Effective Organic Deodorant Ingredients
Organic deodorant is almost a controversial topic. Many who want to avoid exposure to the damaging toxins in normal antiperspirants look to organic deodorants for a solution. Specific organic ingredients have been shown to offer excellent odor destroying properties, but few last as long as their conventional counterparts. If you are willing to sacrifice the convenience of a once daily application (depending on your level of stinkiness, of course), there are a few ingredients you can look for in a deodorant that will outlast the others.
Most deodorants that are organic that closely resemble their traditional stick form counterparts have a beeswax/vegetable glycerin base. Most often, baking soda is mixed into this base. Baking soda is a known odor absorber. Baking soda will also absorb some moisture as well. This an excellent aspect if you tend to sweat – deodorants that are all natural contain no antiperspirants. To further combat odor, these deodorants contain essential oils with natural antibacterial properties. Not only do these kill odor causing bacteria, but they provide a pleasant scent as well, a much missed aspect when switching to a deodorant that is organic. The most effective essential oils are tea tree, lavender, peppermint, hemp, eucalyptus, and patchouli. Strongly scented oils like lavender and patchouli not only do a good job of eliminating body odor, but are also excellent at covering it up should any slip through.
Also popular are crystal or rock deodorants. These deodorants were discovered in Asia and were brought to the western world for mass manufacture. They consist primarily of potassium alum (also referred to as “mineral salts”), a mineral found in the Earth’s crust. Potassium alum has excellent odor absorption properties, much like baking soda. Also, crystal deodorants have noted moisture-absorbing properties, a much missed trait in typical stick-type organic deodorants.
Regardless of your preference in organic deodorants, looking for these ingredients on the labels of your chosen products will help you find a product that is both safe and effective in controlling body odor.