Since starting this blog I have become increasingly
more aware of potential harmful ingredients in cosmetics.
Parabens, sulphates, silicones these are
all “bad” ingredients that have been used in cosmetics for years but that
brands are starting to stay clear of these days. Aluminium is one of many “bad”
ingredients that is contained in deodorants. Aluminium is an ingredient that
has been linked to breast cancer. Although the direct link hasn’t been proven it’s
enough for me to try to avoid as there is a strong history of breast cancer in
my family.
The main difference between an
antiperspirant and a natural deodorant is that antiperspirants reduce sweating
by blocking sweat glands with aluminium salts, whilst deodorants act on masking
the odour. To refresh our memory, body odour isn’t created by sweat rather than
by the bacteria decomposition in sweat. Meaning that the best deodorant would
be the one that more effectively neutralises that decomposition.
I have used antiperspirants all my life, my
favourite one is the creme deodorant
roll by Fenjal. I have used it for years and years and has always done an
amazing job. But as I said before I have come to a point in my life were I am
starting to stay away from potential harmful ingredients, in March I decided to
make the switch to natural deodorants and started my hunt for the perfect one.
Going on the hunt for natural deodorants is
quite frustrating as 99% of deodorants sold on the high street contain
aluminium and the other 1% are marketed for children. I find it ridiculous that
there is such a small selection of natural deodorant that are easily available
to us.
The first natural deodorant I tried was Salt of the Earth, which is made with
potassium alum. This is a natural mineral salt that has been used as a natural
deodorant for hundreds of years in the Far East, inhibiting the growth of odour
causing bacteria leaving you feeling fresh. It’s a good deodorant but a faff to
put on as you need either to wet your underarm or wet the deodorant in order
for the product to glide on. Then you need to wait for it to dry before you put
the cap back on. Honestly I have no time for this in the morning, I prefer
something more practical. There is also a liquid version of this deodorant but
I still haven’t tried it.
Then I made the switch to The Healthy deodorant from Lavanilla in pure vanila, I had
previously seen some bloggers rave about this product and I thought it was
worth a go. It claims to be a “dermatologist-recommended deodorant that
provides superior, long-lasting odour protection” It also has soothing
essential oils blend with powerful anti-oxidants and beta glucan technology for
daily defence and nourishment. In my opinion this is an okay product, its
really practical as you just need to glide it on and it smells really nice but
I did feel that I wasn’t as fresh as I would have liked to at the end of the
day. So I don’t think this is the one for me.
Then out of a whim a decided to try the Aesop deodorising spray. It is
formulated with eleven essential oils that help neutralise underarm odour. Many
of the oils in this product, such as Lemongrass, Patchouli, Clove, Thyme and
Vetiver Root, have been shown to inhibit the growth of Coryneform bacteria (the
main contributor to strong body odour).
I have to admit, I don’t like the smell at
all, its very herbal and spicy and unisex all at the same time (sorry, I’m not
the best at describing scents) and I prefer feminine flowery scents, spicy
scents are just not my thing.
The first thing I though when I tried this
deodorant was “Crap I have just wasted £26” but to my surprise this is
the best one I have tried to far. The scent is strong but it does fade and keeps
you feeling nice and fresh throughout the day, and I have used it whilst going
to the gym and getting really sweaty. I am really impressed by this one. Its so
quick and easy to use and keeps you fresh the whole day. I would love for Aesop
to come out with a different scent but regardless, the results are amazing.
Have you tried any natural deodorants? Let
us know which are your favourite brands!