Natural Aluminium Free Deodorant and Antiperspirant Alternatives

In today's image obsessed society, appearance and personal grooming are of utmost importance, and wearing deodorant is an absolute must.

However with scientific studies drawing links between aluminium compounds - ingredients used in most anti perspirants and deodorants - and serious illness, many people are looking for alternatives to these potentially toxic main steam brands.

Aluminium has been linked to a variety of disorders including respiratory diseases, Alzheimer's disease and even cancer. In the early 90's a Public Health Report compiled by the WHO (World Health Organisation, not the band!) made reference to a number of human autopsies wherein the brains of those suffering from Alzheimer's were found to contain high concentrations of aluminium.

Findings from a study examining the combined use of antiperspirants/deodorants and frequency of under arm shaving found that breast cancer diagnosis occurs at a significantly earlier age than women who did so less often. In addition to this, women employing these habits of under arm hygiene prior the age of sixteen years were also diagnosed at an earlier age than those not employing these habits until a later age.

However it is important to point out that no studies have ever proved a conclusive link between the use of deodorants containing aluminium and these illnesses and additional research is most definitely required. Exposure to Aluminium is, after all, an unavoidable part of life on Earth. It is the most abundant metal on our planet, and significant research actually suggests that even industrial level exposure may not have any serious health effects.

However a number of doctors and holistic therapy experts have agreed that the wisest choice by far is to avoid products that are known to contain aluminium. In particular aerosol deodorants, as by their very nature they can easily be absorbed via the nasal passages and into the bloodstream, whereupon they can affect both the respiratory system and brain.

The main concern regarding the use of aluminium in deodorants in particular relates to the nature of their use. Aluminium compounds and salts are a key ingredient in almost all antiperspirants and deodorants. These astringents are designed to prevent both sweat and odours from escaping by blocking or closing up your pores. This can lead to problems with the lymph and sweat glands as well as itching or a rash.

Antiperspirant deodorants are of course designed to be absorbed by the skin, taking all their chemical ingredients with them, and the inevitable nicks and cuts that are a part of the shaving process can enable the absorption of these chemicals directly into the bloodstream. This is why most antiperspirant deodorants recommend waiting for an hour between shaving the underarms and the application of deodorant.

Once these are absorbed into the human body, the aluminium aspect of the molecule ionizes, this then forms 'free' or 'radical' aluminium (not as cool as it sounds, which is a shame) which passes with ease across the membranes of cells and forms a 'plug'. When this plug dissolves it is selectively absorbed by the kidneys, liver, brain and bone marrow.

'But what's the alternative??' I hear you cry, 'You can't make me give up my deodorant, you anti deodorant stinky hippy!'. Well you can relax, there are alternative, aluminium free deodorants available. Personally I use a deodorant stone, some people don't find this method to be effective enough but the only real problem I have experienced is the time I dropped my stone into the bath - smashing it into several pieces. I'm still using the pieces (ask anyone who knows me, I never throw anything away! 'I can still use that for something!') some of the broken edges are a little sharp on the underarms, but I digress.

These crystal deodorant or deodorant stones are actually made of potassium sulphate and mineral salts and contain no harsh chemicals, alcohol or perfumes. The bonus is that these rock deodorants won't clog your pores, stain your clothes, irritate your underarms or dry up if you forget to put the lid on.

Aluminium free deodorant stones actually inhibit the growth of the bacteria that cause body odor, rather than blocking the pores to prevent sweating or masking odors with perfume. You simply wet the skin, or stone, and apply it as you would a standard roll on style deodorant, they can even be used on your stinky feet!

What's more is deodorant stones can last for up to a year, saving your hard earned cash. Liquid crystal deodorant sprays are also available if you prefer. Crystal/stone deodorants may not be suitable if you are likely to suffer from excessive sweating but perform very effectively for most people.

There are a huge variety of aluminium free and natural deodorants on the market today;

The Thai Crystal Deodorant Stone is very similar to the Pit Rok, the deodorant crystal that I use. In a handy applicator this deodorant stone is a easy to apply as any roll on, without any of the toxic chemicals or clogged pores. Inexpensive and lasts for ages.

Containing liquid mineral salts, this all natural deodorant crystal spray deodorant works in exactly the same way as a crystal deodorant stone, but with the convenience of an aerosol free spray.

Herbal Clear Natural Deodorant contains no aluminium or artificial bactericides. It utilises the bacterial inhibition qualities of Lichen to prevent body odors before they begin. Naturally scented and hypoallergenic.

If you're really attached to your brand names but want a deodorant that is free of aluminium, then why not try Adidas 24 Hr Deocontrol?

For some reason the labelling doesn't state that this product is aluminium free, even though it is totally absent from the ingredient list. Not an all natural alternative, but an alternative none the less.

Another easy to apply mineral salt deodorant. Contains Hemp oil and Tea Tree oil scent for 24 hour protection

100% natural deodorant stone. Hypo allergenic and safe for the whole family, non staining, unisex, aerosol and aluminium free and not tested on animals. A great choice!

Any of these products would be a wise choice, and most definitely preferable to using potentially toxic aluminium deodorants and I can heartily recommend them all.

I hope you have found this hub both useful and informative. If you're interested in finding out more about making the right environmental choices, please visit some of my other Hubs.

Wind Power and Green Electricity

Energy Efficient Light Bulbs

Vegans and Freegans will Save the Planet

Fair Trade - The Perfect Cup of Tea

Legal Drugs and Herbal Highs - The Differences

Thanks for reading :)