Natural Deodorant Ingredient Labels Explained
Natural deodorant solutions are surging in popularity. Now that we have so many options to choose from, sifting through the marketing BS to find a truly natural deodorant can be tricky and time-consuming. You want a healthy, natural deodorant, but you know the label "natural" might not mean much.
In this post, we outline the natural ingredients found in healthy deodorants (and ingredients to avoid) to help you better analyze natural deodorant labels!
Check out our roundup of the best natural deodorants.
Main Natural Deodorant Ingredients
At their core, natural deodorant ingredients are very similar. You'll likely find some type of powder for moisture and odor control, natural oils to form the base and wax for texture. Some also add naturally moisturizing or scented ingredients.
Here's a closer look at common natural deodorant ingredients.
Natural oil to form the base
Many organic deodorant brands use coconut oil or other natural oils to form the solid base of the deodorant stick.
Powder or starch for absorption and odor control
Powders like baking soda and arrowroot not only absorb wetness, but they also kill bacteria that causes odor. Some type of powder is essential for an effective natural deodorant.
Essential oils for antiseptic effects and scent
Essential oils also have antibacterial properties that fight odor before it starts. These include rosemary, sage, lemon grass and tea tree oil. These oils also add a natural scent to deodorants.
Wax for texture
Don’t be alarmed to find ingredients like beeswax or candelilla wax in your natural deodorant. These natural ingredients add the waxy, glossy consistency you’re used to in regular deodorants.
Natural Deodorant Ingredients to Avoid
Now that you know the function behind some healthy, sweating-stopping ingredients, let’s review ingredients to avoid in natural deodorants.
Here are some suspect ingredients in healthy deodorants that make them not-so-natural:
Fragrance
When you see “fragrance” on the label of any natural product — including deodorant — it likely contains chemicals. Manufacturers can claim their scent is a trade secret and get away with using the catch-all phrase “fragrance" as an ingredient. Often, "fragrance" is an industry workaround to not disclose the chemical cocktail that comprises the scent. If you're concerned about chemicals in deodorant, watch out for the ingredient fragrance in natural deodorant labels.
Talcum powder
Made from the mineral talc, talcum powder absorbs moisture and reduces friction to help deodorant glide on easily. You’ll find talcum powder in a variety of consumer products, including deodorant. In its natural form, talc contains the cancer-causing agent asbestos, according to Cancer.org. However, the talc used in consumer products today is asbestos-free.
Talcum powder has come under scrutiny for its link to ovarian and lung cancers. Studies on both humans and animals have produced mixed results.
Propylene glycol
Propylene glycol is used in antifreeze and other consumer products like deodorant. The FDA and World Health Organization recognize propylene glycol as generally safe for use in foods, pharmaceuticals and cosmetics. And companies like Tom’s of Maine use vegetable-based propylene glycol — an environmentally safer alternative.Still, the Environmental Protection Agency requires the use of gloves when handling the substance and disposal by burying, signaling its potential harm.
The 3 Types of Natural Deodorants
Most popular natural deodorants fall into one of three categories. There are mainstream brands like Tom’s of Maine that have spearheaded the natural deodorant charge but still include concerning ingredients (like propylene glycol) in their formula.
Other natural deodorant brands take the commitment one step further to eliminate all chemicals and toxins. These smaller or newer brands are typically pricier than mainstream brands.
Lastly, there's always the do-it-yourself option. It's pretty easy to make deodorant at home — learn more on our blog here: How to Make Natural Deodorant.
Pair Natural Deodorant With a Thompson Tee
Regardless of which natural deodorant you choose, you'll need an extra line of defense against armpit sweat. After all, deodorant (especially natural deodorant) is only effective at combating odor — not sweat.
Try wearing a men's or women's sweat proof Thompson Tee with your favorite natural deodorant so you won't have to deal with armpit sweat, pit stains or odor anymore! These patented undershirts feature built-in underarm shields that trap sweat and prevent moisture from permeating your outer layers or showing through.
Guaranteed to work or your money back — try it risk-free!
