Women’s Deodorant Without Aluminum: On the Lookout for a No Aluminum Deodorant that Works!
by PatriResearching natural products
After a scare from my younger sister last week when she said: “No Patri, you SHOULDN’T use deodorants that contain aluminum! They’ll give you cancer!!” I decided it was time to be humble, listen to her advice and change my deodorant brand…. forever.
A Deodorant Without Aluminum for Women… Does Aluminum Give You Breast Cancer?
After my sister warned me about the risks and told me I should only use a deodorant without aluminum I spoke to the shop attendant at “as nature intended” (I was decided to walk out with my own all natural, aluminum free deodorant) who told me he developed a big lump near one of his armpits probably due to the aluminum and, when switching to natural, aluminum free deodorant the lump disappeared.
His story together with what my sister had said made it clear I had no choice but to also change to a non aluminum deodorant that worked. I was ready to find the best one at a price that made sense to me.
Here’s what cancer.gov has to say about this matter:
Aluminum-based compounds are used as the active ingredient in antiperspirants. These compounds form a temporary “plug” within the sweat duct that stops the flow of sweat to the skin’s surface. Some research suggests that aluminum-containing underarm antiperspirants, which are applied frequently and left on the skin near the breast, may be absorbed by the skin and have estrogen-like (hormonal) effects.
Because estrogen can promote the growth of breast cancer cells, some scientists have suggested that the aluminum-based compounds in antiperspirants may contribute to the development of breast cancer. In addition, it has been suggested that aluminum may have direct activity in breast tissue. However, no studies to date have confirmed any substantial adverse effects of aluminum that could contribute to increased breast cancer risks. A 2014 review concluded there was no clear evidence showing that the use of aluminum-containing underarm antiperspirants or cosmetics increases the risk of breast cancer.
Cancer.org says it was a rumour that started it all:
For some time, an email rumor suggested that underarm antiperspirants cause breast cancer. ~ cancer.org
EWG gives aluminum at sour 4-9 rating (with a banging red banging colour in the background, not good – see image below)
EWG Aluminum Rating
So, who knows? It all seems to be pointing at the fact that the possibility of aluminum in deodorants giving you cancer is not true.
Well, what can I say, I’m not risking it. I believe in the power of the mind and when there’s a strong consensus about something then there’s power behind that thought/belief. And I’m excited about getting my new deodorante without aluminum.
I’ll leave you here with a screenshot of what my favourite deodorant (until now) is made of – you draw your own conclusions.
My Chosen Natural Deodorant(from an award winning brand)
Native Unearthed Natural Activated Charcoal Deodorant Balm
Why I Chose this Product
Very simple. Out of the whole range of all natural, aluminum free deodorant, this was the one chosen by the shopping assistant. Being a young, tall and nicely built man in his 20s (and believe you me, he knew his topic well!), I easily assumed had to be a natural deodorant that worked and ticked all the boxes.
I’ve been using this product for 1 week…
So far so good. I LOVE the powdery texture. I really do. It disappears in your fingers with smoothness. Lovely and soft, with a beautiful scent that’s totally not overpowering. I really, really like this natural deodorant.
What the company says about it
“We mean business when we say that our deodorants will take you the extra mile.” Native Unearthed
CHECK CURRENT PRICE AMAZON USCHECK CURRENT PRICE AMAZON UK
**Disclosure: these are affiliate links. I chose this product from around 25 natural deodorants options at “as nature intended” natural shop as I felt it was a great option.**
Difference between antiperspirant and deodorant:
“Antiperspirants work by clogging, closing, or blocking the pores with powerful astringents such as aluminum salts so that they can’t release sweat [..] Deodorants work by neutralizing the smell of the sweat and by antiseptic action against bacteria. Deodorants are preferable because they don’t interfere with sweating, a natural cooling process.” Source.
An all Natural, Aluminum Free Deodorant by an Award Winning Brand
I love the design. I love British product designs anyway. Not just the products, but their arts and crafts as well. Such taste. It truly makes me feel harmonious within. I’m not joking. I miss this in Tenerife.
