Which Is the Best Deodorant for Sensitive Skin?

Armpits are a fragile area, often subject to excessive desquamation due to two main factors: repeated waxing or shaving, and daily rubbing with clothes/skin.

As a result, underarm skin is often drier than elsewhere, and sometimes even irritated, with redness accompanied by sensations of tightness. A “crocodile-skin” effect can also be observed, with flaking or even cracking.

Unlike antiperspirants, deodorants do not block perspiration. Deodorants are recommended for light to moderate perspiration. Today, deodorants come in several forms: roll-on, solid stick, spray, and cream.

Deodorants use a variety of ingredients to perform their primary function of masking unpleasant odors without blocking sweat. If you have sensitive skin, some are particularly unadvisable. Here are the three categories of ingredients generally found in deodorants, with our recommendations for sensitive skin:

• Antibacterial active ingredients:

  Which ones to choose? Sensitive skin should opt for gentle, natural antibacterial active ingredients such as essential oils (palmarosa, peppermint, lavender…). Organic deodorants may also contain triethyl citrate, an alternative to aluminum salts. Its ability to inhibit the enzymatic breakdown of sweat components makes it an excellent active ingredient in the fight against body odor.

  Which to avoid? Some more “conventional” deodorants may contain triclocarban or triclosan. These are endocrine disruptors and potential skin and eye irritants. They are also suspected of increasing the risk of breast cancer. And don't choose a deodorant that contains alcohol. Used for its antibacterial properties, but also for its ability to “dry” the deodorant more quickly, alcohol has a strong drying power and can cause irritation, redness and tingling in the armpits. Finally, some deodorants contain parabens, which act both as preservatives and antimicrobial agents. These compounds are recognized endocrine disruptors (= they upset the hormonal balance). So avoid choosing a deodorant containing, for example, Butylparaben or Propylparaben on its INCI list. Note that manufacturers have replaced these preservatives with other ingredients such as MCIT (methylchloroisothiazolinone) or MIT (methylisothiazolinone). However, repeated exposure to the same substances can cause the skin to develop sensitivities to these compounds.

• Absorbent powders:

  Which to choose? Thanks to their microporous structures, certain clays such as diatomite powder and white clay are drying agents that can absorb their weight in moisture. Their antibacterial action also acts on bacteria present on the skin, limiting the appearance of unpleasant odors. Other absorbent powders include baking soda, commonly used in natural deodorants as an alternative to aluminum salts.

  Which to avoid? Talc! This mineral powder is now widely controversial. In 2012, ANSES concluded that it was not possible to exclude the presence of asbestos fibers in certain talc deposits. In addition, studies have demonstrated adverse effects on the respiratory system following talc inhalation.

• Perfuming agents:

  These are incorporated into formulas to mask odors. Which ones should you choose? Natural, non-allergenic fragrances such as vanillin or nerol.

  Which to avoid? Synthetic fragrances, which are generally irritating, as well as certain natural odorant molecules with recognized allergenic power, such as linalool or citral.