I’ve always loved my Dove antiperspirant, but I recently learned something alarming about antiperspirants that made me want to switch to natural deodorant instead. Turns out, most (if not all) antiperspirants on the rack contain aluminium, which has been linked to a spike in breast cancer and Alzheimer’s.
Why do beauty brands use it, then? Aluminium is the only ingredient that can effectively clog up your pores enough to stop you from sweating.
Unsplash
Yes, that’s right. There’s metal in your go-to spray-on. Nobody wants to be blocking their pores with aluminium, or creating an unhealthy backlog of bacteria that can’t pass through your skin as it naturally should. But how are us sweaty, stinky girls meant to combat the summer and the inevitable sweat that comes with it?
Unsplash
I approached W&H’s beauty editor, Jade, to get her take on the best natural alternatives around, as a beauty expert and as an experienced natural deo whizz, Jade was excited to share her favourite brand, which has boasted incredible results. Who are they?
Instagram / @beautywellnessedit
Natural Yogi
Natural Yogi SA
Made with simple, natural ingredients like bicarbonate of soda and other natural oils, essential oils and waxes, the best thing about this natural deodorant is that it works. All you need to do is scoop a bit of the gel-like product up with your finger and smear onto your armpit. Then you’re good to go! The product lasts for about 24 hours, or until your next bath or shower.
Unlike antiperspirants, this deodorant doesn’t contain any aluminium, or block your pores. It focuses on neutralising odour instead. It does this by absorbing odour and creating an environment that is not conducive to the odour-causing microbes that grow in perspiration – all the while offering refreshing hints of the natural essential oils.
Natural Yogi is packaged in environmentally friendly glass jars and comes in six essential oil variations: Musky Citrus, Cedar Lime, Camilyang, Julip, Vetivert and Frankinsence and Sensistive Skin. Julip is Jade’s go-to. Compostable refill packs are available for all.
Unsplash
A note on making the switch
When you switch to natural deodorant, it’s important to remember that your body will experience a change. Pores will start to unclog and the build up of bacteria you’ve carried is finally able to work itself out of your skin. This can make you stink a bit more than usual, but stick (read stink) it out for a week or two and your pores should naturally open up and begin to pass through bacteria like normal, without the odour.
Remember, deodorant won’t stop you from sweating completely (as we know it, only aluminium in antiperspirant can do that). Deodorant will only neutralise the odour. If you’d like to experiment with natural products to combat sweat, look for natural deodorants that contain ingredients like cornstarch to absorb your sweat without blocking pores.
ALSO SEE:
Feature Image: Unsplash
