Learn More About Why Aluminum Is So Harmful In Kids Deodorant

Your child growing up might cause some flashbacks to your youth. The awkward age where deodorant becomes necessary arrives before you know it, and of course, you want your child to do everything they can to take care of themselves and minimize embarrassment among their peers. Deodorants or antiperspirants are both ways to combat sweat and body odor, but some antiperspirants contain harmful chemicals that could cause problems later in life. 

Parents want to give children the best possible tools for self-care, and skincare is no exception. With a dizzying variety of products, it’s hard to choose the right deodorant for kids. 

Click here for a natural deodorant option and read on to see why nature is a better choice.  

Deodorant Vs. Antiperspirant: What’s The Difference?

These terms are often used interchangeably, but they’re not the same thing. First, it helps to understand why either item is needed to begin with. Sweat itself is odorless, but bacteria that live on your skin feed off armpit sweat, and that’s what causes the unpleasant smell.

Deodorants have ingredients to prevent bacteria growth, so you’ll still produce sweat, but it won’t include the stink that often accompanies it. Antiperspirants temporarily block pores from releasing sweat at all, so there’s nothing for bacteria to feed on. Some products combine the two, reducing both sweat and odors.

The other difference lies in the ingredients. Antiperspirants include aluminum, which may increase cancer risk and Alzheimer’s risk. Deodorants often have other less harmful things that act to reduce sweat.

Imagine A Deodorant For Kids That Won’t Irritate Their Skin

Kids need a healthy skin. Rashes are unsightly and uncomfortably itchy—nobody likes having a rash. Preservatives, aluminum, and synthetic fragrance often cause skin eruptions and are exceedingly uncomfortable. 

Natural deodorant for kids means no harsh chemicals, dyes, or fragrances. They are free of parabens, sulfates, and phthalates, and some companies also pledge to make cruelty-free products. Kids with sensitive skin will benefit from the lack of common irritants typically found in antiperspirants. 

Is Aluminum As Scary As It Sounds?

There are two negative associations with aluminum. One is that it increases the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. This comes from a study done in 1965 where scientists found that rabbits injected with a high dose of aluminum developed similar brain patterns to Alzheimer’s patients. This has been studied extensively since then, and while there isn’t a definitive link between the two, it’s an unnecessary risk you don’t need to take.

The other concern is that it may be absorbed into your skin and increase your risk for breast cancer. This has been studied too with a similar conclusion: it’s not definite, but why take the risk if you don’t have to?

Kids Deserve Safe, Natural Products

Now, there are so many deodorants that don’t have potentially harmful chemicals and fragrances, especially aluminum. It may take some time to find a product that works for your kids, but why not start with a natural deodorant for kids? It’s worth the peace of mind.