All-natural Deodorants & Antiperspirants

As consumers become more aware of the chemical compounds in their hygiene products, herbal and all-natural versions are becoming popular. According to naturopath Dr. Edward Group of the Global Healing Center, traditional antiperspirants formulated with aluminum may contribute to breast cancer. However, researchers from the National Cancer Institute found no conclusive evidence to validate Group's claim.

Causes of Armpit Odor

Your skin contains two types of sweat glands, known as eccrine and apocrine glands. Most armpit sweat comes from the eccrine glands, has no odor and serves the function of cooling the body. Eccrine sweat is mostly water and salt. Fresh apocrine sweat is also odorless, but when it combines with the bacteria found in 90 percent of male and 70 percent of female armpits, it causes body odor. According to MayoClinic.com, apocrine sweat is fat-based perspiration that is digested by the offending bacteria.

Natural Stick Deodorant

Those who prefer a traditional stick deodorant find formulations that resemble antiperspirants in look and feel. Where deodorant differs from antiperspirant is its lack of aluminum. When you wear deodorant, your armpits still sweat, but the odor-causing bacteria in your armpits are neutralized. Stick deodorants are made by blending active ingredients such as lavender, sage and calendula with waxes and oils, then molding them into the shape.

Crystals and Sprays

Deodorant crystals may seem unusual at first, but according to TheBeautyBrains.com, they work. Crystal deodorant looks and feels a bit like a chunk of glass. To use it, you wet it under a stream of water and rub it under your arms. Made from a mineral called potassium alum, deodorant crystals have no scent and can last for up to a year. Those who prefer a more traditional delivery method can choose a liquefied version in a spray bottle.

Antiperspirants

Antiperspirants keep you from sweating by blocking sweat glands with aluminum molecules. According to eNotes.com, the most common active ingredient in commercial antiperspirant is aluminum zirconium tetrachlorohydrex glycine. Stick, spray, roll-on and clear gel versions are available in pharmacies. There is no all-natural product to keep you from sweating the way an aluminum-based antiperspirant does.

Home Remedies

For those who prefer to create their own deodorant, home remedies abound. Baking soda absorbs odor and may be all the deodorant necessary for those who bathe regularly and don't sweat much. Sage, lavender, rosemary and tea tree oils have antibacterial properties that can help keep your underarms smelling fresh. The citric acid in lime and lemon juice may also be effective.