Depending on the formula, natural deodorants can contain a variety of ingredients that are chemical free. This should also mean they are totally free of aluminum, which is the most worrisome of ingredients in commercial deodorants. Thankfully, there are plenty of natural materials that act as antibacterial (and hence, deodorizing) agents. Bacteria is the primary reason for body odor.

When we sweat, the built up moisture and lack of oxygen and air circulation in the underarm area create the perfect breeding grounds for bacteria. This is why we sometimes get embarrassing body odor when our underarms sweat. Related : Why Sweating is Healthy and You Don't Want to Use a Traditional Antiperspirant

Essential Oils – The MVP for Naturally Fighting Odor

The best ingredients in a natural deodorant are powerful naturally-occurring antibacterial agents. Where you can find many of these in nature is by looking at a group of natural bi-products called essential oils. Essential oils are the product of plants and herbs. They are the very “essence” of the plant, distilled down to a very potent oil that contains a variety of powerfully natural antibacterial constituents. Related : Aura Sensory 24 Hour Natural Deodorant 

Essential oils, along with aluminum free baking soda, are the fundamental basis for our natural deodorant. The specific blend we use is the reason why our natural deodorant is so much more effective than many others on the market today. The organisms found in these oils attack and kill bacteria, and often also act as an astringent or antiseptic which can be used in a diluted state to cleanse wounds.

Essential oils such as lavender, lemon, orange and tea tree oil are known as antibacterial agents. However, MOST essential oils contain some sort of antimicrobial and antibacterial properties due to their concentrated, potent nature. Some oils that are terrific antimicrobials cannot be used on the skin as they are too volatile, and must be used in a highly diluted form.

Baking Sodas, Salts and Minerals

Some natural minerals and mineral salts (we also use a natural sea salt to combat odor) may work as a natural deodorant, but often need a little help to be a deodorant that fully protects for a lengthy day against odor. What you need is a strong antibacterial agent to help keep the bacteria that create odor at bay. 

If you have a strong natural antibacterial, then you can conceivably go 24 hours without any odor whatsoever.  Without using traditional and often harsh antibacterials. Related: Avoiding Toxic Antibacterials - Natural Options

If you can use 100% natural deodorant, then you are doing your body a huge favor. Parabens, aluminum, petroleum based biproducts like propylene glycol, artificial colors, scents and other chemicals are all ingredients we should not be putting on our underarms.

There are several clusters of lymph nodes near the under arm area, and to put chemicals and toxins in this area is simply not a good idea if it can be easily avoided. All products that we apply to our skin absorb and get swept into our blood stream in a very short period of time. These chemicals do not simply sit on top of the skin and have no effect.

They can literally become part of our body and part of the internal workings of our bodies, interfering with everything from hormone balance to the functioning of our important organs. This is why it is imperative that you choose a natural, safe deodorant that really works all day long.