A natural deodorant, what is that for I hear you thinking. Maybe you have sensitive skin, you want to save the globe or you think everything natural is naturally better. It's all possible. There are plenty of reasons to want to use a natural skin care product. Every man has had a phase of trying to find a deodorant that really works. We've all been adolescents and have all tried that one brand that makes all the women run out on you. That didn't really work. Finally, we find a deodorant that gives us the confidence to dare lift our arms higher than a 90-degree angle in female company.
Believe me there are better alternatives. Before we move on to the best natural deodorants, it might be helpful to explain how a deodorant works. This will make it easier for you to make a conscious choice for a particular deodorant yourself.
Why does sweat create odor?
When our bodies need to get rid of heat, we sweat. We do this all over our body. Yet we often smell this only under the armpits. This is because our body has two types of sweat glands. Eccrine sweat glands and apocrine sweat glands. Eccrine sweat glands are distributed all over our body but mostly on our forehead, soles of our feet, palms of our hands. The sweat from these glands does not create a smelly odor. This also explains why we can just sit pleasantly with each other in the sauna.
Apocrine sweat glands are mainly located in places where body hair grows. So also the armpits. This sweat consists of fatty secretions. This sweat is harder to evaporate because it brews nicely under the armpits. This allows bacteria and fats to convert the sebum and sweat into butyric acid, caproic acid and mercaptans. These are substances that are very smelly. So sweat itself doesn't smell.
What does a deodorant do?
Now there are two types of deodorants that we can use to combat stink. A deodorant and antiperspirant. A deodorant often contains aluminum and zinc compounds that cause a chemical reaction with the smelly substances, making them smell less. Alcohol is still added to kill the bacteria. Often the deodorant still contains a nice-smelling perfume that hides the foul odors. Thus, a deodorant masks foul odors.
An antiperspirant counteracts sweating itself. Aluminum or zirconium compounds cause a reaction with the fatty acids on the skin that closes off the sweat glands like a clot. Thus, a kind of layer appears on the skin that blocks sweat. Most deodorants contain a combination of both types.
Why use a natural deodorant?
Of course, we're not going to tell you that you have to use a natural deodorant. There are just some advantages over using the regular deodorant, and in this we would like to give you the best advice.
A natural deodorant without aluminum
You've probably heard the reports that aluminum in deodorants can cause prostate cancer, Alzheimer's disease and breast cancer (like all substances these days). Don't panic. This has fortunately not been scientifically proven, but enough for some people to want to stop using it immediately.
What is actually the biggest drawback of aluminum for us are stains in clothes. You've probably had yellow stains in the armpits of your clothes after using a deodorant. So this is because of aluminum. Your sweat reacts with the aluminum from your deodorant, causing stains. Furthermore, aluminum can cause irritation, itching and an allergic reaction in some people.
Parabens
Synthetic preservatives found in all kinds of products do not have such a good reputation in recent years. Parabens could poison organs and mess up hormonal balance. Again, this has never really been proven. The amount of parabens varies from product to product.
The best natural deodorants
Of course, at The Alpha Men, we also like to smell fresh and we have some really good deodorants in our range that really work. For example, we have deodorants that are 100% natural but also deodorants without aluminum, alcohol or parabens.
Salt & Stone Natural Deodorants
Salt & Stone is a premium brand that makes products from 100% natural ingredients. The deodorant gives up to 48 hours of protection! It is a stick so you rub a layer on your skin which reduces the penetration of sweat. The high-quality material of the packaging is from recycled plastic from the ocean. It also instantly moisturizes the skin thanks to the new formula with hyaluronic acid making it feel comfortable. The deodorants contain lots of probiotics that give foul odors absolutely no chance. Because you only need a little, the deodorant also lasts a long time. Rightly one of the most popular deodorants in our assortment. Available in different scents. The scents Eucalyptus and Vetiver Santal are especially for sensitive skin.
Malin+Goetz Deodorants
This brand's deodorants are rightly in almost every top list of best natural deodorants on the market. Malin + Goetz deodorants contain no aluminum, alcohol, baking soda, parabens or synthetic fragrances, making even the most sensitive armpits embrace this deodorant. The bergamot extracts and probiotics really know how to keep foul odors away, and the deodorant also contains a cornstarch that absorbs excess moisture, making your armpits less wet from sweat. So less wet spots under your arms! Glides on easily, does not stain and manages to keep odors away all day.
Finally a high five
With these three natural deodorants, it really is possible to give high fives without killing the person across from you. You certainly don't need aluminum or alcohol to smell good. One last tip: If you are currently using an antiperspirant and switching to a natural deodorant give it time. Your body needs about three weeks for the antiperspirant to return to normal sweat production. So no rush. We are very curious to hear how you experience one of these deodorants. Let us know!