Question from Judy
I am trying to make up my mind about the different kinds of aluminum free deodorants on the market. Some say they are aluminum free when, in fact, they do contain potassium alum. Is this safe to use or is it, in fact, just another aluminum product worded differently? Thank you…
Debra’s Answer
When an antiperspirant claims to be “aluminum-free,” they are saying it does not contain aluminum chlorohydrate, aluminum chloride, aluminum hydroxybromide or aluminum zirconium—all forms of aluminum commonly used in antiperspirants and deodorants. To stop the flow of sweat to your skin’s surface, the aluminum plugs sweat ducts in the top layer of your skin stopping the the natural flow of sweat to your skin’s surface.
This aluminum can also be absorbed into your body where it can then build up as part of your body burden. Alzheimer’s disease and cancer are two illnesses known to be associated with aluminum exposure.
The aluminum in crystal deodorant stones is a different type of aluminum, called alum. The most common form is potassium alum, also known as potassium aluminum sulfate.
Potassium alum (and other alums) is a natural mineral salt made up of molecules that are too large to be absorbed by your skin. They form a protective layer on your skin that inhibits the growth of odor-causing bacteria. While this is a better alternative, it is not completely aluminum-free.
I haven’t used antiperspirant of any kind for decades. More than thirty years ago I started using baking soda as a deodorant, but have given up even that. Sweat is necessary for your body to detox (see Toxic Free Nutrition:Is Your Antiperspirant Preventing Your Body From Detoxing?) and a health body has a lovely smell, not a foul odor.
Antiperspirants and deodorants are an industrial consumer invention, not found in nature.
Thank you for the article. I am quite interested in the topic. I have also read that “When alum (full name, Potassium or Ammonium aluminum sulfate) is in its solid crystal form, the molecules create a crystalline structure. However, when it is wetted, the molecules break out of their crystalline structure and become ions (singular atoms with a positive or negative charge). So, when you’re applying a wetted crystal to your skin, you’re applying aluminum ions, the smallest possible form of aluminum, to your skin. ”
Could you please comment on this because if the above quote is true then the aluminium will be absorbed by your skin.
What you say is true. However, please keep this in mind….
Every element exists in nature. You cannot have a natural material without it containing some amount of each of the elements. Aluminum is an element. So you cannot live on the planet and be entirely aluminum-free. Our bodies are accustomed to the natural background levels of exposure to the elements.
The problem we are having today is indutrial processing takes natural materials, splits them up and concentrates these natural elements into a pure concentrated form not found in nature. These concentrated forms are so much greater than our bodies can process.
So aluminum chlorohydrate aluminum is very different than an aluminum ion that might come from a naturally-occurring mineral.
And the amount of aluminum you might get into your body from potassium alum is much less than the concentrated form from commericial antiperspirant.
I don’t consider deodorant stones to be a major source of aluminum exposure.
However, it’s not a necessary exposure. You could use baking soda or nothing at all. I have used nothing for years.
Hi there. How about using Himalayan Rock Salt under the armpits? I assume this doesn’t contain alum?
I have no objection. It contains a very small amount of naturall-ocurring aluminum.
See analysis
http://www.saltnews.com/chemical-analysis-natural-himalayan-pink-salt/comment-page-1/
Hello Debora. Thank you for your interesting and informative article. It is indeed, often hard to choose deodorant when we don’t want to have the uncomfortable smell if sweat and other odors. What would you propose to replace deodorants all together and still smell nice? I’m vegetarian and my diet is mostly clean but it bothers me that I need to wash my clothes often just because my body’s sweat/odor are not pleasant enough to wear that shirt again. Thank you again!
You could use baking soda or baking soda mixed with a bit of arrowroot if that is too abrasive.
Personally I don’t use any deodorant and haven’t for years because my body is clean and doesn’t smell. I also bathe daily.
No one thinks they smell 🙂 but I think most people prefer some kind of deodorant. What about using corn starch powder?
That’s fine unless you are allergic to corn.
I use Lugol’s iodine on my underarms. It kills the bacteria that causes the smell, but it still allows the body to continue to sweat and detox 🙂
Once you detox completely then your sweat is not going to smell anymore.
