The evolution of deodorants and anti-perspirants in the beauty industry
Now, let’s be honest - as much as putting on a deodorant or anti-perspirant is a key part of many people’s regular routine, do we often think beyond ‘I’ve always used this one’ or ‘this one is on offer for £1’? For something that most people do daily it seems wrong that we would give our armpits such little consideration, especially considering how sensitive they are.
In a world where we are increasingly eco-conscious, consumers are seemingly keen to swap out their ‘usual’ and try new natural formats, such as the latest craze for natural deodorants. According to Grand View Research, 16% of men and 14% of women globally experience skin irritation caused by deodorants and anti-perspirants, which seems to be the key driver behind increasing use of natural deodorants. The organic deodorant market share is due reach 158.5 million USD by 2025, increasing at a CAGR of 14.1% during this period.
NB: before we go into the main body of this blog, I feel it is important to highlight the difference in deodorant and anti-perspirant as we will solely be focusing on one:
Deodorant – a product which is created to reduce body odour
Anti-perspirant – a product which is created to prevent and reduce body sweat
So, what is a natural deodorant?
The main difference between a classic anti-perspirant and a natural deodorant is that the latter not Aluminium based. The use of Aluminium Chlorohydrate and Aluminium Zirconium in classic formulas has been proven to block sweat ducts under our armpits. The reduction of (sweat) wetness helps to minimise body odour by preventing bacteria that feeds on sweat (which causes the odour). Although these will be seen as ideal outcomes, blocking up our pores can actually make our odour issues worse. Whilst the pores are clogged, sweat builds up under our skin which causes an increase in bad bacteria (which likes to feed on sweat) and this is what can make our sweat smell even worse than before.
There have also been suggested links to Aluminium increasing the risk of Breast Cancer and Alzheimer’s, but this has not been proven with sufficient evidence.
Natural deodorants work to reduce smell and focus less on reducing the amount we sweat. They are created using mainly natural ingredients and without Aluminium, so are our armpits are still able to sweat BUT the formula neutralises bacteria build up and masks the body odour. Immediately, we hear alarm bells ringing in everyone’s head of ‘but won’t I dramatically sweat out of my armpits?!’. Consumer reviews find that many post-swap have actually sweated less than previously, as their armpits have adjusted well to not having harsh chemicals on this sensitive area.
What are the benefits of a natural deodorant?
Simple ingredients – standard anti-perspirants are filled with chemicals which a lot of consumers would consider as man-made and unnatural. Ingredients such as Silica and Parabens, which can irritate sensitive skin, are often replaced with common ingredients such as Coconut Oil and Baking Powder to neutralise odours, absorb moisture, act as antibacterial agents and not block pores (ideal!)
Moisturising – commonly containing a plant-based moisturiser, natural deodorants will help soothe and moisturise the delicate skin under our arms whilst minimising irritation which can be caused via things such as motion or clothes friction.
Reduces razor burn – natural deodorants often contain soothing and pore-shrinking ingredients such as Witch Hazel, which will to prevent razor burn and protect underarms for future shaves.
Clear pores – natural deodorants naturally keep pores open and let our skin breathe! Whilst standard anti-perspirants will block our pores to prevent us from sweating, natural deodorants actually work the opposite: by neutralising the bacteria rather than blocking pores and natural sweat, they are reducing actual body odour.
No stains – Aluminium causes reactions with common fabrics which we wear. This leaves unsightly stains on items of our clothing (how irritating is the white anti-perspirant disaster on a black item of clothing!)
Are there any disadvantages to using a natural deodorant?
Now as much as we would all love to make any change possible to help our environment (and our conscience) there are some ‘disadvantages’ of swapping your usual anti-perspirant or deodorant for a natural one are:
They do not control sweating as the ingredients do not block pores. This often means you have to let your armpits adjust and re-balance which may mean walking around with damp pits for a couple of weeks…
They will not have as strong odour preventing power which some consumers will not be comfortable with
As natural formulas tend to be softer and oilier, there is a risk that these will still show on some clothing in the armpit area
Natural products tend to be more expensive, and sometimes the £1 anti-perspirant is just too tempting!
So now you know the pros and cons with natural deodorants, combined with the growing desire to care for the environment and our bodies… will you be making the swap anytime soon?
THE BEAUTY BRAND COACH