Being a ‘newbie’ in the organic/natural world I didn’t have a clue about the brand. I just loved the way the shop assistant told me about the problem with aluminum as an ingredient (at length!), what had happened to him and what his final option was in terms of a brand. He knew the brands pretty well and had tried quite a few natural deodorants.
I’m a sucker for brands at the moment. I look at everything, but ethos has become incredibly important (hence my love for Neal’s Yard Remedies products).
Native Unearthed meta title reads:
“Native Unearthed – Award winning deodorants that work”
I like that. Here’s what it says on their ‘Our Story‘ page:
“We created Native Unearthed because we couldn’t find a natural deodorant that did the job. That’s why we set out to curate a clean range of deodorants, with all of the pizazz, minus the nasties. We follow the rules, ‘if you wouldn’t put it in you, we won’t put it on you.”
Keeps ticking my boxes. I must say their website is not incredibly great looking and could do with a little more work around the edges, but there’s no doubt it has that British look/feel/nurturing feeling I very much love about the country and the way a lot of people take care of the products they make.
Finally, here’s what one of their deodorants has achieved:
Gold Winner of the Green Parent Award 2015, Bronze Winner Free from Skin Care Awards 2015, Awarded Best New Vegan Business 2015 by Vegetarian Living Magazine, Shortlisted by Loved by Parents Award 2015.
Customers’ Reviews on Facebook
And here’s some customer’s review regarding these deodorants:
Not bad! I’m happy with that!
Native Unearthed Deodorant Balm Review
Well, first of all I have to say I wanted to stay away from the ‘clear’ natural deodorants (the transparent-like sticks). I think I used one years ago and wasn’t convinced – that’s probably because there was no ‘stuff’ coming out of it and I was very much used to sticking something under my armpit.
I must admit I was very excited about the packaging. I LIKE to see this glass jar among my toiletries. It looks beautiful and tells me I’m taking good care of myself every time I look at it. Yes, I like that.
I’ve been using it for a few days and so far, great. It comes with a curved shaped plastic small scooper to make sure you take out the right amount without contaminating the rest of the product and when rubbing it against the skin it feels deliciously silky.
I’m in London at the moment and the weather is cold!! (It’s snowing like crazy) so I’m not sweating the way I would sweat in Tenerife during the summer months. I walk around wearing layers of coats and it does get hot under the clothes, but so far so good regarding the underarm situation.
The shop assistant also told me he’s had his jar for over two months and still there was a bit left. So it does last for a long time.
How it smells and how it feels
The smell is most definitely the type of smell you get with the natural products (probably the lavender essential oil added to it). It is a nice, soft smell, not strong or overpowering at all. It feels safe and has a sweet scent to it.
It feels very smooth! Easy to spread around the area, you need a small amount only. After applying my fingers didn’t feel sticky at all. It has a ‘talcum-powder’ feel to it.
Ingredients List
Forget about long lists of words nobody can understand! (at least not me). Here’s the list of ingredients and what each do, according to their website:
- Bicarbonate of Soda – Neutrilises Odour
- Arrow Root – Absorbs Moisture
- Shea Butter – Moisturises & Soothes
- Coconut Oil – Nourishes skin
- Pure Lavender Essential Oil – Antibacterial
- Activated Charcoal – Extra Odour protection
That’s it. Simple!
Other Scents
I chose charcoal because I’ve been wanting to buy something with charcoal lately (as I’m seeing it everywhere, I need to do some research on it). But you can choose other fragrances also as the complete range includes coconut & vanilla and sage & lavender.
Final Thoughts
Great value for money – I was looking for something under $10 / £10 and I got it. This was an important factor.
Beautiful design – For me it does make a difference. I really like products with great design and this one has it.
Multi award winning brand – I was definitely impressed by the awards their older natural deodorant has won!
Smooth and silky – It has such a lovely scent and it feels lovely and silky on the skin. It is a pleasure to put on!
My Chosen Natural Deodorant(from an award winning brand)CHECK CURRENT PRICE AMAZON USCHECK CURRENT PRICE AMAZON UK
Do let me know your thoughts below!
>> best natural deodorant for women – 1,600 – (49)
