Rosy Pits: How to Reduce Body Odour & Toxin Exposure
I first began my venture into natural, non-aluminum deodorants when my grandmother got diagnosed with and later passed due to Alzheimer’s Disease. I was 14 at the time and I was overcome with helplessness. I was simultaneously concerned with her health and any potential way my family could lessen the probability of anyone else developing it. Despite the still limited scientific understanding of the disease, I hung onto bits and pieces of potential harm that we could avoid.
The first I found was the impact of aluminum, an ingredient commonly used in conventional deodorants and antiperspirants. I had already avoided the latter given the unnatural aspect of blocking the body’s need to sweat. Regarding the former, I learned that aluminum is a widely recognised neurotoxin that inhibits more than 200 biologically important functions and causes various adverse effects not just humans but other animals and plants. According to one meta-analysis that took a look at various studies and scientific debates on both sides, “[aluminum] could cause cognitive deficiency and dementia when it enters the brain and may have various adverse effects on CNS.” Another research study found aluminum within all brain tissue in familial Alzheimer’s Disease patients. Aluminum can also cause genomic instability on the cell level, meaning it can increase our cells’ tendency to mutate; mutations can increase the chance of tumor growth.
These were all reason enough for me to pick up Tom’s, my first natural deodorant. It definitely did not work, but as the Vampire Weekend song asks, “Cuz if that Tom's don't work / If it just makes you worse / Would you lose all of you faith in the good Earth,” my answer was no: I did not lose my faith in the good Earth and kept searching. I consequently tried probably over a dozen different natural deodorants since the past thirteen years. I have finally settled on this one, which smells like roses with a hint of sandalwood. Sometimes I switch it up with this beachy scent, which reminds me slightly of suntan lotion but perkier. I love that not only is this deodorant not formulated with aluminum but also without parabens, alcohol, or baking soda, the last two of which are the major reason why many people react to or are irritated by nature deodorants. It doesn’t pill like deodorants that have baking soda as a primary ingredient and instead use a natural blend of antibacterial actives such as sage essential oil with fragrant sandalwood to prevent odour. I’m not paid or sponsored for this, I am simply so happy to have found this line and to share it as widely as I can because I know how frustrating it can be to find a product for a seemingly simply issue of body odour.
I don’t have strong armpit odour but I also found that another thing that helps in reducing it for me is doing a quick mask on my armpits once a month. I love this mask that comes in a tube for easy swipe of an application. Alternatively for a zero-waste version, you can mix two tablespoons of kaolin or French clay with a teaspoon of charcoal powder with enough water to make a paste. I leave it on for about five to seven minutes then wash in the shower.
Lastly, if this is your first venture into trying natural deodorant, I suggest that you try the armpit mask (homemade or the one linked above) and allow two weeks for body to adjust from a traditional antiperspirant.
Other Ingredients of Concern & Reasons to Switch to Natural Deodorants
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Triclosan is an antibacterial chemical but also an endocrine disruptor, meaning it can mimic hormones or interfere with hormonal signaling. The chemical’s endocrine disruptingabilities are supported by numerous scientific studies. The chemical is also associated with an increased risk of breast cancer. The abundance of health concerns associated with triclosan, both to people and aquatic life, has led FDA to ban its use in hand soaps. However, the chemical is still permitted for use in other products, like deodorant.
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Phthalates are common ingredients in all personal care products, including deodorant and antiperspirants to imbue flexibility to other ingredients and also used as fragrant components. These are also potential disruptors to the endocrine system, especially in males. Phthalates also impact female health, as exposure can cause early onset puberty, which is associated with breast cancer later in life.
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Parabens are ingredients used primarily as preservatives and are able to be absorbed through the skin. Parabens are hormone impersonators, mimicking estrogen in the body. Exposure to parabens has been linked to breast cancer.
About the Author
Almila Kakinc is the Founder, Editor-in-Chief of The Thirlby. She is also the author of the book The Thirlby: A Field Guide to a Vibrant Mind, Body, & Soul. She is currently pursuing her Master’s in Nursing as a Dean’s Scholar at Johns Hopkins University. Her background is in Anthropology & Literature, which she has further enriched through her Integrative Health Practitioner training at Duke University. She lives in the Washington, D.C. Metro Area, where she regularly contributes to various publications. She is a member of Democratic Socialists of America and urges others to join the movement.
