Many deodorants aim to prevent sweat, kill bacteria, and eliminate odor. But what other ingredients go into the making of this trifecta of personal hygiene?

Turns out that there are plenty of cosmetic products out there packed with harmful ingredients. So how can you stop excessive sweating without compromising your health from over the counter products?

Keep reading below to learn what traditional deodorants are made of. And why natural deodorants should take their place among your personal care products.

See Related: How To Make Natural Deodorant

What conventional deodorants and antiperspirants are made of

Of course, not all deodorants and antiperspirants are made the same. But most tend to share a common ingredient or two that can lead to some negative health effects.

Aluminum compounds

Odds are, you've seen plenty of ads for aluminum free deodorants, right? Well, that's because aluminum compounds are a prominent feature in anti-perspirants.

Aluminum chlorohydrate works to block your sweat glands. And while this may help you stop sweating, it is actually not great for the pores in your sweat ducts.

Ongoing studies by the Food and Drug Administration are also researching the potential effects of aluminum salts and potassium alum when absorbed by skin. And recent findings have found potential links to an increased risk of breast cancer and even Alzheimer's disease.

Of course, more research is needed to substantiate these claims. But it's an important discussion to keep abreast of when it comes to aluminum salts in your aerosol deodorants and antiperspirants.

Propylene glycol

Propylene glycol is a petroleum-based chemical that plenty of deodorants and anti-perspirants use. And it's supposed to make your deodorant or antiperspirant softer upon application.

But research has shown that propylene glycol in antiperspirants can actually cause allergic reactions, kidney damage, and even liver damage. And here all you wanted to do was eliminate body odor.

Luckily, knowing these chemical components present in your deodorant or antiperspirant is the first step in taking back your health. And making sure that the active ingredients in your personal care products have your body's best interests in mind.

Bonus: How To Go Zero Waste At Home

What are natural deodorants made of?

There are many forms of natural deos out there, so we can't speak for all of them. But below you'll find every ingredient present in our unique formulas.

Baking soda

Baking soda is great at neutralizing body odour, specifically as it tackles odor causing bacteria. After all, you've probably been given the advice to put baking soda in your smelly shoes before, right?

Well, the same principle stands as an active ingredient in your deodorant. But sometimes, those with sensitive skin simply can't tolerate baking soda.

And that's why we've developed our Sensitive - Bare Naked deodorant, suitable for all skin types. And specially formulated for those with a sensitive skin's surface.

Shea butter

You might think your antiperspirants are meant to absorb moisture. And they are. But you don't want to have completely dry pits all day long, do you?

That's where shea butter comes in. Shea butter helps to moisturize the skin under your arms while soothing irritation.

So whether you're overcoming irritation from your previously aluminum-packed deodorant or otherwise, shea butter can help your skin get back to its purest form. And don't worry.

It won't make you sweat more. That's where our other deodorant ingredients come in.

Silica

While baking soda may be irritating to some, silica offers an absorbent powder to help keep your pits dry. It doesn't stop the body from producing sweat.

But it does help to soak up sweat as it seeps through. The other issue with an antiperspirant is that it stops the body from sweating altogether.

But we want your pits to operate as naturally as possible. Just without the extra stink involved.

Jojoba ester

At PAPR Cosmetics, we'll choose a natural ingredient for our plastic free deodorants over a chemical any day of the week. That's why we use jojoba ester in our deodorant formulas.

Jojoba ester actually contains iodine which helps to fight bacteria and fungi. So you don't have to rely on aluminum in your antiperspirant to stop bacterial odor in its tracks.

Castor oil

Castor oil has been hailed as a miracle oil for centuries. And we're just putting that magic to work under your pits.

Its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects help to cleanse and protect the sensitive area under your arms. And it evens out the texture of the deodorant, making it easy to glide on.

Essential oils

What's life without a little fragrance? Make that natural fragrance.

Plus, plenty of essential oils also contain antimicrobial properties. So you're really getting double the benefits in a single ingredient.

Coconut oil

Coconut oil is particularly effective at eliminating harmful bacterias. Probably why it's a recommended ingredient in any number of skin care products.

Plus it helps to keep you fresh. And offers you a tropical scent you simply can't resist.

Tapioca starch

Tapioca starch is another great alternative to baking soda. Because its ability to absorb wetness under the armpits truly can't be matched.

That being said, we've decided to pair these absorbent ingredients together. So you can truly rely on our zero waste deodorant products to keep you fresh and smelling great.

The bottom line

Knowing what's in your deodorant is as important as knowing what's in your food. Each is going into or onto your body in some way.

So hopefully now, you can make a more educated decision on your personal care products. Because at PAPR Cosmetics, your best interests are always at the forefront of our mind. 

Keep Reading: What Is Sustainable Packaging?

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PAPR Cosmetics is on a mission to create conscious beauty products with as little impact on the planet as possible. Our products are fully recyclable, vegan, and cruelty-free. When we take down one tree, we plant a new one. For more information and sustainability tips, follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, LinkedIn, TikTok, YouTube, and Tumblr.