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Are natural deodorants effective?

The perspiration is a natural phenomenon that contributes to the balance of the body. However, it is sometimes accompanied by bad smells . From ancient times, the Romans and Greeks masked sweat odors using fragrant plants or vegetable powders . What are the origins of deodorant? How does it work ? Although its composition has evolved over the centuries, its objective remains to eliminate bad odors while protecting the epidermis. Are natural deodorants effective ? Formulated with ingredients of natural origin, they respect our health and take care of the skin. Let's find out together how to choose an effective natural deodorant !

Are natural deodorants effective?

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Are natural deodorants effective?

What are the origins of deodorant?

From Ancient Egypt to the United States of the 19th Century

Deodorant is a beauty product used for millennia! Since Antiquity, the Romans and Greeks, very concerned about their personal hygiene, mask their natural smell with the help of fragrant plants and vegetable powders . Sometimes they hide sachets of herbs under their armpits, the equivalent of the first organic solid deodorants!

After the fall of the Roman Empire, body hygiene is relegated to the background and the use of deodorant disappears. In the United States, the end of the 19th century marked the return of deodorant. At the time, hygienism, a very popular movement in the country, maintained that health was based on impeccable internal and external hygiene.

The history of antiperspirant in the 1900s

It is in this context that the first deodorant arrives on the cosmetics market. Created by the Mum brand in 1888, it is mainly aimed at women. It will be necessary to wait until 1903 to discover the anti-perspirant , a product developed by Everdry. However, the composition of deodorants is far from complete! Indeed, they are irritating to the skin and leave traces on the clothes. After decades of research, the effectiveness of deodorant was finally recognized and its use became popular in the 1960s to 1970s.


More than just an antiperspirant, deodorant is becoming an essential element for success in society. For women, it makes it easier to be accepted by their relatives or friends. Before 1930, sweating was seen as a sign of virility among men. Brands are doubling down on marketing arguments, advocating a beauty product that promotes professional advancement. After years of advertising, men are also embracing deodorant.

How does a natural deodorant work?

The role of perspiration

Sweating is a natural phenomenon which allows the body to regulate body temperature . If it is sometimes accompanied by bad smells, it is nonetheless essential. It contributes to the balance of the epidermis by maintaining constant hydration. Thus, the skin is protected thanks to a hydrolipidic film made up of sweat and sebum. Sweating is also associated with the expression of emotions. Composed of water, minerals and lactates, sweat promotes the evacuation of toxins and metabolic waste, but smells nothing. On the other hand, the destruction of perspiration molecules by certain bacteria can cause unpleasant odors.

Are natural deodorants effective?

How an organic deodorant works

Just like a "classic" deodorant, an organic deodorant has three main objectives, namely:

  • conceal bad odors with a composition based on essential oils or perfume;
  • absorb body sweat and limit humidity with vegetable or mineral powders;
  • soften and protect the skin of the armpits with antibacterial or bactericidal substances.

In practice, the organic deodorant acts on odors more than on perspiration. Instead of preventing the regulation of body temperature through sweat, it directly affects bad odors by limiting their diffusion.

Are natural deodorants effective?

The composition of an effective natural deodorant

To be effective on bad smells, natural deodorants are formulated, at a minimum, from the following elements:


  • a pleasant fragrance provided by essential oils from organic farming. Among the most common in organic deodorants are palmarosa essential oil or clary sage essential oil;
  • an absorbent component based on vegetable or mineral powder such as white clay or talc;
  • an antibacterial agent such as thyme, zinc oxide or baking soda, which is very effective in neutralizing bacteria that cause bad odors. Delicately scented, lavender essential oil is also known for its antibacterial properties.

Some deodorants also contain a moisturizing agent such as shea butter, aloe vera, vegetable oils (sweet almond oil, coconut oil, argan oil, etc.) to take care of sensitive or fragile skin . Other formulations are enriched with antioxidants (vitamins A, C or E) in order to fight against free radicals responsible for the aging of epidermal cells.

Are natural deodorants effective?

The virtues of nature for an ultra-effective deodorant

The development of an effective natural deodorant is directly inspired by nature. By combining the properties of certain plants or certain minerals, organic cosmetic brands now offer high-performance, chemical-free formulations! Organic solid deodorant , cream or in the form of a spray, they concentrate all the powers of nature and fight effectively against bad odors.

Why choose a natural deodorant?

An organic and chemical-free composition

"Classic" deodorants can sometimes be composed of substances that are harmful to health and the environment. Ingredients to avoid include:


  • parabens such as propylbaraben or butylparaben, used as preservatives;
  • the silicones and their derived ingredients such as cyclopentasiloxane, which may have adverse effects on the endocrine system;
  • phenoxyethanol , a preservative that prevents the proliferation of bacteria, but should be avoided in pregnant or breastfeeding women and young children;
  • the gases (butane, propane or isobutane) contained in deodorants in the form of aerosols which present a significant flammable risk.

Most of these ingredients are considered endocrine disruptors can have harmful effects on the body. Unlike "classic" deodorants, they are not part of the composition of organic deodorants, formulated with ingredients of natural origin .

Are natural deodorants effective?

A natural deodorant, without aluminum salts

Often present in the composition of antiperspirants, aluminum salts have long been the subject of controversy regarding their effects on the body. If they are suspected of being linked to certain diseases such as Alzheimer's or Parkinson's or breast cancer, no scientific study has succeeded in proving it. However, health authorities recommend limiting its use. If in doubt, it is best to opt for organic deodorants, without aluminum salts.

Brands committed to zero waste cosmetics

More and more cosmetic brands are committed to respecting the planet and biodiversity. Most of them are taking a zero waste approach by offering organic solid deodorants. Opting for a zero waste deodorant supports the values ​​of these young brands while doing something for the environment. Plus:they are just as effective as "classic" deodorants!

What is the best effective natural deodorant?

Are natural deodorants effective?

Choose an organic solid deodorant

The organic solid deodorant is ideal for people who travel a lot! At the office, at the gym or on vacation, its compact size allows you to carry it everywhere, without any difficulty.

Choosing a cream deodorant

Very fashionable, the cream deodorant is increasingly popular with the general public. Easy to apply, it is an effective natural deodorant suitable for all skin types.

Choose a roll-on deodorant

Timeless, the roll-on deodorant is easily transportable. Its compact size makes it easy to slip into a bag. Applied daily, it is an effective organic deodorant!

Make your homemade ecological deodorant

Many DIY recipes now allow you to make your own effective organic deodorant. Baking soda, corn starch, essential oils or even white clay, you decide the ingredients yourself. Organic solid deodorant or cream, it's up to you!


Choosing an effective natural deodorant has never been easier! Used for millennia, deodorant has seen its composition evolve over the centuries. Today, most brands now offer effective organic deodorants, formulated from natural ingredients whose performance is well established! Some are committed to a zero waste approach thanks to organic solid deodorant. For DIY enthusiasts, you can also make your own effective natural deodorant !