Choosing the right Deodorant
Most people choose a deodorant to help avoid unpleasant body odour or as a way reduce the amount of perspiration being released by the body. Sweat can contribute to body odour, but body odour is mainly due to bacteria. The armpit, with its warm and damp environment, provide an ideal environment for bacteria.
The microbiome community (commensal/symbiotic residents -friendly bacteria) of the skin play an important role in supporting the health of the body and the variety of bacteria differs from one person to another. The human armpit contains an abundant bacterial community which is not only individual, but also differs in variation to other parts of the body where bacteria reside, and may differ depending on what personal hygiene products are used, or if any.
In many cultures excess sweating and body odour can be seen as a result of poor hygiene practice and thus products such as antiperspirants and deodorants developed as a means to avoid this undesirable label.
Why do we sweat?
Sweating is the body’s way of reducing temperature by releasing heat. Sweat glands become very active when we exercise, are in a hot environment, when we experience emotional stress, consume hot or spicy foods or suffer with fever associated with illness. The hormonal system also plays a role in sweat activity.
The rate a person sweats differs between individuals and is due to differences in sweat secretion rate per gland, rather than the total number of active sweat glands a person has. The volume of sweat produced may be influenced by a number of factors such as:
- Body size – a bigger person generally generates more heat although the number of sweat glands is fixed throughout life, meaning they do not increase in number if a person puts on weight as an adult.
- Age. Sweat glands age as we get older and reduce the ability to cool the body.
- Muscle mass. The more muscle the more sweat – muscle produces more heat than fat.
Sweat glands
There are two main types of sweat glands: Eccrine and apocrine sweat glands.
Eccrine glands are a small gland primarily responsible for thermoregulation. There are approximately 2-4 million eccrine glands distributed throughout the body.
Apocrine glands function as scent glands involved in production of pheromones (body odour). Apocrine glands are larger than eccrine glands, open into hair follicles instead of onto the skin surface, and are found mainly in the axilla (armpit), breasts, face, scalp, and the perineum. Apocrine glands produce a viscous, lipid-rich sweat made up of proteins, sugars and ammonia.
Sweat is a complex solution which is mostly water and NaCl (sodium chloride - salt) but also contains varying concentrations of many solutes.
Deodorants and Antiperspirants - What is the difference?
Antiperspirants prevent or reduce sweating – usually due to aluminium salts they contain which ‘plug” the sweat glands preventing the release of sweat.
Deodorants increase the acidity of the skin – which makes an environment unpleasant for bacteria. They often contain alcohol (which results in acidity) and perfume to mask any unpleasant odours. Deodorants do not prevent perspiration.
Research showed that when antiperspirants and deodorants are used, bacteria density decreases, and the bacterial load returns when their use is stopped. Research also showed individuals who routinely use antiperspirant tended to have a greater richness of bacterial in their armpits than those who use just a deodorant.
But do we want to destroy our microbiome?
The bacteria which reside in the armpit is composed mostly of Staphylococcaceae and Corynebacterium. The Staphylococcaceae species contain symbionts (bacteria we happily live with and consider to be beneficial) and pathogenic bacteria (disease causing bacteria). Non-diphtheritic corynebacteria are normal inhabitants of skin and mucous membrane. These pathogens can potentially cause complications with acute and chronic infection of the skin and soft tissue and are often acquired in a hospital setting.
In athletes, for which excess perspiration is a common occurrence, the armpit can be a site for pathogenic MRSA infections.
It is beneficial to have friendly bacteria residing in the axilla, just like the friendly bacteria found in our gut. The concern is that antiperspirants which prevent normal sweating and deodorants which alter the natural pH of the skin not only destroy the bacterial environment and pathogenic bacteria, but they also kill our friendly, beneficial bacteria which help to keep us healthy and the maintenance of skin integrity.
Ingredients in antiperspirants you may want to avoid
Aluminium
Aluminium-based products are commonly used in antiperspirants. They stop the flow of sweat reaching the surface of the skin by “plugging” the sweat duct. The major concern here is the residual aluminium left on the skin from regular application may absorb and affect the hormonal system - having an oestrogen-like affect. Oestrogen has been found to promote the growth of breast cancer cells and aluminium can have a direct activity in breast tissue.
