What ingredients does a deodorant typically contain?

Unlike antiperspirants, deodorants do not block perspiration. It is recommended to use deodorants for light to moderate sweat flow. Deodorants today come in several forms: roll-on, solid stick, spray, and cream.

To fulfill their primary function, which is to mask unpleasant odors without blocking sweat, deodorants incorporate various ingredients:

• Antibacterial agents:

  These ingredients are crucial in deodorants as they directly target the cause of bad odors: bacteria. Among the common antibacterials used in natural formulas, we find certain essential oils like that of palmarosa or peppermint as well as less natural actives like triethyl citrate, but nonetheless allowed in organic products.

  Beware, some more "conventional" deodorants may contain triclocarban or triclosan. These are potential endocrine disruptors as well as skin irritants and potential eye irritants. They are also suspected of increasing the risk of breast cancer.

  Furthermore, it is also advisable to avoid choosing a deodorant that containsalcohol. Used for its antibacterial properties and also for its ability to "dry" the deodorant more quickly, alcohol has a strong drying effect and can cause irritations, redness, and tingling in the underarm area.

  Finally, some deodorants contain parabens which act as preservatives but also as antimicrobial agents. However, these compounds are recognized as endocrine disruptors (= which disrupt hormonal balance). Therefore, avoid choosing a deodorant that contains, for example, Butylparaben or Propylparaben in its INCI list. It should be noted, manufacturers have replaced these preservatives with other ingredients such as MCIT (methylchloroisothiazolinone) or MIT (methylisothiazolinone). However, due to constant exposure to the same substances, the skin sometimes develops sensitivities to these compounds.

• Absorbent Powders:

  Thanks to their microporous structures, certain clays such as diatomaceous earth powder, kaolin, perlite or even white clay are drying agents that can absorb their weight in moisture. Their antibacterial action also acts on the bacteria present on the skin, thus limiting the appearance of bad odors. Among the absorbent powders, it is also possible to mention baking soda , common in natural deodorants as an alternative to aluminum salts.

  It's worth noting that talc is sometimes used to absorb moisture and excess sweat. However, this mineral powder is widely controversial today.In 2012, ANSES concluded that it was not possible to rule out the presence of asbestos fibers in some talc deposits. Moreover, studies have shown harmful effects on the respiratory system following the inhalation of talc.

• Fragrance agents, incorporated into formulas to mask odors.

In everyday language, the term "deodorant" is used more often than "antiperspirant". Thus, we sometimes refer to deodorants with aluminum salts, when in fact it is anantiperspirant.It is possible to identify aluminum salts on I.N.C.I. lists under the following names: Aluminium Chloryde, Aluminium Chlorohydrate, Aluminium Chlorydrex, Aluminium Sesquichlorydrate, Aluminium Zirconium. Several studies have correlated the presence of aluminum salts in breast cells with the development of malignant tumors and therefore breast cancer. Even thoughthe CSSC (European Scientific Committee for Consumer Safety) issued a report in 2019 attesting to the verylow skin absorption(around 0.00052%) of aluminum salts, including on shaved or waxed skin, byprecautionary principle, it is still preferable to exclude them from daily hygiene products.