Why Everyone Is Suddenly Using Crystal Deodorant

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As nontoxic and natural cosmetics continue going mainstream, it was only a matter of time before the wave caught up with deodorants. Conscious consumers and health fanatics are currently raving about crystal deodorants, which are touted as healthier alternatives.

What Is Crystal Deodorant?

First things first: Deodorants and antiperspirants are two different products. While the latter blocks sweat ducts, deodorants work by combating odor-causing bacteria. Now that we’re all on the same page, crystal deodorant or “deodorant stones” were first formulated in the 1980’s from French-sourced mineral salt.

How does crystal deodorant work? The product fights bad odor by targeting the bacterial source. But unlike its synthetic counterpart, crystal deodorant does not interfere with the body’s regulatory mechanisms such as temperature regulation and sweating. Other perks include a lack of by-products, toxic residue, and stains from its use.

Similar to standard deodorants, crystal deodorant is applied under the arm – leaving a thin film of salt that is hostile to odor-forming microbes. The application process involves wetting the surface of the stone and rubbing it generously after a shower. Simple and natural!

Why Switch To Crystal Deodorant?

Would you drink a cupful of potentially toxic cosmetic chemicals? The obvious answer is no! Then why would you be comfortable smearing these dangerous ingredients on your skin in the form of antiperspirants and deodorants every day? It’s estimated that 9 in every 10 Americans [1] use deodorants as part of the prevailing social norms or simply smell better. While this is quite understandable, have you considered the safety of the deodorant products you apply under your arm?

Most standard antiperspirants and deodorants contain a concoction of potentially hazardous chemicals such as diethanolamine, triethanolamine, triclosan, parabens, and aluminum. Some of these chemical ingredients are associated with an increased risk of cancer, hormonal disruption, allergies, and CNS disorder. When you use these products, some of the substances are absorbed into the body.

For example, animal studies [2] show that triclosan interferes with hormone activity. Similarly, an article [3] published in the Journal of Organic Biochemistry claims that aluminum found in antiperspirants causes gene instability, increasing the risk of tumors and cancer cells. Although these studies do not provide hard evidence regarding the carcinogenic properties of deodorants and antiperspirants, they are definitely a cause for concern.

If you are concerned about the negative impacts of standard deodorants on your skin, the best way to prevent exposure to potentially harmful toxins is by ditching the products. And unless you are comfortable walking around with a stinky underarm, we’d advise you to acquire natural crystal deodorant. The deodorants kill bacteria, keeping you fresh for up to 24 hours. Besides, did you know that crystal deodorants are verified by the Environmental Working Groups Skin Deep Cosmetics Database? [4]