, food, medicine and even our drinking water. The big debate going on right now in the beauty industry is whether or not aluminum compounds pose a risk to our health. Read on as we tackle this topic and lay out five reasons to switch to our vegan aluminum-free deodorant.

What Is Aluminum-Free Deodorant?

If you look at the ingredients label on any tube of antiperspirant deodorant, there’s a good chance you’ll find “aluminum zirconium trichlorohydrex gly” or another aluminum compound listed as the active ingredient. The main purpose of aluminum compounds in antiperspirants is to plug the pores of the skin so you don’t sweat as much. In addition to keeping your underarms dry, this plugging action helps to reduce body odor by inhibiting the odor-causing bacteria that feast on your sweat. 

In case it wasn’t obvious by now, aluminum-free deodorants are deodorants that are not formulated with aluminum compounds. But if you think that makes them any less effective, think again! Aluminum-free deodorants such as our zero waste deodorant contain probiotic glycolipids, magnesium chloride, and other plant-derived antimicrobial ingredients to fight back against odor-causing bacteria and keep you feeling fresh all day.

Is Aluminum Bad?

That depends on who you ask. Some experts — including the American Cancer Society and the Food and Drug Administration — say there is no conclusive evidence to show that aluminum compounds in deodorant are harmful, while others question their safety, pointing to studies that link aluminum with breast cancer and Alzheimer’s disease.

Breast cancer: In a 2003 study published in the European Journal of Cancer Prevention, researchers reported an earlier age of breast cancer diagnosis in women who used antiperspirant/deodorant more frequently. However, this research is generally considered inconclusive because it was a retrospective study, which may have more selection bias.

Alzheimer’s disease: Several studies have shown a link between aluminum deposits in the brain and a higher incidence of Alzheimer’s disease, including an often-cited study published in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease. Then again, some researchers have reached the opposite conclusion, noting that patients with Alzheimer’s disease had similar levels of aluminum content in their brain compared to those who didn’t have the disease.

Source: Shutterstock.com/TibiP

Why Use Aluminum-Free Deodorant?

The skin acts as a protective barrier, but it’s not foolproof. Studies have shown that small amounts of aluminum salts are absorbed through the skin when we apply deodorant. 

Additionally, aluminum salts aren’t the only ingredients sneaking past the epidermis and making their way into our bloodstream. Endocrine-disrupting phthalates and parabens are commonly found in traditional deodorants and antiperspirant formulas, as are artificial fragrances. These toxic chemicals can accumulate in our bodies over time, contributing to an abnormally high “body burden.” 

The big question is: what kind of impact, if any, do all these chemicals have on our health over the long-term? No one really knows for certain. So why take the risk at all, especially when there is now a smorgasbord of natural and effective alternatives available?

Go Aluminum-Free with The Earthling Co.

At The Earthling Co., we realized that many of the personal care products we use in our routines are wasteful, harmful and oftentimes ineffective. That’s why we created a plastic-free deodorant that checks off all our boxes (and yours, too — we hope!). Not only is our natural deodorant plastic-free, but it’s also free of aluminum, phthalates, parabens, artificial fragrances and other potentially harmful chemicals

We know there are a lot of natural deodorants out there these days. So, why make the switch to our deodorant in particular? Here’s a few good reasons to ditch your old stick for our plastic-free deodorant:

• It’s good for your body. Unlike drugstore deodorants, our natural deodorant is free from toxic chemicals and rich with plant-based ingredients that soothe and hydrate skin while keeping you stink-free.
• It’s good for the earth. Did you know that conventional deodorant tubes are made with several different types of hard-to-recycle plastic? We solved that problem by putting our natural deodorant in a compostable tube that can go back into the earth!
• It actually works. Our nourishing deodorant formula isn’t just hydrating — it’s also super-effective! Our deodorant glides on smoothly and provides long-lasting protection against body odor so you can stay fresh all day without any harmful chemicals.

Are you ready to ditch toxic chemicals and plastic in your deodorant? Make the switch to our natural, plastic-free deodorant today and start getting the protection you need minus the waste or toxic chemicals. Your body and the planet will thank you for it!