Deodorant Ingredients to Avoid: What’s Really in Your Deodorant and Why It Matters

For years, I searched for a deodorant that actually worked—something simple, clean, and true to its label. But every “natural” brand I tried either irritated my skin, didn’t hold up during the day, or still had a long list of ingredients I couldn’t pronounce.

So I made my own.

What began as an herbal assignment during my holistic wellness studies turned into a deeper practice. One rooted in care, simplicity, and honoring the body’s wisdom. Important stuff.

What’s Hiding in Conventional Deodorant?

Most of us grew up grabbing whatever was on the drugstore shelf, never questioning what it was made of. It was just part of the routine. But when you slow down and start looking at the ingredient list, it becomes harder to unsee.

Let’s take a look at two of the biggest concerns I see in conventional deodorants and why they matter.
‍

❌ ALUMINUM

Aluminum salts (like aluminum chlorohydrate) are used to block sweat glands. That might seem helpful if you want to stay dry, but sweating is one of the body’s essential detox pathways. It helps regulate temperature, release toxins, and maintain internal balance.

Blocking that natural process interferes with how the body is meant to work.
‍
Studies have found aluminum in breast tissue particularly in the outer upper area of the breast, close to where deodorant is usually applied. While it hasn’t been definitively linked to cancer, aluminum has been shown in lab studies to mimic estrogen. Researchers call it a metalloestrogen—a substance that may disrupt hormonal balance.
This matters because our hormonal systems are sensitive and deeply connected to overall well-being.

Beyond that, aluminum-based deodorants often cause irritation, rashes, or allergic reactions.

❌ FRAGRANCE (also labeled “Parfum”)

“Fragrance” is often a blanket term that hides dozens of synthetic chemicals. One of the most concerning is phthalates, which have been shown to disrupt hormone function and impact reproductive and thyroid health.

A powerful study showed that when participants stopped using fragranced personal care products, cancer-related gene activity in breast tissue shifted in just 28 days. That’s how quickly the body begins to respond when we lower our toxic exposure.

Fragrance is also a leading cause of allergic skin reactions, especially in delicate areas like the underarms.

If you want to dive deeper into this, I wrote a full article on it 👉 Essential Oils vs. Fragrance: What You Need to Know for Healthy Skin.

What Your Body Actually Needs

Your body is not broken. It is wise. It does not need to be controlled or masked. It needs support.

Sweating is natural. Your body knows how to cool itself, how to detox, how to stay in rhythm. When we shift from products that block or suppress to ones that support and nourish, everything changes.

Clean ingredients like coconut oil, shea butter, beeswax, arrowroot, and essential oils can work with your body, not against it. No harsh chemicals. No synthetic fragrance. No hormone disruption. Just simplicity, honesty, and real care.

That’s why I created the All Tree Roots Deodorant. We offer both baking soda and baking soda–free options, so you can choose what feels best for your body. Every small batch is made with ingredients I trust and use on myself and my family.

Final Thoughts

This isn’t about fear. It’s about paying attention. About choosing what’s better for your body and your health.

If you’re ready to make a switch, start simple. Choose ingredients you can trust and care that supports how your body is meant to function.

→ Explore our natural deodorants‍

Fragrance free. Aluminum free. Made with ingredients you can pronounce and believe in.