I’m a raw vegan fruitarian and i also do juice fasts and dry fasts. It really doesn’t smell. My sister is the same. So once you detox by by smell.
Totally agree. I haven’t worn deodorant in years.
Unfortunately, many people have immune system issues that cannot be eliminated through diet and detox. I detox regularly, I eat clean, and I use organic and natural personal care. Lots of bacteria still build up under my armpits, pubic area, and feet when I sweat causing a very unpleasant odor. I currently use juice from fresh lemons to control the odor under my arms and in the groin area. Lemons don’t work on my feet but peppermint oil does. Baking soda caused my skin to rash so I can’t use it. If I’m traveling and a fresh lemon is not available, I would use a potassium alum deodorant because it works and is a safer option.
I’ve used soap nuts for years with essential oils buy a small cloth zip up bag and pop and few in they last ages. Much healthier alternative
Hi Debra! I’ve been using the salt crystal deodorant and my crystal had an unbearable b.o. smell yuck! I happened to read your article and now contemplating about changing what product would be effective, now you said sweating is the body’s way of detox do you have any recommendations? Please help! Thanks!
I used just plain baking soda for years until I stopped using deodorant altogether. Many people have told me baking soda works better than any deodorant they’ve tried.
I swipe with alcohol after showering and it works wonders..
I don’t recommend petrochemical alcohol. Vodka is fine.
To all of you who are using, or thinking of using baking soda, make sure to get one that does not contain aluminum, as most of them do. I found Bob’s Red Mill baking soda online that is aluminum free, so do your research before buying!
It’s a common misconception that some baking soda contains aluminum, in fact it does not. It is baking powder that has aluminum unless you buy aluminum free. Because people often confuse the two many companies label their baking soda as aluminum free only adding to the confusion.
Hi! Great article. I have a couple new all natural deodorants that work extremely well. One is a clear gel stick that uses Silver Citrate as an anti bacterial, which is very effective in preventing odor causing bacteria. The other is a wax based stick that is available with or without baking soda (for those with sensitive skin). We are very excited about the formulas! Check them out and let me know what you think. https://www.nativessence.com/personal-care
I’m not sure about silver citrate. I know that there are a lot of silver products intended to be taken internally, but I’m not sure about absorbing silver through the skin on a daily basis.
I had the same reservations due to what I had heard about colloidal silver, but after researching it pretty well, Silver Citrate seems very safe. Tests have shown very little, if any is absorbed through the skin even when applied at high concentrations.
My natural body odor changed to a nicer smell after I started using probiotics regularly. Probiotics are found in yogurt, fermented veggies, or you can just take a pill.
If you reduce animal products consumption and start eating whole food plant based diet with an exclusion of processed and toxic junk, then your odour is almost non-existent and you will be as healthy as you can be too 😉
Agree. I haven’t worn any type of deodorant in years.
I just found a new seemingly very clean ingredient natural deodorant called simply “Native”. I have some on the way now, look into it and let me know your thoughts as I have not tried it yet but will soon. I have MCS and am a dedicated label reader, and this looks very promising to me. Bob
Although aluminum free, Native still hides behind the term “fragrance”, claiming that the FDA recommends that term. This refers to an FDA loophole created under the Fair Packaging and Labeling Act in an effort to protect a company’s trademarked formulas. The FDA doesn’t recommend company’s hide their ingredients with the word “fragrance” they erroneously allow it. Fragrance can cover any number of ingredients, be they synthetic or other. I like to see companies that tout “natural ingredients” actually list out all ingredients rather than hide behind a word that could mean anything.
I agree with you. I just across the boards do not use or recommend products that list “fragrance” as an ingredient. You don’t know what those ingredients are.
I have tried Native, and it works great, but it made me break out in a rash. Someone told me because of the baking soda, it changed my pH and caused the rash. It still took several months to go away.
I had the same situation!!! I had to use an antifungal cream to heal the rash☹️.
I take a bath with ~1/4 cup epsom salt in the water. It has Magnesium, which is good for you, helps you to detox, and kills the bacteria that causes sweat to stink. Even when I am working and sweating, I still dont smell bad.
