Most of us have been in a situation—perhaps on a hot and humid day—when we wished for extra-strength deodorant. Although it’s commonly believed that the unpleasant odor associated with sweating is the scent of our perspiration, it’s actually not! Instead, it’s the smell of bacteria that live and grow in warm, moist environments. When we sweat, we create the perfect habitat for these bacteria under our arms or behind our knees. Since most of us find this odor unpleasant, we’re always looking for ways to control it.

We usually tackle perspiration odor by applying antiperspirants or deodorants. Many people think these two products are identical, but they’re actually completely different formulas. Though they may both come in the same form—roll-on or solid stick, for example—they perform in two different ways.

Antiperspirant is designed to block and clog the pores, preventing them from releasing perspiration. If you don’t perspire, you don’t produce a sweaty environment in which the bacteria live.

Deodorant, however, does not stop you from perspiring. Instead, it uses antibacterial ingredients to prevent the smelly bacteria from forming. Although you will perspire, you should not develop an odor because the bacteria are destroyed before they can grow.

Both products typically contain some type of perfume or fragrance, and it’s possible to find a formula that has both antiperspirant and deodorant characteristics.

Why to Avoid Most Traditional Antiperspirants

Although it may seem that antiperspirant is the superior product since it actually prevents sweating, it usually contains aluminum-based ingredients. And aluminum has been linked to a variety of health problems, including:

Aluminum neurotoxicity: A study published in The New England Journal of Medicine found that “prolonged intravenous feedings with solutions containing aluminum” was linked to “impaired neurological development” in infants. Moreover, aluminum encephalopathy syndrome is often found in kidney patients because of the aluminum in the dialysis bath, and the results of this disease include seizures, tremors, and dementia.

Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s: Although research is not conclusive, some studies do hint to a link between high aluminum exposure and Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease. At this time, evidence is suggestive but not definitive.

Aluminum bone disease: Long-term ingestion of aluminum can also lead to a degenerative bone disease that may include a thinning of the bones. Subsequently, sufferers may experience more frequent and severe bone fractures.

Benefits of Natural Deodorants

To avoid aluminum and other potentially harmful chemicals, savvy consumers are turning to natural and organic deodorants. Rather than containing aluminum, these deodorants use natural ingredients—such as crystals, mineral salts, essential oils, and herbs—to combat bacteria and odor.

Natural deodorants are growing in popularity. As a result, there’s a wide selection from which you can choose. Roll-ons, sprays, and sticks are available, so you don’t have to give up your favorite style of deodorant. You can also find solid crystal rocks with deodorant properties.

For days when you plan to remain relatively sedentary, consider a deodorant soap. If you only perspire lightly, an herbal deodorant soap may be adequate for your needs.

Remember, a “natural” label does not ensure the product is made without harsh or harmful chemicals. Always read the label carefully and check that the deodorant doesn’t have antiperspirant properties that are a result of aluminum.

—Carla Shives