We all love a good workout. Whether it's running or a downward dog, exercising means working up a sweat. But this can also come with a not-so-pleasant body odor! Natural deodorants provide a solution. They use plant-based ingredients with antibacterial properties to keep you smelling fresh, without harmful chemicals that can irritate the skin. This article explores the benefits of using natural deodorant during physical activity.

Why Should You Avoid Commercial Deodorants during Exercise?

When it comes to deciding whether you should make the switch to natural deodorants for your workouts, it can be quite confusing. You scroll through the web, look at the scientific evidence, and think to yourself, well, they aren’t so bad after all. Well, think again. Recent research suggests that the compounds found in conventional deodorants, such as aluminum, triclosan, phthalates, and PEGs, may increase the risk of Alzheimer's disease, breast cancer, and reproductive issues. 

When we exercise, our lymphatic system is activated, which helps our body eliminate toxins. Applying harmful chemicals to our armpits while working out is counterproductive. It's like adding more trash to an already overflowing bin. Our armpits and skin are focused on eliminating, so why add to the toxic burden? That's why choosing natural deodorants like Tanaman is a better option for overall health and well-being.

Are There Benefits to Making the Shift to a Natural Deodorant? 

If you're hesitant to switch from a conventional deodorant to a natural alternative because you are concerned about b.o., fear not! Here are 6 compelling reasons why you should use natural deodorants during exercise. 

1. Let’s Your Body Sweat Naturally 

The key advantage of natural deodorants is that they do not have aluminum compounds that obstruct the sweat glands in the armpits, which is why they work differently from conventional deodorants. Instead, they contain essential oils that balance the bacteria on your skin, allowing you to perspire naturally during physical activity and your body to function as intended.

2. Gets Rid of B.O.

Natural deodorants use essential oils to combat body odor by targeting the bacteria on the skin that cause it. What do bacteria have to do with sweating?

It turns out B.O. isn’t caused by sweating; it's actually the combination of sweat and certain bacteria on the skin that produces the unpleasant smell. Among numerous bacteria present on the human skin, certain bacteria species break down our sweat and create smelly thioalcohols that give off scents like onions, sulfur, or meat– the familiar odor we know as body odor.

Unlike traditional deodorants that prevent sweating chemically, essential oils work by maintaining a healthy skin microbiome. These oils contain terpenes, which encourage the growth of beneficial bacteria while inhibiting the growth of unfavorable bacteria responsible for body odor.

Essential oils like tea tree and sandalwood have antibacterial effects against body odor-causing bacteria. In recent studies, lemongrass, bergamot, and sweet orange oils are found to be effective against 22 bacterial strains and fungi. Tanaman deodorants contain some of these essential oils, keeping you fresh and odor-free during workouts.

3. Safe and Non-Toxic 

Unlike conventional deodorants, natural deodorants are free from harmful chemicals and are made from plant-based ingredients that are safe for your health.

Aluminum is found in almost every mainstream antiperspirant because it blocks sweat effectively. The problem is that it artificially changes your skin microbiome, negatively affecting how your body responds to sweat production. Many studies also link it to several long-term adverse health events. 

4. Doesn’t Irritate the Skin

Conventional deodorants contain synthetic fragrances and irritants, such as aluminum, preservatives, and dyes, that can trigger allergic reactions and irritate your armpits. Natural deodorants, on the other hand, are free from these harmful ingredients and are gentle on the skin. Fragrances in conventional deodorants can contain up to 3,000 toxic chemicals, leading to allergic reactions, asthma, and hay fever. 

Choosing natural deodorants helps you to avoid preservatives like Diazolidinyl urea and Methylchloroisothiazolinone, as well as metals like aluminium that can cause irritation and contact dermatitis. Additionally, baking soda, which is a popular ingredient in natural deodorants, can be a skin irritant for some.  If you're one of the 1 in 10 people who are sensitive to it, try a baking-soda-free option like Tanaman. 

5. Sustainable and Eco-friendly 

If protecting the environment is important to you, selecting personal care products that reflect your values is crucial. Choosing natural deodorants made with biodegradable ingredients and packaging that decomposes is a great way to align your personal care routine with your environmental concerns. Unlike conventional deodorants that use plastic packaging that can take thousands of years to decompose and harm the planet, natural deodorants like Tanaman use paper packaging and are 100% environmentally friendly. By making the switch to natural deodorants, you can take a step towards promoting a healthier planet.

6. Keeps your Skin Moisturized

While odor-management is the key goal of a deodorant, having extra ingredients that soothe and moisturize your skin is always a win. 

Deodorants that contain hydrating ingredients keep your pits soft and allow the deodorant to glide on smoothly and not stick to clothing. Tanaman contains shea butter and aloe vera to moisturize your skin, while providing it with antioxidant, antimicrobial and vitamin E support.

Try it out for yourself! 

If you’re ready to make the switch to a natural deodorant, explore and test our scents in stores across Bali and Lombok.