In recent years, the supply of natural deodorants that promise to be less aggressive to the skin, without alcohol or aluminum — substances supposedly linked to diseases such as breast cancer — has grown on the market.
These products are much more expensive, and the price can be three or four times higher than that of a traditional deodorant or antiperspirant.
To avoid bad odor, we can generally use three types of products: deodorants, antiperspirants and natural deodorants.
Deodorants reduce odor by killing bacteria or masking the odor they generate, but they have no impact on the amount of sweat a person produces.
Natural ones, which are presented as the healthiest option, are usually made from a mixture of natural antibacterial products (such as sage extract or zinc derivatives) with sweat-absorbing ingredients (various types of starches) and sodium bicarbonate.
Unlike the latter, antiperspirants – predominantly based on aluminum compounds – form a temporary covering in the sweat ducts and interrupt their flow to the skin’s surface.
Can blocking underarm pores be harmful? And does this have a negative effect on health?
If we think about the number of sweat glands we have, those in the armpits only represent between 1% and 2% of the total. So blocking those pores with aluminum won’t have a harmful effect on the sweat you produce, experts say.
As for aluminum, although there are some studies that in the past have linked the product to certain medical conditions, such as breast cancer or dementia, there is no conclusive evidence that aluminum causes any of these conditions.
Aluminum was developed as an antiperspirant at the beginning of the 20th century, meaning it has been in use for over a hundred years. A possible harmful effect would have already been proven in studies.
The best way to use a product that contains aluminum is to ensure your underarms are completely dry. If they are wet, the aluminum chloride will react with the water and produce hydrochloric acid that will irritate the skin.
The best option is ultimately a matter of preference.
