What are we putting on our skin?

What you should now about traditional deodorants and chemical absorption over time

Our skin is more than just a barrier — it’s a gateway. Everything we put on it — lotions, perfumes, sunscreen, deodorants — can be absorbed, even if just a little at a time. And while that might seem harmless, the daily accumulation of synthetic ingredients can have more impact than we think.

Have you ever taken a closer look at what’s in your deodorant? It’s one of the most-used products in our routines, applied daily, often for years, and always on a sensitive area — close to lymph nodes, breast tissue, and sweat glands. That’s why it’s worth pausing, flipping the label, and understanding what each of those complex-sounding ingredients is actually doing.

This blog isn’t here to scare you. It’s here to open your eyes. Because the more we know about what we put on our skin, the more intentional we can be — especially when cleaner, safer alternatives exist.

1. Why it matters what we put on our skin

Yes, our skin absorbs. That’s something we often forget. While it doesn’t absorb the same way our digestive or respiratory systems do, studies show that certain compounds — especially those that are fat-soluble and have a low molecular weight — can pass through the skin barrier, reach deeper layers, and even enter the bloodstream.

Things like skin type, how often we apply a product, the area of the body, and even whether the skin is freshly shaved or irritated can all affect absorption. And the underarms? They’re particularly vulnerable — the skin is thin, often broken from shaving, and rich in blood vessels and lymph nodes.

That’s why it really matters what we apply there — every single day.

2. What’s actually inside conventional deodorants?

Most traditional deodorants — especially antiperspirants — are packed with ingredients designed to do a specific job. But those same ingredients can also have side effects worth paying attention to.

Here are some of the most common ones:

• Aluminum salts: These work by temporarily blocking your pores to reduce sweating.
• Parabens: Synthetic preservatives that prevent bacteria growth, but can also mimic hormones.
• Triclosan: An antibacterial agent linked to microbiome imbalance and skin sensitivity.
• Phthalates & synthetic fragrance: Often hidden behind the word “fragrance,” these chemicals help scents last longer but are also flagged as potential endocrine disruptors.

Yes, these ingredients are allowed in personal care products — within limits. But when you layer them on your skin daily, over years, and combine them with other products containing similar chemicals… that’s when questions start to arise.

3. How can these ingredients affect our health over time?

Let’s be clear: there’s no definitive proof that aluminum in deodorant causes cancer or Alzheimer’s. But there also aren’t long-term studies confirming that daily, lifelong use has no effect at all. The absence of proof isn’t proof of absence.

Parabens, for example, have been found in breast tissue samples, suggesting they can pass through the skin. Some lab studies show they mimic estrogen in the body, raising concerns about hormonal disruption — though the debate is ongoing.

Triclosan has been shown to disrupt the skin’s microbiome, increase bacterial resistance, and interfere with immune responses. It’s even been found in the urine of people who use it regularly.

Phthalates and synthetic fragrance components are also under scrutiny. Research links them to hormonal changes, fertility concerns, and even metabolic issues in high-exposure scenarios.

This doesn’t mean a single swipe of deodorant is dangerous. But when you use the same chemical cocktail every day, year after year — it makes sense to take a closer look.

4. So, what’s the alternative?

Thankfully, there is a better option. And it doesn’t have to be complicated.

Natural deodorants have come a long way. Today’s formulas are free of aluminum, parabens, and triclosan, and instead rely on simple, body-friendly ingredients like baking soda, cornstarch, tea tree oil, magnesium, or probiotics.

They don’t stop you from sweating — and that’s a good thing. Instead, they help neutralize odor by supporting the natural balance of bacteria on your skin.

Transitioning to natural deodorant can take some time. You might sweat more or notice a stronger smell at first — that’s normal. Your body is adjusting, rebalancing, and releasing what’s built up over time. Once you get through the detox phase, most people find they actually sweat less, smell better, and feel more in tune with their body.

Blog: How to transition to a natural deodorant

Simpler. Cleaner. More conscious.

This isn’t about fear — it’s about awareness. What we put on our skin matters. It matters for our health, for our well-being, and even for the planet. Choosing cleaner products isn’t a trend — it’s a return to what makes sense: trusting that our bodies know what to do, and supporting them gently instead of overwhelming them.

Because sometimes, protection doesn’t mean covering things up — it means letting your body breathe.