Parabens
Parabens are widely used preservative in cosmetic and pharmaceutical products. Parabens have been found to mimic oestrogen in the body and are considered endocrine disruptors - affecting breast cells and potentially influencing their abnormal growth. This can lead to increased risk for breast cancer.
Phthalates
Phthalates are used to make deodorant ingredients more pliable and help extend fragrance. But they are considered endocrine disruptors which can interfere with hormonal balance and interactions between hormones.
Natural alternatives
Natural deodorants are an alternative option which help to eliminates the bacteria that causes odour without using harsh ingredients, can help reduce moisture and offer a pleasant odour. Some ingredients found in natural-based deodorants include:
Anti-bacterial and odour eliminators
Essential oils. These offer an alternative option to keep you smelling fresh. Some essential oils, such as tea tree, sage and lavender have an antibacterial actions, whilst other may just help you smell nice. Essential oils often found in deodorants include sage, bergamot, lime, tangerine and mandarin.
Apple cider vinegar contains acetyl acid which eliminates bacteria and makes an inhospitable environment for bacteria to grow in. Apple cider vinegar also offers a deodorizing action.
Magnesium deodorant can counteract odour by neutralising the growth of bacteria.
Crystal deodorant is made of a natural mineral salt, called potassium alum, which has been shown to offer antimicrobial properties - destroys or retards odour producing bacteria.
Activated Charcoal (porous carbon) is effective at reducing odour and may absorb some sweat.
Sweat Absorbers
Arrowroot powder, corn starch and baking soda absorb sweat. Baking Soda is also known for its ability to absorbs odour. The negative here is you may have to reapply it often and some people could be sensitive to the drying affects. Baking soda is alkalizing and as such can interfere with the body’s natural pH - which is naturally more acidic.
Reducing sweat production
Sage herbal extract. Sage is a natural antihidrotic, meaning it reduces sweat production. It also offers some antimicrobial action.
Antiperspirant use and breast cancer
Even though antiperspirant is applied close to the breast area, and some antiperspirants/deodorants do contain some toxic ingredients, research has so far not been able to establish a link to breast cancer. But findings suggest that frequent use of underarm cosmetic products may lead to an accumulation of aluminum (and other toxic elements) in breast tissue.
References
- The effect of habitual and experimental antiperspirant and deodorant product use on the armpit microbiome https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4741080/
- The skin microbiome https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3535073/
- Physiology of sweat gland function: The roles of sweating and sweat composition in human health https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6773238/
- https://www.msdmanuals.com/en-au/home/skin-disorders/sweating-disorders/introduction-to-sweating-disorders?query=sweat
- Axillary pH and influence of deodorants https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11428948/
- https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/myths/antiperspirants-fact-sheet
- Aluminium and the human breast https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26997127/
- Breast Cancer and Deodorants/Antiperspirants: a Systematic Review https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27755864/
- https://www.cancerwa.asn.au/resources/cancermyths/deodorants-breast-myth/
- Natural skin surface pH is on average below 5, which is beneficial for its resident flora https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18489300/
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/nursing-and-health-professions/antiperspirant-agent
- In vitro antimicrobial activity of potash alum https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8783521/
- Deodorant effects of a sage extract stick: Antibacterial activity and sensory evaluation of axillary deodorancy https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3897065/
- Fisher, Carole; 2009, MATERIA MEDICA OF WESTERN HERBS, Vitex Medica, New Zealand.
- Antimicrobial activity of apple cider vinegar against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans; downregulating cytokine and microbial protein expression https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5788933/
- Activated carbon/titanium dioxide composite to adsorb volatile organic compounds associated with human body odor https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7672321/
- Use of Underarm Cosmetic Products in Relation to Risk of Breast Cancer: A Case-Control Study https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5514401/
- https://www.breastcancer.org/risk/factors/cosmetics
This article is for informational purposes only and does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Any information published on this website or by this brand is not intended as a substitute for medical advice. If you have any concerns or questions about your health you should consult with a health professional.