If you're as obsessed with what you put on your body as with what you put it in it, chances are the typical chemical-laden American deodorant/antiperspirant doesn't pass the sniff test. The official position of the Food and Drug Administration is that "at the present time, there is no reason for consumers to be concerned." But there is some debate in the U.S. scientific community.
A dual problem exists. First, antiperspirants contain aluminum and block the pores that release sweat, trapping toxins and other unnatural ingredients. Second, mainstream deodorants contain parabens—which have been found to mimic estrogen, the hormone directly linked to breast cancer. Studies in mice have shown that have shown that excess estrogen could migrate to breast tissue and start the growth of tumors. Frequent shaving only augments the absorption of these chemicals.
Abby Fazio, a registered pharmacist and president of New York City's New London Pharmacy, which stocks many natural products, spends a great deal of time abroad researching alternative medicines. "The skin has the ability to absorb," she says. "So it makes sense to use the fewest possible toxic products on it." (To learn more about specific cosmetic ingredients, check out Skin Deep.)
We had a dozen Cookie staffers try out natural deodorants in the midst of a hot, humid New York City summer. Be forewarned: Though their antibacterial agents do block odor, these products still allow you to sweat, since they do not contain antiperspirant. A couple of testers didn't welcome the perspiration, but all unanimously agreed on the ultimate benefit: peace of mind in treating their bodies to completely natural ingredients.
These products are available in a slew of fresh scents and application methods (spray, stick, roll-on, rock), so it's all about finding one that jives with your body chemistry. Among our favorites:
Wild Rose Deodorant
$15, Weleda
Testers said: "I loved, loved, not having yucky white film on my clothes. I was showering morning and night almost every day in case it didn't work. It may wear off quicker than others, but it's worth it."
Lemon & Coriander Deodorant
$22, Neal's Yard
Testers said: "This natural deodorant has all the pros of my old deodorant without any of the cons—it sprays on clear and dries in an instant, non-overpowering scent."
Unscented Natural Deodorant
$6, EarthScience, drugstore.com
Testers said: "I'm relieved to not worry about clogging my pores with metals or any other toxins. It's probably about 90 percent as effective as what I was using before, but it is worth it."
