Deodorant or Antiperspirant – Which should you choose?

Deodorant vs. Antiperspirant

This has been a topic of discussion for many years now since word came out that aluminum and parabens (a common cosmetic preservative) were linked to breast cancer. Alternative options and “all natural” products are making their way into the mainstream in a big way. According to the National Cancer Institute, “there is no conclusive research linking the use of underarm antiperspirants and deodorants and the subsequent development of breast cancer”, yet there is research and reports that show different! Here is what I dug up:

So What’s the Difference

DEODORANT doesn’t have any reinforcements to prevent you from sweating, it just counteracts the smell. Deodorant targets the bacteria that is on your skin by using ingredients to make the skins surface too salty or acidic to support a breeding ground for the bacteria.

ANTIPERSPIRANT on the other hand, actually prevents you from sweating. It contains chemical compounds, such as aluminum and zirconium, that actually block the pores to stop perspiration. These chemical compounds are the source of all the controversy concerning health issues.

Why Do You Smell?

Contrary to what most believe, it is not the sweat that causes odor. It’s actually the apocrine glands that are the culprit behind being stinky. These glands carry secretions of fats and proteins from within your body (also known as pheromones), along with your sweat, to the exterior surface of your skin. Then they react to the bacteria there to create a foul stench. Simply put, it’s the bacteria making you stink. Your sweat isn’t the bad guy.

The Link to Breast Cancer

The issue is with antiperspirants, not so much deodorant. Contrary to what many people believe it’s not that pores are being “blocked” and as a result “toxins are being trapped.” No, it is actually that aluminum has estrogen like effects on cells and can multiply a cancerous cell. Also, parabens (remember: it’s a common cosmetic preservative) were found in 18 out of 20 cancerous tissues. “They say” there isn’t any conclusive evidence that antiperspirants cause cancer, but I say “why take the risk?”

Ingredients You Want to Avoid

Phthalates (pronounced “THA-layts”; a substance usually added to plastics to increase durability, etc.)

Aluminum

Propylene glycol (a liquid, used chiefly as a lubricant, as a solvent for fats, oils, etc.)

A Few Products to Consider

As a spa owner I test out a lot of products. Here’s a quick review of a few worth mentioning…

MBeze Deodorettes – These cute little deodorant tubes are small enough to fit in your makeup bag, are disguised to look almost like lip balms, and Deodorettes are made from natural and organic ingredients They have NO aluminum, parabens, propylene glycol, or phthalates.
Deodorettes come in 8 yummy scents. This one is my first choice.

LAVANILA – The Healthy Deodorant – I got this at Sephora and found it was pretty decent. It had different scents available and was free of all the junk.

Tom’s of Maine Natural Deodorant – not my fave, I didn’t feel like it really covered the smell.

The Crystal Rock Deodorant – So, actually I still need to try this one. But I thought I’d mention it as a few of my friends really like it and you can actually put it on other smelly areas like feet.

B Andrew’s Mineral Deodorant – What I like about this one is not only does it have good ingredients that keep bacteria at bay but there are also ingredients that help support a healthy lymph system. This one feels like I am doing something good for myself.

I hope this information helps you find the perfect all-natural deodorant!

Love, Gen

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