So you're ready for a chemical-free deodorant that won't also make you a star at the petting zoo? First let's start with the difference between antiperspirants and deodorants. Antiperspirants use aluminum or some derivative of aluminum (aluminum chloride, aluminum chlorohydrate, ammonium aluminum sulfate, potassium alum, or potassium aluminum sulfate), to block skin pores and prevent perspiration, as the name implies. Deodorants kill the odor-causing bacteria that grow in our sweat and create body odor.

On the whole, antiperspirants contain more harmful chemicals than deodorants, namely aluminum and parabens (a preservative used widely in cosmetics), which may increase the risk of breast cancer. Studies show that these chemicals are easily absorbed into the soft tissue around the underarm, especially if they are applied after shaving. There is also evidence to support a connection between aluminum and nerve damage.

Phthalates, which include various chemical plasticizers, are another ingredient to watch out for in both antiperspirants and deodorants. Phthalates have been found to produce cancer of the liver and birth defects in lab animals, however they are commonly disguised simply as "fragrance" on labels because the FDA does not require personal care product manufacturers to disclose the ingredients in the fragrances they use because these are considered protected trade secrets. To avoid phthalates, choose unscented products, or products using simple essential oils (especially thyme, rosemary, sage, lavender, and tea tree oil—see Burt's Bee's Herbal Deodorant) or botanical sources.

Make sure to read labels and look for a deodorant that's aluminum free, paraben free, and fragrance free or unscented (again, essential oils are okay).

DEODORANT CHEAT SHEET
	Burt's Bees Herbal Deodorant $7.99 Aluminum free. Phthalate free. Sage essential oil acts as a natural antibacterial and is especially refreshing. The spray goes on clean and doesn't stain clothing.
	Tom's of Maine Unscented Natural Deodorant $4.99 Aluminum free. Phthalate free. Goes on smooth and clear. Doesn't stain clothing. Needed reapplication.
	Naturally Fresh Deodorant Crystal $6.95 Aluminum free. Phthalate free. The crystal lasts up to a year. Simply wet the stick to apply, and it dries on your skin in seconds—works like a charm.
	Kiss My Face Active Enzyme Deodorant fragrance-free $4.99 Aluminum free. Phthalate free. Uses baking soda to absorb odor naturally. Goes on clear.
	Adidas 24Hr Control Absorbent-Deo $3.79 Aluminum free. New patented Cotton Tech absorbs wetness naturally, with the strength of an antiperspirant. It does leave a white residue and smells ever so slightly like window cleaner.

More LIME's Guide to Buying