Aluminium Free Deodorants: What Helps Best to Prevent Sweat Odor?

The discussion about aluminum salts makes aluminum-free deodorants play it safe. But do they also work? We clarify open questions.

Aluminium free deodorants – the healthy alternative?

Deodorants with aluminum are repeatedly criticized. The suspicion: aluminum salts could be taken up in large quantity by the body and lead to durable damage as for example cancer illnesses. On European level therefore now an extensive study is accomplished. As long as the results are not present however, many consumers want to go on the safe side and reach rather for a Deo without aluminum. Time to ask an expert. Since January 2013 Dr. Heiner Max leads the global research and development of Nivea Deo and answers our questions about aluminium-free deodorants.

I feel that I sweat more when I use a deodorant without aluminum. Does it just seem like that?

An antiperspirant inhibits the formation of sweat in the affected areas, whereas deodorants reduce unwanted body odors by superimposing fragrances on them. Unwanted body odors are caused by bacteria on the skin. Therefore, deodorants may contain additional antibacterial ingredients such as silver citrate, 2-butyloctanoic acid or octenidine hydrochloride, which inhibit the growth of odor-causing bacteria. However, the fragrant bacteria killers do not have an antiperspirant effect due to the aluminum salts they do not contain. This means that one continues to perspire heavily.

I do not feel so well protected from body odor with aluminum-free deodorants. Is there any benefit in spraying the product more often?

For a particularly good effect, both deodorants and antiperspirants should always be applied to cleansed skin. Because once the bacteria have started to decompose the sweat and cause the unpleasant body odor, deodorants and antiperspirants only help to a limited extent. If necessary, however, re-dosing can be a welcome refreshment and is of course completely harmless.

Deodorants without aluminum often burn my armpits – even if they are not freshly shaved. What is the reason for this?

In contrast to the common antiperspirant products, many deodorants without aluminum salts contain alcohol, especially the sprays. This also has advantages, because in addition to a disinfecting effect, alcohol supports a quick drying of the product, conveys a pleasant coolness on the skin and improves the scent impression. However, anyone with sensitive skin may temporarily experience tingling, burning or itching.

Are there deodorants without aluminum and without alcohol?

There are already products on the market that do not contain alcohol or aluminum. Due to the current situation, further products are under development.

In some situations an aluminium-free deodorant is not enough for me. Do antiperspirants with longer protection also contain more aluminum salts?

No, the long-lasting antiperspirant performance is achieved by the special formulation of all contained raw materials and an optimal interaction of the product components.

Are crystal deodorants or alum stones a good alternative to deodorants with aluminium?

No, it is a misconception that alum is an aluminum-free alternative, because chemically speaking it is a compound of potassium and aluminum. In the period before industrialization, alum was extracted from deposits of alum shale, which is why it is considered natural. So the so-called deodorant crystals based on alum, which are also available as a spray, like to convey a natural or mineral character. However, all variations contain aluminum.