How to Prevent Irritation Caused by Aluminum in Deodorants and Antiperspirants

Homemade deodorant is an easy solution for calming irritated skin.

Irritation caused by a deodorant or antiperspirant is typically caused by a reaction the skin has when it comes into contact with chemicals or other irritating substances. Antiperspirants often contain aluminum, a chemical utilized to clog sweat glands and prevent sweating. Deodorants are meant to prevent or mask the smell caused by sweating, and this is typically done with powders or perfumes. Preventing irritation to the skin means eliminating your skin's contact with the irritating substance.

Things You'll Need

• Different brand of deodorant
• Or
• Empty deodorant containers
• 5 tbsp. coconut oil
• 1/4 cup baking soda
• 1/4 cup corn starch
• Large bowl
• Spatula

Instructions

Try a Different Brand

1. Read the ingredients label on your deodorant or antiperspirant and identify what type of aluminum chemical is present. Throw away all deodorants or antiperspirants with this chemical and any others that irritate your skin.

2. Go to a grocery or drug store and read the ingredients labels on deodorants and antiperspirants you have not tried. If you have not tried and had a bad reaction to an antiperspirant that contains the chemical aluminum zirconium tetrachlorohydrex glycine, purchase a brand that uses this type of aluminum as it is meant to be milder to the skin. Look for deodorants with different ingredients than those found in formulas that caused you irritation.

3. Avoid aluminum altogether if you prefer, switching to a deodorant that does not function as an antiperspirant.

Make Your Own Deodorant

1. Empty and wash an old deodorant containers. Turn the dial all the way back, so the platform the deodorant sits on is as the bottom of the container.

2. Mix coconut oil, corn starch and baking soda in a large bowl. If desired, add scented essential oil. Sage is a common suggestion to aid in decreasing sweat production.

3. Mix all ingredients to form a paste. Add more dry ingredients as needed to thicken the mix.

4. Use a spatula to move mixture into the empty deodorant containers. Scrape off excess and recap.

References

• The Beauty Brains; 4 Ways to Avoid Antiperspirant Irritation; Right Brain; May 2007
• DERMAdoctor: Antiperspirants
• Surviving the Stores; Homemade Coconut Oil Deodorant; May 2010

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish