160. Are Natural Deodorants Better for You? Here Is The Science Explained

Are natural deodorants actually healthier? Or just another wellness fad?

Antiperspirants alter your armpit's natural bacterial balance, causing odor rebound and skin issues. A CDC study found parabens in 99% of Americans' urine samples, and these are linked to early puberty, reproductive issues, and even possibly breast tumors.
Conventional sticks carry toxins linked to hormone disruption, cellular damage, and increased cancer risks. Hidden behind the word fragrance,

phylates help scents linger,

but they block testosterone signaling,

which impacts fertility, development,

and even asthma in children.

And then there are the cancer risks.

Benzene, talc, aluminum,

each linked in studies to increase cancer risks,

especially breast and ovarian cancers.

Switching to natural obstinance

isn't just about smelling fresh, it's about empowering your health. So what does this mean for your body? Are natural deodorants actually healthier? Hello and welcome to the Ultimate Human Podcast.
I'm your host, human biologist, Gary Brecka, and today we're diving into a question that hits you right in the armpits, literally. Are natural deodorants actually healthier? Or just another wellness fad? If you've ever wondered about aluminum, parabens, or that mysterious fragrance hiding in your deodorant and how these ingredients could secretly be sabotaging your health, you're in the right spot.
So first, let's talk about the toxic cocktail hiding under your arms. Most conventional deodorants contain chemicals developed decades ago in labs, not in kitchens.
Here's a quick breakdown of the most harmful chemicals you'll find in a lot of our underarm deodorants. Aluminum compounds.
These metals plug your sweat glands and are used in antiperspirants to stop perspiration. Effective? Yes, but at what cost? Aluminum accumulates in our bodies and it isn't benign.
Research by Dr. Philippe Darby found aluminum linked to genomic instability in human breast cells, potentially promoting tumor growth.
Over half of all breast cancers occur near the underarm, our axillary region. Is that a coincidence or maybe a clue? Now they're parabens.
These are cheap preservatives that mimic estrogen in our bodies, disrupting our hormonal balance. A CDC study found parabens in 99% of Americans' urine samples, and these are linked to early puberty, reproductive issues, and even possibly breast tumors.
There's something called triclosan. Originally a hospital-grade antibacterial agent, triclosan is an endocrine disruptor linked to lower thyroid hormone levels and antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
Though banned from soaps by the FDA, it still sneaks into deodorants. And then there are phthalates.
Hidden behind the word fragrance, phthalates help scents linger, but they block testosterone signaling, which impacts fertility, development, and even asthma in children. And then there's probably propylene glycol.
This is derived from petroleum. This ingredient smooths the application, but it can irritate your skin and stress out your liver and your kidneys with repeated exposure.
Fragrances, the black box of deodorants. Companies do not have to disclose its contents.
This mystery blend often hides allergens, thylates, and volatile organic compounds linked to headaches, allergies, and even asthma. And then there are the silicas and the talcs.
These moisture absorbers come with inhalation

risk, lung irritation, and potential asbestos contamination, especially in talcs. And then there's stereth chemicals and aerosol propellants.
Ethoxylated emulsifiers like stereth-20 can contain carcinogenic contaminants like 1,4-dioxane. Aerosols use butane, which is linked to benzene, a known carcinogen, and recent recalls.
These ingredients aren't rare. They're in brands you know and trust.
You're not just stopping sweat, you're dosing yourself with an ongoing chemical experiment. So what does this mean for your body? Well, it could mean hormone chaos because endocrine disruptors like parabens and thylates confuse your body's hormone signaling, leading to issues from weight gain to reproductive health.
There's even mitochondrial sabotage. Aluminum damages mitochondria, and these are your cell's energy factories, creating oxidative stress, fatigue, and even cognitive decline.
And then there are the cancer risks. Benzene, talc, aluminum, each linked in studies to increase cancer risks, especially breast and ovarian cancers.
And then there's the whole microbiome mayhem. Antiperspirants alter your armpit's natural bacterial balance, causing odor rebound and skin issues.
So how did we get here? Well, a century ago, deodorants were simple zinc creams. As hygiene standards evolved, the early 1900s introduced aluminum salts like aluminum chloride, primarily due to their sweat-balking effectiveness.
However, aluminum was initially met with hesitation due to skin irritation and acidic properties that damaged clothing. The industry overcame these concerns through aggressive marketing campaign, normalizing sweat-free armpits and transforming deodorant usage into a social necessity.
And then the mid-20th century advancements. They brought parabens into the spotlight, valued for their cost-effectiveness and shelf-life preservation capabilities.
During the same era, triclosan emerged from hospitals into consumer products under the allure of antibacterial benefits. Phthalates were incorporated to enhance fragrances, leveraging regulatory loopholes that allowed undisclosed chemical cocktails under the term fragrance.
Polypropylene glycol and aerosol propellants became the mainstays due to their affordability and consumer appeal for convenience. Regulatory oversight lagged significantly behind these innovations, creating a landscape where potentially hazardous chemicals went unchecked for decades.
It wasn't until recent years, driven by growing consumer awareness and independent research, that these ingredients began facing scrutiny and regulation. Awareness has sparked a remarkable shift.
Over the past decade, natural deodorant market has surged dramatically, reaching $138 million in 2024 alone, significantly outpacing conventional deodorants. This growth is driven by consumers' increasing demand for transparency, safety, and toxic-free products.
Independent brands like Native, Schmitz, and Primarily Pure have successfully disrupted the traditional deodorant market, proving that safer ingredients can effectively control odor. Major corporations quickly noticed, leading to Procter & Gamble to acquire Native and Unilever to buy Schmitz, recognizing the unstoppable shift towards cleaner products.
Retailers have even adjusted, with mainstream stores like Target dedicating entire sections to natural and aluminum-free deodorants. Digital trends such as armpit detox challenges have further propelled interest, highlighting consumer willingness to prioritize health over convenience.
Today, traditional deodorant giants like Secret and Dove have expanded their product lines to include aluminum-free and paraben-free options, a testament to the power of consumer-driven change. The natural revolution isn't just a fad.
It's a substantial and lasting response to decades of exposure to harmful chemicals, making a new era of informed, health-conscious living. So here's the action plan.
Switching to natural deodorants takes a strategy. Audit your deodorant.
Read labels carefully. Look out for aluminum, parabens, and vague words like fragrance.
Embrace yourself for a transition. Expect a short adjustment period with increased sweating as your body detoxifies.
Use a clay or even an apple cider vinegar mask to cleanse residues and reset your microbiome. Then adjust your routine.
Shower daily, wear breathable clothing, and reapply natural deodorants as needed. Lastly, hydrate, eat greens, exercise regularly, and sweat safely in saunas to aid your body's natural detoxification pathways.
You have sensitive skin? Choose baking soda-free options from brands like Schmitz or Primally Pure. Are natural deodorants healthier? Absolutely.
Conventional sticks carry toxins linked to hormone disruption, cellular damage, and increased cancer risks. Switching to natural obstinance isn't just about smelling fresh, it's about empowering your health, freeing your cells, and reclaiming your wellbeing.
Take a moment to grab your deodorant, check the ingredients, and if it's a chemical stew, make the upgrade. Your cells will thank you.
This has been Gary Breck on the Ultimate Human Podcast. Thank you for joining me on this deep dive into deodorants,

perhaps not the most glamorous topic, but an important one.

I hope you feel informed, equipped, and motivated to take action.

Go forth and conquer your day, odor-free and toxin-free.