Aluminum Free Deodorant

Aluminum free deodorant has earned itself quite a following in recent years. Great focus has been placed on the presence of aluminum in traditional deodorants, deriving from a belief that the ingredient could be harmful and potentially even cause certain diseases. To that end, more and more manufacturers have developed deodorants free of this potential hazard.

Though there seem to be numerous studies either supporting or completely denigrating various ingredients in beauty products, it's safe to say that few have incited as much interest or controversy as the focus on aluminum. Simply put, aluminum is an antibacterial that temporarily plugs the sweat ducts, thereby decreasing the amount of perspiration produced in that area. For that reason, aluminum is typically the primary ingredient in most antiperspirants.

The active ingredients in traditional antiperspirants generally include aluminum chloride or aluminum chlorohydrate, both of which may cause irritation. Another form, aluminum zirconium tetrachlorohydrex glycine, is a more tolerable form of aluminum salt that is less likely to result in skin irritation. Despite this, there is still great concern over the risk of potential toxicity stemming from aluminum.

The controversy stems from a number of reports that examine the possibility of a link between breast cancer and the usage of aluminum-based antiperspirants. Some investigations focus on a possible link between the frequency of aluminum-based antiperspirant usage, shaving underarms and the incidence of breast cancer. The theory is that aluminum's absorption into the skin may mimic the effects of estrogen on the body. Estrogen itself can promote the production of breast cancer cells. It's important to note, however, that there is no conclusive evidence that actually links the use of aluminum-based products with the incidence of breast cancer.

If the concerns surrounding aluminum worry you, you should know you aren't alone. In fact, there has been such intense focus on its potential dangers in the media that many skincare manufacturers have formulated aluminum free antiperspirants to offer consumers another option. Note that antiperspirants and deodorants are two different things completely – deodorant is formulated to mask odor, while antiperspirant blocks sweat. Among the many offerings available on the market are:

• Aubrey Organics: Chalk full of natural ingredients like rose water, vitamin E and a host of essential oils, Aubrey Organics' deodorants are known for being long lasting. Choose from spray and roll-on varieties; there is also a men's variety with a masculine, herbal fragrance.

• Jason Natural Products: Find an outstanding selection of aluminum free deodorant in the Jason Natural Products lineup. Choose from scents like tea tree, apricot and lavender.

• Kiss My Face: This company specializes in all-natural products, and its deodorant selection is highly representative of its commitment to producing effective, skin-loving formulas. Kiss My Face offers a range of scents, as well as an unscented version.

• LAVANILA Healthy Deodorant: This product made a big splash when it first hit shelves. In addition to being aluminum free, it is also free of parabens, propylene glycol and harsh chemicals, all of which may contribute to skin irritation. Instead, it's infused with a plethora of calming essential oils and powerful antioxidants, which nourish the underarm skin. Available in four scents (vanilla lavender, pure vanilla, vanilla coconut and vanilla grapefruit), this deodorant is a bit pricey at $18 but may be worth the peace of mind for some consumers.

• LUSH: If your tastes run the more luxurious side, try LUSH. Their deodorants are free of aluminum and synthetics, and are enriched with essential oils, vinegar and fresh fruit juices. The active ingredients include sodium bicarbonate and magnesium carbonate, which work to neutralize odor. Choose from a variety of intriguing scents and formulas – there are even powder versions.

• Tom's of Maine: Forget never knowing what's in your beauty products. Tom's of Maine makes it a point to list every ingredient in its aluminum-free deodorants on the Web site, along with its unique purpose. If your skin is extra sensitive, opt for the Sensitive Care stick, which is infused with chamomile extract to soothe irritation.

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