Can Natural Deodorant Stop Odor?
After bathing, we all know that applying deodorant is one of the best ways to keep us feeling fresh and ready for whatever the day throws at us, especially when we start to sweat. The sweat that comes from our apocrine glands is odorless, but it gets stinky after it mixes with the bacteria on your skin. This hygiene product often masks that sweat-borne odor that sets in over time, it doesn’t always stop it.
An antiperspirant, on the other hand, is made with aluminum chloride or zirconium that temporarily plugs up your sweat ducts so you don’t sweat as much. This can be helpful for people who suffer from excessive sweating. Those of us who don’t have this issue may just be trapping toxins inside our bodies. So, what’s one to do? If you want to avoid toxic ingredients and still keep body odor at bay, there are a few natural options that can help, you just have to know how to use them correctly.
How natural deodorant battles odor
If you are curious if natural deodorant will combat odor, the answer is yes. Natural deodorants are made to help to stop people from smelling, as they may help to mask foul-smelling odors and help absorb excess moisture. However, natural deodorants do not block the release of sweat. Natural deodorants won’t block your pores. Instead, these products absorb moisture and won’t obstruct your body as it sweats which in turn reduces odor before it even starts.
Natural Deodorant Vs. Standard Antiperspirant
The ingredients in a standard antiperspirant are made to close off your pores so you don’t sweat as much. The active ingredient in these products is aluminum chloride or zirconium. These ingredients work by plugging up your pores so you don’t sweat.
On the other hand, natural deodorants don’t have aluminum in them. Instead, they use ingredients like baking soda, arrowroot powder, coconut oil, and shea butter to help reduce odor-causing bacteria. Natural deodorants also usually contain essential oils that can help to mask any foul smells. If you are looking for a natural deodorant, here are some of the most common ingredients that you will find:
Baking Soda: This ingredient is commonly used in natural deodorants because it helps to absorb sweat and reduce odor.
Arrowroot Powder: This powder is often used in conjunction with baking soda. It helps to absorb moisture and reduce friction so your skin doesn’t feel as irritated.
Coconut Oil: Coconut oil has antimicrobial properties that can help to kill odor-causing bacteria. It also helps to keep your skin hydrated.
Shea Butter: Shea butter is a type of fat that comes from the African shea tree. It helps to moisturize your skin and can also act as a barrier to help prevent sweat from reaching your skin.
Essential Oils: Essential oils like lavender, tea tree, and eucalyptus help to mask the odor with their pleasant scents. They also have antimicrobial properties that can help to kill bacteria.
There are a few ingredients that you will want to avoid in your deodorant, these ingredients have been linked to health concerns and can be harmful to your body.
Parabens: Parabens are a type of preservative that is commonly used in cosmetics and personal care products. Methylparaben and propylparaben are the most common of these. They have been linked to cancer and other health concerns.
Propylene Glycol: This ingredient is used as a skin conditioner in many personal care products. It has been linked to skin irritation and other health concerns.
Triclosan: Triclosan is an antimicrobial agent that is commonly used in personal care products. It has been linked to hormone disruption and other health concerns.
How to use natural deodorant correctly
Now that you know natural deodorants can help to stop odor, you might be wondering how to use them correctly. Here are a few tips:
Make sure to clean your armpits thoroughly before applying deodorant. Use a natural soap or body wash and give your pits a good scrub. This will help to remove any sweat or bacteria that could cause odor.
Apply deodorant to dry skin. If your skin is wet, the deodorant won’t work as well.
Don’t forget to reapply throughout the day if you are sweating heavily or if you notice the scent start to fade. Natural deodorants won’t last as long as antiperspirants, so you might need to reapply a few times throughout the day.
Natural deodorants can help to stop odor by absorbing sweat and bacteria. If you are looking for an alternative to standard antiperspirants, natural deodorants are a good option. Just make sure to clean your skin thoroughly and apply to dry skin for the best results. And don’t forget to reapply throughout the day!