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Thinking of trying an aluminum-free deodorant for the first time? Before making the leap, it helps to understand how a deodorant differs from an antiperspirant, and what to expect when you switch.
Here’s everything you need to know to switch to an aluminum-free deodorant with confidence!
Deodorant vs. antiperspirant: what’s the difference?
Both products are meant to limit underarm odour, but they don’t work the same way.
An antiperspirant generally contains aluminum salts. These salts are thought to reduce perspiration by temporarily clogging the sweat gland ducts.1
A deodorant, on the other hand, doesn’t affect perspiration, a normal bodily function that helps regulate body temperature.2 It works on odour instead, and some formulas also contain ingredients that absorb moisture.
So where does the odour come from? Fresh underarm secretions are odourless. It’s the bacteria living on the skin that release the molecules responsible for the smell by transforming certain compounds secreted by the glands.1
If you stop using your antiperspirant, it’s therefore normal to notice a bit more moisture under your arms: nothing is limiting perspiration anymore. The effect varies from person to person, and you may not notice any difference at all!
If your perspiration seems excessive or concerns you, don’t hesitate to talk to a health care professional.
7 tips to make the switch to an aluminum-free deodorant easier
Here are some tips from our team to help you feel fresh and comfortable every day.
Choose a cooler time of year
Spring, fall and winter are good times to try a new deodorant. When it’s less hot and humid, people generally sweat less, which makes it easier to test a new product with peace of mind.
Keep it clean
Wash your underarms at the end of the day with a mild soap and lukewarm water. Dry them well after your shower: underarms are a moist environment that’s very favourable to the bacteria responsible for odour.1
Exfoliate gently
A soft washcloth or a body scrub, used 2 to 3 times a week, helps remove dead skin cells from the surface of the skin. Avoid exfoliating freshly shaved or irritated skin, though.
Wear natural fibres
Your clothing matters too! In a study of 26 people, polyester T-shirts gave off a stronger, less pleasant odour than cotton T-shirts after an intense workout, and bacteria developed differently on each fabric.3 So favour natural fibres, such as cotton.
Drink water
Drinking regularly throughout the day is always a good idea, especially when it’s hot or you’re very active. Perspiration is one of the ways the body cools down.2
Reapply as needed
A deodorant doesn’t act on perspiration. If you have a busy day ahead, toss it in your bag and reapply a few times.
Give yourself time to try it
Everyone is different, and the deodorant that suits one person won’t necessarily suit another. Test your new deodorant for a few weeks, in different situations (workday, workout, hot day), then adjust if needed by trying another range or fragrance.
ATTITUDE® aluminum-free deodorants
Our deodorants are formulated without aluminum, with ingredients of natural origin. They are vegan and formulated without ingredients of concern according to the standards of the Environmental Working Group (EWG). Here are our ranges:
Super leaves® and Super leaves® men
With baking soda to neutralize odours and cornstarch to absorb moisture.
Sensitive natural
Free of baking soda, but with magnesium hydroxide to control odour and oat extract to soothe delicate skin.
You’ll find them in several fragrances (the Sensitive natural range also includes an unscented version). Super leaves® and Sensitive natural deodorants are also available in a plastic-free format.
Discover the full collection of ATTITUDE® aluminum-free deodorants.
To learn more, read our article “6 ingredients to avoid in deodorants”, where we look at what science says.
References
[1] Natsch A. What makes us smell: the biochemistry of body odour and the design of new deodorant ingredients. Chimia (Aarau). 2015;69(7-8):414-20. doi:10.2533/chimia.2015.414
[2] Baker LB. Physiology of sweat gland function: the roles of sweating and sweat composition in human health. Temperature (Austin). 2019;6(3):211-59. doi:10.1080/23328940.2019.1632145
[3] Callewaert C, De Maeseneire E, Kerckhof FM, Verliefde A, Van de Wiele T, Boon N. Microbial odor profile of polyester and cotton clothes after a fitness session. Appl Environ Microbiol. 2014;80(21):6611-9. doi:10.1128/AEM.01422-14