In fact, I have been told I smell flowery and sweet, and asked what deodorant or perfume I use. I tell people just salt.
Dear Debra,
My name is Diego Torrijos, and I am writing to kindly ask you for the best two or three brands of organic deodorants, which do not contain either potassium alum or other chemicals.
Thanks in advance for the information.
Diego
See the Deodorant page on Debra’s List.
Hi, can you please do a full disclosure on whether you own, work for, gain commission from or otherwise support any of these brands mentioned on your deodorant list page? I cannot find many reviews or info on any of your products. Or maybe you can provide more info.
Currently using Perspiguard Rock but found it thanks to your page that natural potassium alum is not that safe. I want to switch to something safer but definitely need to use a strong deodorant.
Thanks.
On my website I do receive affiliate commissions from some products. I do not own any products. I do consulting work for some comapnies but I am not on the payroll of any company.
Products are chosen for Debra’s List based on merit. They meet a criteria. That any financial relationship with an company does not affect my decision to include them on Debra’s List can be seen in the consistency with which my product recommendations meet my criteria.
I receive nothing from any of the companies listed on the deodorant page.
Hello,
I wanted to share with you all my deodorant tales…I live a totally organic and chemical free life. However, I believe my BO problem is genetic and not lifestyle related. I know this because my 10 year old who has been raised in strict health and wholistic life also started having BO when she was only 7. I have tried literally hundreds of dollars with of natural deos and none of them lasted 24 hours. Some lasted half a day. Then I discovered a deo called “Schmidt” and I found my holy grail of deo’s! It was a bit expensive so I decide to just make my own and mine is now the best, longest lasting deo I have ever used! All you need to order online is Shea Butter and Pure Vitamin E oil. I blend Shea Butter, Vitamin E oil, Bicarb soda, Tapioca Starch and any of your favourite essential oils. Blend to a thick paste so that when it sets it’s hard like cold butter. Then just scoop some out into your palm and emulsify it and put it on! Both my daughter and I now can go sometimes even more than 24 hours with no odour at all, even in summer! Hope this helps someone take care xo
Try a zinc supplement. Deficiency is a common underlying cause of BO. Interest that zinc deficiency can have un underlying genetic cause, but can simply be dietary.
I also read that being low in magnesium can cause bad BO. Sounds like a good minerals check up might be in order.
Sounds like you have found a good formula for your needs. I do just want to point out, though, some of the ingredients that can cause a sensitivity or allergic reaction.
Baking (bicarb) soda has been mentioned elsewhere in the comments as causing itching. For me, that is an understatement. I tried one of Schmidt’s regular-formula products which contains that ingredient and the itching was constant and unbearable after only 2 days of use. Even after washing it off and applying a healing salve (and obviously, discontinuing the Schmidt’s), it took a few days for the itching to abate.
Anyone who is allergic to latex needs to avoid tapioca starch, as it can be cross-reative. It was for me — my armpits broke out in red, itchy welts and hives. Not fun!
Fortunately, Schmidt’s now has a sensitive skin line of products that are baking-soda free. I just acquired the Lavender Tips scent, and so far so good.
Yes, I know they are not organic, but over the years I have had such a hard time finding something that a) works more than a few hours, b) doesn’t contain nasty chemicals, and c) doesn’t cause an allergic reaction. So Schmidt’s is a godsend! Yes, it’s a bit pricy, but their website states that a little goes a long way, and that seems to be true.
Sorry if I come off like a shill for Schmidt’s. I really am not; I’m just a happy customer sharing my experience as there are probably others who have had the same frustrating issues that I have faced.
Wishing good health to all!
Hey!
I’m just doing some deodorant research, and reading your comment… I’d love for you to try ours!
It’s 100% natural and doesn’t use baking soda for this very reason!
https://www.shoppinkhouse.com/collections/body/products/lemograss-lime-pit-potion
Hello, thanks a lot of sharing your experience. Would you please give me the percentage composition of your formula. Also are any difference from the degree of odor.
