When someone asks the question, 'Do you wear an aluminium-free deodorant?', you can't help but feel it's a little loaded, right?
Like, we're guessing the correct answer is, 'But of course!'
But in reality, we're still blasting our regular old aerosols two to three times a day (lunch time yoga is really a killer) without considering the consequences for our skin.
So, why do we even need to use aluminium-free deodorants? What's so wrong with our regular aerosol?
Skin specialist and aesthetic doctor, Dr Nestor, explains: 'Antiperspirant deodorants worldwide are based on aluminium-containing compounds, which act to stop or significantly reduce perspiration. This minimises the moist environment in which odour-causing bacteria live; human sweat is actually odourless until fermented by these micro-organisms.
'The aluminium compounds react with molecules on the skin's surface and with keratin fibres in the sweat ducts, to form plugs which block the ducts, preventing sweat from reaching the surface.'
'In recent years,' she continues, 'there have been concerns raised about the potential adverse effects of aluminium-based products.
'Some reports have suggested that aluminium in deodorant products could increase the risk of breast cancer in women, due to potential oestrogen-like effects of aluminium when it is absorbed into the skin of the underarms.
'In fact, the results of clinical studies are conflicting; but while there has been no clear link established, additional research is required to clarify the relationship.'
Better safe than sorry we reckon. Before you make the swap, check out how we got on with the best aluminium-free deodorants in the beauty biz below:
Katie O'Malley, Digital News Editor
The Deodorant
Modern Botany Deodorant - £25 (approx) BUY
Did It Work?
Modern Botany's très chic deodorant is also an anti-perspirant (rare in the aluminium-free world) which means as well as stopping the post-gym smell, it also helps to reduce the amount of sweat you actually produce. And it worked!
Was It Better Than Your Regular Deodorant?
Honestly, it didn't smell as good, with a strong almost boozy scent that's definitely a love it or hate it situation. But the clear liquid and spray mechanism felt less aggressive than my usual aerosol blast to the armpits.
Would You Stick With It?
For sure. It did the job, is cruelty-free and, in theory, way better for my skin and overall health. Also, the clear bottle looks way more Insta-worthy on my dressing table.
Natasha Bird, Digital Editor
The Deodorant
Dr Hauschka Rose Deodorant - £13 BUY
Did It Work?
Yes it absolutely worked. I don't usually like roll-ons and mostly opt for cream deodorants, but this one dries quickly and doesn't make you feel sticky or weird. And, better yet, it works. I haven't felt the need to reapply and haven't felt any sense of sweating through it.
Was It Better Than Your Regular Deodorant?
I've been a life-long user of a particular cream deodorant (I won't name names) but after discovering it contained aluminium salts and deciding to go aluminium-free, I've struggled to find a better one to switch to. Many of them either smelt quite medical, or they were crystals with no fragrance (I like a bit of fragrance in my deodorant) or they were quite weird (I briefly tried using a vaguely unisex Old Spice gel deodorant and it was supremely odd).
Would You Stick With It?
I'm very keen on aluminim-free deodorants, after a few breast lump scares and wanting to just be quite belt-and-braces about protecting myself from any potentially harmful chemicals, deposits and all that. Overall, I did like it, it felt nice and it certainly worked.
My one caveat is that I really, really dislike rose scented things. I stay away from rose water like the plague. Dr Hauschka do actually sell a sage mint deodorant, so I'd like to try that and see.
George Driver, Digital Beauty Editor
The Deodorant
Aurelia Probiotic Skincare Botanical Cream Deodorant - £18 BUY
Did It Work?
Yes and no. I was a little suspect of the cream-to-powder texture and expected it to feel sticky, aka not great when you're already sweaty, but I was pleasantly surprised. The powder finish stayed true to its promise and had a matte feel. Always nice when you're feeling a little sweaty. I would say it didn't last ages, and that was just sitting in a warm-ish office, so the more active women out there would need to reapply.
Was It Better Than Your Regular Deodorant?
To be honest, I can't recall ever being particularly impressed with my current deodorant so a change of product was welcome. I actually quite liked the fresh herbal scent, however applying my deodorant with my fingertips in place of a spray was kind of weird.
Would You Stick With It?
I'm not sure. I love the brand's natural approach to my armpits, as well as feeling like I'm actually being responsible about my body for once, but it might take a while to get used to spreading my deodorant on with my hands. Just sayin...
Amy Brewster, Social Media Manager
The Deodorant
Aesop Herbal Deodorant - £23 BUY
Did It Work?
It definitely does the job. It lasted from morning right through to my post-work gym session, and I didn't need to use much product either. I hate roll-ons and tend to avoid them as much as possible (they leave you so sticky and make me feel so icky), so the fact that this is a spray is an added bonus. Goodbye, white marks.
Was It Better Than Your Regular Deodorant?
The smell is great – fresh, feminine, light and perfect for summer, so that topped my usual deodorant. Although , I would say it took time to get used to it, but that's because I'm someone who often uses strong perfumes you can catch a whiff of from a mile away after one tiny spray. Also, the bottle is quite small so I can't imagine it lasting very long, especially for the price you're paying.
Would You Stick With It?
I'm not sure if I prefer it to my usual deodorant, but I'll definitely carry on using it until it runs out. Saying that, this is the first aluminium-free deodorant I've ever tried (in hindsight, yikes!), so I'll need to try a few others to realise how brilliant this one potentially is.
Daisy Murray, Digital Writer
The Deodorant
Weleda Sage Deodorant - £8.95 BUY
Did It Work?
It did, I'm not a super sweaty person, though one pit certainly gets more of a spritz than the other. It worked.
Was It Better Than Your Regular Deodorant?
I use a roll-on usually because I don't like how aggressive aerosol cans are, but this has a gentle spray, like perfume, so it's the ideal middle ground. Also I am a habitual tanner so need to find new ways to cut out cancerous potential in my life.Hauschka
Smell wise, I thought I wouldn't like the sage, but actually it was really nice. It gave me an intriguing cassolette. It also comes in rose (which I'm not a huge fan of) and citrus, which I think is going to be great in summer.
Would You Stick With It?
I love it. I wear it every day now, also my smelly boyfriend wears it and it works against even his boy odour. Also, it's what Emma Watson uses, so my armpits are very Watson-chic at the moment.
