Your skin absorbs toxins: Is your deodorant putting you at risk?
06/26/2025 / By HRS Editors
- Many store-bought deodorants contain harmful chemicals like aluminum, parabens, phthalates and synthetic fragrances, which may cause skin irritation, endocrine disruption and long-term health risks.
- Body odor comes from bacteria breaking down sweat. Traditional deodorants kill bacteria with antimicrobials, while antiperspirants block sweat with aluminum, disrupting natural body functions.
- Sweating helps regulate temperature and detoxify the body. Stopping it with antiperspirants can lead to bacterial imbalances, skin irritation and health concerns.
- Natural deodorants are a better alternative because they use plant-based ingredients (like coconut oil, essential oils and baking soda) to neutralize odor and absorb moisture, allowing the body to sweat naturally.
- Conventional deodorants offer quick fixes but may harm your health, while natural alternatives work with the body’s natural processes for safer long-term hygiene. Switching requires patience, but the benefits are worth it.
For decades, deodorants and antiperspirants have been bathroom staples, promising to keep body odor at bay and your underarms dry. But behind the fresh scents and sweat-blocking claims lie troubling ingredients that may do more harm than good.
From endocrine disruptors to potential carcinogens, many conventional deodorants contain chemicals that could irritate the skin, alter the body’s natural balance and even contribute to long-term health risks.
As consumers become more ingredient-conscious, the demand for natural deodorants has surged. But what makes traditional deodorants so problematic, and why are natural alternatives the safer choice? (h/t to Healthline.com)
How deodorants work
Body odor (BO) isn’t caused by sweat itself. Instead, it’s the result of bacteria feasting on sweat in warm, moist environments, like your underarms. When these bacteria break down sweat, they produce waste, which is what creates that unpleasant smell.
Traditional deodorants combat odor by using antimicrobial agents, like ethanol, to kill bacteria. Antiperspirants go a step further, blocking sweat glands with aluminum compounds to reduce moisture.
While these products may keep you dry and odor-free in the short term, some of their ingredients come with serious downsides.
Toxic ingredients lurking in conventional deodorants
Not all deodorants are created equal, and some contain chemicals that are best avoided. Here’s a breakdown of the most concerning ingredients found in many mainstream products:
- Fragrance (Parfum) – Fragrance is a catch-all term for undisclosed synthetic scents that can trigger allergies, skin irritation and even respiratory issues.
- Phthalates – Often hidden under the term “fragrance,” phthalates are chemicals that help maintain product texture but are linked to cancer and hormone disruption. (Related: The hidden dangers of BHA in cosmetics: A closer look at this controversial additive.)
- Parabens – Used as preservatives, parabens mimic estrogen in the body and have been linked to hormone disruption and certain cancers.
- Triclosan – A harsh antibacterial agent, triclosan can irritate the skin and contribute to antibiotic resistance.
- Aluminum chlorohydrate – Aluminum chlorohydrate is the active ingredient in antiperspirants that blocks sweat glands. Some studies suggest a possible link to breast cancer, though research is ongoing.
- Propylene glycol – A common additive that can cause skin irritation and allergic reactions, especially in sensitive individuals.
The problem with blocking sweat
Sweating is a natural and necessary bodily function because it helps regulate temperature, detoxify the body and maintain skin health. But when antiperspirants plug sweat glands with aluminum, they disrupt this process, potentially leading to:
- Bacterial imbalance – Killing off all bacteria, even the “good” kind, can create an environment where odor-causing microbes thrive.
- Skin irritation – Harsh chemicals can cause redness, itching and even rashes, especially for those with sensitive skin.
- Long-term health concerns – While more research is needed, some experts worry about the cumulative effects of aluminum and parabens on hormone health.
Natural deodorants take a gentler approach, working with the body rather than against it. Instead of synthetic chemicals, they rely on plant-based ingredients to neutralize odor and absorb moisture.