Thanks for your response
You’re sharing was so helpful and I bought all the ingredients but I do not know the ratio because you do not share in your message. could you please email me how much I should put of each one of these as I’m ready to make it. thank you so much 🙂
Can you please send me the percentage of your formula. I am willing to try your formula since I am recovering from gastric cancer . Sincerely Carmen.
Hi I, could you tell me the ratio please thanks a lot.
Hi please could you say the amounts of each ingredient. Really interesting in making.my own
Baking soda does not prevent you from perspiring, it merely knocks down the bacteria and changes your ph- that is why many people begin to itch after using a baking soda based deodorant after a period of time. (the cure for that is to wash your underarms with organic apple cider vinegar, which restores your ph level)
You are correct. Baking soda does not prevent you from perspiring. It only neutralizes odor.
However, I am not in favor of blocking perspiration. Your body releases toxic chemicals through sweat. Anti-perspirants block that release.
I live in Florida and just sweat when I am outdoors.
I’m not saying everyone should do this. I am saying consider if you really need anti-perspirant or deodorant. I don’t use either.
I love your column! My very good friend watched Shark Tank and bought the totally natural deodorant called Piper Wai (www.piperwai.com) created by two women whose mothers had died from breast cancer. I have tried MANY natural deodorants, have also tried going deodorant free, but this product is HANDS DOWN the best I’ve ever used. It’s completely aluminum free and is clay-based. Don’t be fooled by the looks of it – it’s a dark gray paste – because it goes on COMPLETELY CLEAR with absolutely no after-film. Does NOT stain clothes. I absolutely love. I’d love to hear your comments about it.
I took a good look at the ingredients. While they are all natural, none of them are organic. Since there are so many organic deodorants now, I can’t recommend this one. But it certainly is better than ordinary toxic deodorants.
Thank you for this post. Many people have cancer in our family, including my sister. Have you looked at a product called The Best Deodorant In The World? I’m curious what you think, all organic ingredients and it appears to check out. We are looking to make the switch. Thank you in advance.
The ingredients look fine to me. However, I emailed to ask them a question and the email was returned that it could not be delivered and this was a “permanent fatal error.” THere’s no phone number or any other contact information. So I wouldn’t order from this website.
Hi Debra, Thanks for your reply. I just ordered from their site, and sent them a message on their facebook page to let them know their email doesn’t work. It seems like a good alternative to regular deodorant. We shall see!
Let us know!
Piper Wai is using Japanese Honeysuckle as the preservative in the jar form. I personally choose to avoid that ingredient as it is lab altered and many believe it behaves like parabens.
We have been concerned about aluminum for quite some time.
Someone suggested that because the odor from sweat is caused by bacteria, that just preventing the bacteria allows you to sweat, but eliminates the odor problem.
We use isopropyl alcohol 70% or 90% in a spray bottle daily, after shower and while grooming before a day (shower the night before). I even use before bedtime to keep fresh first thing in the morning.
This has proven so effective, now just wondering about any harm from the alcohol. Any thoughts on that?
Isopropyl alcohol is made from petroleum. Click here for health effects links.
You can get similar results spraying on organic vodka. I’ve also known people who use magnesium spray as their deodorant with great results.
I am trying a detox product under the arms called Lymphaid, but it does have potassium alum and some other questionable ingredients. … I wonder if there are similar non-toxic alternatives?
Try Herbalix Restoratives
Women should also know that their unadulterated smell—even if it is strong—is a total turn-on for a healthy man.
~JSmith
What do you think of Primal Pit Paste?
It’s aluminum free if that is your major concern.
I’m not putting them on Debra’s List because I’m going through really stringent screening now. If they say organic, I want them to show their certificates. They use organic ingredients but are not certified as a handler, and there are other products that are. Nothing wrong with this product, I’m just raising my labeling standards.
Thanks for your common sense approach and actually answering the question. It makes perfect sense!!
I must say it is so sad that so many products say they are “natural ” no this no that and they lie and still put this crap in our deodorants, shampoos, and soaps.
Here’s a good article on potassium alum (crystal deodorants) that explains how you very well could absorb it. http://chemicaloftheday.squarespace.com/most-controversial/2010/3/8/exposing-more-truths-about-alum.html