It happens to the best of us. Puberty hits, and our bodies start to change. And that includes our body odor. It may not be one of the most pleasant topics to discuss, but it is a common issue that we at Skinny & Co. aim to solve with a natural deodorant option.

How does deodorant work?

To start, you have to understand what causes body odor, and that’s bacteria. In fact, there are approximately one million bacteria per square inch on your armpits. These bacteria interact with the fats and proteins your body releases when it sweats.

This is where deodorant comes into play. In most cases, deodorant contains chemicals that kill or block all of the bacteria on your armpits which then prevents the smell of body odor. Our natural, coconut oil works in a similar way but without the use of chemicals like aluminum and parabens.

What’s the problem with parabens and aluminum?

Parabens (such as butylparaben, methylparaben, and propylparaben) are preservatives that have a well-intentioned history dating back to the early to mid-1900s. Since then, they have been used in products such as cosmetics to prevent bacteria growth, keeping people healthier and making products last longer. And while that’s all good and well, the fact of the matter is that there are also some health concerns attached to them.

The health concerns of parabens date back to the 1990s when they were deemed xenoestrogens which are agents that mimic estrogen in the body. As a result, they can cause “estrogen disruption” which has been linked to cancer and issues with reproduction. In fact, there was even an early 2000s study that found parabens present in malignant breast cancer tumors. Because of this, many experts recommend consumers limit paraben use in cosmetics.

Unfortunately, aluminum compounds such as aluminum chlorohydrate and aluminum zirconium tetrachlorohydrex gly— commonly used to plug the sweat ducts in your armpits to prevent sweating—are just as common in most deodorants today. We say “unfortunately” because they carry with them the same health issues as parabens. There have even been clinical studies that found evidence of breast cancer in the “upper outer quadrant” of the breast: the area closest to the underarm where deodorant is applied. Some say this is a clear connection between breast cancer and locally-applied aluminum deodorant.

Use coconut oil deodorant as a natural deodorant alternative

At Skinny & Co., we do not believe in added chemicals when there are healthier, natural options available, including coconut oil and essential oils. That’s why all of our products are made from 5 ingredients or fewer, and why we offer our own deodorant as an alternative.

Our coconut oil deodorant helps soothe and soften skin while providing protection against even the worst odor caused by wetness and bacteria. This is possible due to a combination of antibacterial oil with other proven odor-fighting ingredients like baking soda and real plant extracts. Lavender is also added for an aluminum- and paraben-free formula.

Make your first purchase of Skinny & Co. deodorant today and leave us a comment letting us know what you think about it!