What's In Your Deodorant And Why You Should Care (Plus An Easy DIY)

We’re bombarded with chemicals and toxins on the daily – internally and externally – through pollution, processed foods, cleaning products and personal care products.

That last one is big.

Especially considering one of the most chemical-filled products is something most of us apply every single day (sometimes even multiple times a day) exposing our skin + entire self to an array of ingredients that have been proven to cause more harm than health.



The offenders? Toxic chemicals in deodorants and Antiperspirants.



We often don’t take into consideration how the simple swipe of a stick on our underarms can be so detrimental to our health. But with ingredients like the ones below (which can be found in virtually all drugstore deodorants), it makes a bit more sense…

  • Aluminum – Linked to Alzheimer’s disease and heavy metal toxicity
  • Parabens – Endocrine/hormone disruptors, found in 99% of breast cancer tissue sampled in this study
  • Propylene glycol – Classified as skin irritant by the EWG
  • Phthalates – Endocrine disruptors linked to permanent birth defects
  • Triclosan – Linked to liver toxicity and thyroid dysfunction
  • Formaldehyde contaminated synthetics – carcinogenic
  • Fragrance – Cocktail of chemicals creating skin sensitivities and irritations

Aluminum, often the most active ingredient in antiperspirants, poses serious risks to our overall health as it’s carried through the bloodstream, targets the central nervous system and also settles into fatty tissue and breast tissue.

With continued exposure, aluminum even has the potential to cross the blood-brain barrier and accumulate in the brain. According to Frontiers in Neurology, “…an individual’s exposure to aluminum is impacting upon their health and is already contributing to, if not causing, chronic diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease.”

Are these risks worth staying dry all day long?

In addition to being toxic, aluminum also interferes with the body’s natural and necessary process for overall health – sweating!

Sweat helps to rid the body of toxic buildup. But antiperspirants block that cleansing, detoxifying function completely. And instead, they add to the problem of toxic buildup in our bodies.

Thankfully, the solution is a simple one.

You can bring balance back to your body (especially to those pits and sweat glands) with good-for-you ingredients by choosing a natural, effective alternative to conventional chemicals.

Primally Pure Deodorant is made with only a few pure, concentrated ingredients (not allowing any room for cheap fillers).

This list below looks a lot different than the one above.

  • Organic beeswax
  • Organic arrowroot powder
  • Baking soda
  • Organic tallow from grass-fed cows
  • Organic + fair trade extra virgin coconut oil
  • Organic essential oils (eucalyptus + peppermint, geranium, tea tree, lemongrass, or lavender)

Ingredients like these allow the skin to breathe and function as it should. Nourishing vitamins and essential fatty acids with anti-inflammatory + anti-microbial properties help to improve the health of skin, leaving pits smooth and protected.

“But I’ve tried natural deodorant and it did NOT work for me.”

We feel you on that, sister! Most natural deodorants aren’t all that effective. But ours is! (You can take our word for it, or check out the hundreds of reviews from satisfied customers on our deodorant product page.)



Want to test the natural deodorant waters on your own?



There’s a good chance that the ingredients needed for DIY natural deodorant are already sitting in your kitchen cupboard.

You can make your own natural deodorant by blending a bit of baking soda + organic unrefined coconut oil + a couple drops of your favorite essential oil. (Try tea tree for antibacterial benefits or lemongrass for a fresh, clean scent.)

See? SO EASY!

One simple, daily swap can make a world of difference for your skin and whole self.

Have you tried natural deodorant yet? If so, what was your experience? Let us know in the comments!

Chemicals in deodorant expose our skin to an array of ingredients that have been proven to cause more harm than health. If you use deodorant, this article is a must-read! Click here to get all the details, plus an easy natural deodorant DIY | Primally Pure

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Courtney O’Connor

Courtney Joy O’Connor is Primally Pure’s In-House Holistic Esthetician and Content Curator. Being in the beauty industry for over a decade, her experience + expertise with pure products, the healing power of touch and holistic skincare rituals are at the core of all she creates. She has trained extensively with industry experts across the country to offer her community the most educational content and transformative treatments. Courtney lives at the beach with her plant babies and loves road tripping, blending superfood bliss balls and exploring our big, beautiful world.