Key components of natural deodorants include:
- Antibacterial agents – Coconut oil, tea tree oil and activated charcoal can help combat odor-causing bacteria without adverse effects.
- Essential oils – Bergamot, lavender and sandalwood provide a light, natural fragrance without hidden health risks.
- Moisture absorbers – Arrowroot powder, baking soda and cornstarch can help keep underarms dry without blocking sweat glands.
Unlike antiperspirants, natural deodorants don’t stop sweating, which is a good thing. Sweating is part of the body’s natural detox process, and suppressing it isn’t ideal for long-term health.
Transitioning from synthetic to natural
Switching from a conventional antiperspirant to a natural deodorant can come with an adjustment period. Since the body needs time to rebalance its microbiome, some people will experience increased odor or sweat for a few days or weeks.
An armpit detox — using clay masks or apple cider vinegar — can help speed up the process by removing residual toxins and bacteria.
Conventional deodorants and antiperspirants may offer quick fixes, but their ingredients come with potential long-term health effects that make them not worth using. Natural deodorants, on the other hand, provide a safer, more sustainable way to manage odor without disrupting the body’s natural processes.
For those ready to make the switch, the key is patience. The body needs time to adjust, but the payoff — healthier underarms and peace of mind — is well worth it. In a world where clean beauty is more than just a trend, choosing a deodorant free of harmful chemicals isn’t just a personal choice; it’s a step toward better health.
Where to get lab-verified Natural Deodorants
At the Health Ranger Store, we prioritize customer health and safety, which is why we only offer clean, lab-verified products such as Organic Unscented Deodorant, Organic Lemongrass Deodorant and Silver Fresh Liquid Deodorant with Magnesium and Baking Soda.
Health Ranger Select Organic Unscented Deodorant is an extraordinary lab-verified, ultra-clean formulation that offers the odor control you need using only ethically sourced organic ingredients, such as beeswax and coconut oil, that can nourish your skin. With this natural deodorant, you’ll smell fresh and clean all day without any risks to your health.
Health Ranger Select Organic Unscented Deodorant is China-Free, cruelty-free and does not contain aluminum, parabens, phthalates, alcohol, triclosan or synthetic additives of any kind.
We also offer Health Ranger Select Lemongrass Organic Deodorant, which is made of organic coconut oil that contains high levels of Vitamin E and essential fatty acids that can help nourish and moisturize your skin.
The natural beeswax in our organic deodorants also serves as a protectant for sensitive skin to help prevent chafing and irritation. Organic essential oils and rosemary extract work together to create fresh scents that you’ll love.
We are also bringing back Health Ranger Select Silver Fresh™ Liquid Deodorant with Magnesium and Baking Soda. Our premium liquid deodorant formula can not only help you smell fresh for up to 48 hours, but it can also allow your skin to breathe as nature intended.
This liquid deodorant uses a special blend of natural ingredients, including baking soda, essential oils, magnesium hydroxide and colloidal silver to provide long-lasting freshness.
Visit Health Ranger Store and Brighteon Store to find more clean and lab-verified products. You can also visit Ingredients.news to learn more about safer alternatives to store-bought personal care products.
Click on this link to learn how harmful chemicals hiding in deodorants can enter your bloodstream and why you should go natural instead.
Watch this clip about the benefits of switching to natural deodorants made with non-toxic ingredients.
This video is from the Health Ranger Store channel on Brighteon.com.
More related stories:
3 Luxurious DIY skincare recipes using Organic Coconut Oil and Frankincense Oil.
Organic Coconut Oil in DIY Crafts: Candles, soaps and beyond.
How does cocoa butter moisturize and promote skin health?
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antiperspirants, cosmetic ingredients, cosmetics, dangerous, deodorants, disease causes, health science, men's health, natural deodorants, natural health, Personal care products, personal hygiene, poison, toxic chemicals, toxic ingredients, toxins, women's health
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