The Pits.

Is there really a difference between deodorant and antiperspirant? You bet!

Why do you care?

• Deodorants control odour and are classed as a cosmetic because they function to control the odour caused by bacteria reacting to sweat on the skin's surface by inhibiting the growth of bacteria.1
• Antiperspirants control sweating and are classed as a drug because it modifies a body function - that being suppressing the flow of perspiration to the skin's surface. 2
• Aluminum-based compounds used in antiperspirants, such as aluminum chloride/chlorohydrate/zirconium, enter the skins pores and physically blocks and/or clogs reducing the flow of sweat. A leading cause of irritation and can cause contact dermatitis (swelling, itching, inflammation, and even blisters).
• Triclosan, a common ingredient in deodorant, fights bacteria from forming in perspiration and can readily penetrate the skin. It is on Health Canada 's Cosmetic Ingredient Hot List - a list of substances prohibited or restricted in Canada.
• Highly fragrant deodorants can be irritating; causing allergies and asthmatic reactions.
• Ingredients found in these products remain on skin for hours, increasing the likelihood that they will be absorbed into bloodstream and circulate in body.
• Over the past few years, e-mails have been circulating about parabens in antiperspirants/deodorants and their link to breast cancer. Check our info sheet to see "What's all the stink about?".
  

The Know How

• Stick with deodorants - a better alternative than antiperspirants.
• Stay away from aerosols - particles from spray deodorants can enter nose and eyes, as well impacting the ozone layer and environment.
• Choose unscented products or those whose labels reveal simple essential oils from botanical sources.
• Consider natural fibers. Even though we love our synthetics ... when our pits are in overdrive, these fabrics tend to hold the scent.
• Check out the Deodorant Chart that compares deodorant products by The Green Guide.
  

Know and Tell

• Let's be honest - we have been trying various natural deodorants over the past years with mixed results. Not sure if there's a scientific reason behind this but we figure everyone's personal chemical make-up is different, so products work differently for each of us. Make sense?
• We did find this little jewel in a blue bottle - Ally Crystals by Simply Divine Botanicals, introduced to us by this month's Hot Seater, its working well for the both of us! See our Pit Report all our deodorant reviews.
• One research article suggested: "It is possible to avoid antiperspirants and deodorant choices altogether… a trusted friend or family member can be asked for olfactory feedback." Any volunteers?