Once puberty hits, children begin to sweat more which creates an odor that is mortifying to already easily embarrassed adolescents. Run-of-the-mill deodorants, like all personal care products, are laden with chemicals both harmful and unnecessary, but these days many alternatives have entered the market. There are several brands of natural deodorants contain only inoffensive ingredients that are safe for both adults and children, as indicated on the Cosmetic Safety Database.
Tom's of Maine
This company has been around for a long time. They were the first to create an aluminum-free deodorant, and they have come a long way since. As you may know, aluminum is a metal that is only partially secreted from the body; a small percentage is stored in the body indefinitely, mostly in the brain. Parabens which Tom's also does not use, are suspected of being endocrine interrupters. Tom's has perfected their deodorant at this point; it works even in extremely hot, humid weather. It comes with gentle natural fragrances like honeysuckle and lavender, as well as fragrance-free. Please be aware that Tom's also makes antiperspirants; however, their safety rating is currently unacceptable.
Alba Botanical
Alba works by controlling odor with alpine lichen and baking soda, and keeps bacteria in check with witch hazel. It does not contain propylene glycol, but uses vegetable glycerin instead. It is free of aluminum, parabens, synthetic colors, and fragrances. It is 100 percent vegetarian and does not use any animal testing. Three versions exist, tee tree oil, and fragrance-free.
Crystal Body Deodorant
"The Crystal" has many devoted followers; this product prevents odor from ever forming, through the unique action of its two ingredient: naturally occurring mineral salts, and potassium alum. These mineral salts, interestingly, are very similar to the much maligned synthetically processed potassium alum, in which aluminum hydroxide is synthesized with acid and potassium sulfate, as can be seen on the company's, Verdan, own website. But contrary to the synthetic product, the Crystal's particles are too large for to be absorbed by the skin.
