Selecting the right deodorant.

Deodorant is a hygiene product applied daily to prevent the onset of unpleasant odours. It is applied under the armpits, areas that often remain damp throughout the day. It is important to note that the skin in this area is delicate and often damaged due to frequent shaving or waxing. As a result, it is more porous to products which can then penetrate into the body. Therefore, it is essential to choose a natural deodorant made with ingredients that are respectful to health.

Unlike deodorants, antiperspirants block the flow of sweat. They also prevent bad odours by limiting perspiration and eliminating bacteria. They generally contain aluminium salts, an ingredient that has been suspected to be harmful to health for several years.

Note :In everyday language, the term "deodorant" is used more frequently than "anti-perspirant". Thus, we sometimes refer to aluminium salt deodorants, when in fact, they are actually anti-perspirants.

To fulfil their primary function, that of masking unpleasant odours without blocking sweat, deodorants incorporate various ingredients. If you have sensitive skin, some are particularly not recommended. Here are the three categories of ingredients typically found in a deodorant, with our recommendations to avoid any skin discomfort or other issues:

• Antibacterial agents:

  Which ones to choose? We advise you to favour gentle and natural antibacterial agents such as essential oils (palmarosa, peppermint, lavender...). Organic deodorants also sometimes contain triethyl citrate, an alternative to aluminium salts. Due to its ability to inhibit the enzymatic decomposition of sweat components, it is an excellent active ingredient in the fight against body odours.

  Which ones to avoid? Some more "conventional" deodorants may contain triclocarban or triclosan. However, these are endocrine disruptors as well as potentialskin irritants and eye irritants. They are also suspected of increasing the risk of breast cancer. Moreover, avoid choosing a deodorant that containsalcohol. Used for its antibacterial properties and also for its ability to "dry out" the deodorant more quickly, alcohol has a strong drying effect and can cause irritation, redness and tingling in the armpits. Finally, some deodorants contain parabens which act as preservatives but also as antimicrobial agents. However, these compounds are recognised endocrine disruptors (= which disrupt hormonal balance). Therefore, avoid choosing a deodorant containing, for example, Butylparaben or Propylparaben in its INCI list. Note that manufacturers have replaced these preservatives with other ingredients such as MCIT (methylchloroisothiazolinone) or MIT (methylisothiazolinone). However, due to constant exposure to the same substances, the skin sometimes develops sensitivities to these compounds.

• Absorbent Powders:

  Which ones should be favoured?Thanks to their microporous structures, certain clays such asdiatomaceous earth powder or evenwhite clayare drying agents that can absorb their weight in moisture. Their antibacterial action also acts on the bacteria present on the skin, thus limiting the appearance of bad odours. Among the absorbent powders, it is also possible to mentionbaking soda, common in natural deodorants as an alternative to aluminium salts.

  Which one to avoid?Talc! This mineral powder is widely controversial today. In 2012, ANSES concluded that it was not possible to exclude the presence of asbestos fibres in some talc deposits. Moreover, studies have demonstrated harmful effects on the respiratory system following the inhalation of talc.

• Fragrance agents :

  They are incorporated into formulas to mask odours. Which ones should be prioritised? Natural and non-allergenic fragrances such as vanillin or nerol, for example. Some natural odorous molecules can be allergenic, but they are generally incorporated into skincare formulas at concentrations low enough not to cause skin discomfort (linalool, citral...).

  Which ones to avoid? Synthetic fragrances, which are generally irritating and their manufacturing process is sometimes not environmentally friendly.