Deodorant Ingredients Guide

Deodorants are a staple in personal hygiene routines, helping to keep us fresh and odor-free throughout the day. However, not all deodorants are created equal. Many contain a variety of ingredients, some of which can be concerning due to potential health risks, while others are generally considered safe. To help you make informed choices about the products you use, we have compiled a comprehensive Deodorant Ingredients Guide of common deodorant ingredients.

Each ingredient is categorized based on its potential health impact, with descriptions of what it is and why it might be concerning or safe.

Read on to learn more about what’s in your deodorant and make better decisions for your health and well-being.

Concerning Ingredients

1. Aluminum

• Description: A metal used to block sweat ducts.
• Reason: Linked to breast cancer and Alzheimer’s disease, though studies are inconclusive.
• Wikipedia link

1. Aluminum Chlorohydrate

• Description: An aluminum salt that reduces sweat production.
• Reason: Similar concerns as general aluminum; used to block sweat ducts.
• Wikipedia link

1. Aluminum Sesquichlorohydrate

• Description: Another type of aluminum salt used in antiperspirants.
• Reason: Similar health concerns as other aluminum compounds.
• Wikipedia link

1. Parabens

• Description: Preservatives used to prevent microbial growth.
• Reason: Potential endocrine disruptors; linked to breast cancer.
• Wikipedia link

1. Triclosan

• Description: Antibacterial and antifungal agent.
• Reason: Linked to hormonal disruptions and may contribute to antibiotic resistance.
• Wikipedia link

1. Fragrance

• Description: A blend of chemicals used to add scent.
• Reason: Can contain undisclosed chemicals; potential allergens and irritants.
• Wikipedia link

1. Propylene Glycol

• Description: A humectant and solvent.
• Reason: Can cause skin irritation and allergic reactions.
• Wikipedia link

1. Talc

• Description: A mineral used to absorb moisture.
• Reason: Contamination concerns with asbestos; potential link to cancer.
• Wikipedia link

1. BHT (Butylated Hydroxytoluene)

• Description: An antioxidant used to preserve the product.
• Reason: Potential carcinogen and endocrine disruptor.
• Wikipedia link

1. Cyclopentasiloxane
   • Description: A silicone used to give a silky texture.
   • Reason: Suspected endocrine disruptor and may harm the environment.
   • Wikipedia link
2. Dimethicone
   • Description: A silicone used as a skin conditioning agent.
   • Reason: Can cause skin irritation and has potential environmental concerns.
   • Wikipedia link

Deodorant Ingredients Guide – Less Concerning Ingredients

12. Baking Soda (Sodium Bicarbonate)
    • Description: An alkaline substance used to neutralize odor.
    • Reason: Can cause skin irritation in some people.
    • Wikipedia link
13. Alcohol
    • Description: Used as a solvent and preservative.
    • Reason: Can dry out and irritate the skin.
    • Wikipedia link
14. Stearyl Alcohol
    • Description: A fatty alcohol used as an emollient.
    • Reason: Generally safe but can cause minor skin irritation.
    • Wikipedia link
15. PPG-14 Butyl Ether
    • Description: Used as a solvent and fragrance fixative.
    • Reason: Can cause skin irritation.
    • Wikipedia link
16. Cetyl Palmitate
    • Description: A fatty ester used as a skin conditioning agent.
    • Reason: Generally safe but can cause minor skin irritation.
    • Wikipedia link
17. Hydrogenated Castor Oil
    • Description: Used as an emollient and thickener.
    • Reason: Generally safe but can cause minor skin irritation.
    • Wikipedia link
18. Cetearyl Alcohol
    • Description: A fatty alcohol used as an emulsifier.
    • Reason: Generally safe but can cause minor skin irritation.
    • Wikipedia link
19. Palmitic Acid
    • Description: A fatty acid used as an emulsifier and surfactant.
    • Reason: Generally safe but can cause minor skin irritation.
    • Wikipedia link
20. Stearic Acid
    • Description: A fatty acid used as an emulsifier and thickener.
    • Reason: Generally safe but can cause minor skin irritation.
    • Wikipedia link
21. Steareth-2
    • Description: An emulsifying agent.
    • Reason: Generally safe but can cause minor skin irritation.
    • Wikipedia link
22. Steareth-21
    • Description: An emulsifying agent.
    • Reason: Generally safe but can cause minor skin irritation.
    • Wikipedia link
23. Myristic Acid
    • Description: A fatty acid used as an emulsifier.
    • Reason: Generally safe but can cause minor skin irritation.
    • Wikipedia link
24. Arachidic Acid
    • Description: A fatty acid used as an emulsifier.
    • Reason: Generally safe but can cause minor skin irritation.
    • Wikipedia link
25. Oleic Acid
    • Description: A fatty acid used as an emulsifier.
    • Reason: Generally safe but can cause minor skin irritation.
    • Wikipedia link
26. Pentaerythrityl Tetra-di-t-butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate
    • Description: An antioxidant used to stabilize the product.
    • Reason: Generally safe but can cause minor skin irritation.
    • Wikipedia link

Deodorant Ingredients Guide – Safe Ingredients

27. Essential Oils
    • Description: Natural oils extracted from plants used for fragrance and antibacterial properties.
    • Wikipedia link
28. Coconut Oil
    • Description: A natural oil used as a moisturizer and antimicrobial agent.
    • Wikipedia link
29. Shea Butter
    • Description: A natural fat used for moisturizing.
    • Wikipedia link
30. Glycerin
    • Description: A humectant used to draw moisture into the skin.
    • Wikipedia link
31. Silica
    • Description: Used to absorb moisture.
    • Wikipedia link
32. Arrowroot Powder
    • Description: A natural starch used to absorb moisture.
    • Wikipedia link
33. Vitamin E
    • Description: An antioxidant used for skin conditioning.
    • Wikipedia link
34. Aqua (Water)
    • Description: Used as a solvent.
    • Wikipedia link
35. Zinc Oxide
    • Description: A mineral used for its antibacterial properties.
    • Wikipedia link
36. Magnesium Hydroxide
    • Description: Used to neutralize odor-causing bacteria.
    • Wikipedia link
37. Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
    • Description: Used as an emollient.
    • Wikipedia link
38. Potassium Alum
    • Description: A natural mineral used as an astringent.
    • Wikipedia link
39. Poloxamer 407 – Description: Used as an emulsifier. Wikipedia link
40. Triethyl Citrate
    • Description: Used to control odor.
    • Wikipedia link
41. Limonene
    • Description: A natural compound used for fragrance.
    • Wikipedia link
42. Linalool
    • Description: A natural compound used for fragrance.
    • Wikipedia link
43. Benzyl Alcohol
    • Description: Used as a preservative and solvent.
    • Wikipedia link
44. Sodium Stearate
    • Description: Used as a surfactant and emulsifier.
    • Wikipedia link
45. Citric Acid
    • Description: Used to adjust pH.
    • Wikipedia link
46. Glyceryl Stearate
    • Description: Used as an emulsifier and stabilizer.
    • Wikipedia link
47. Aloe Vera Extract
    • Description: Used for its soothing and moisturizing properties.
    • Wikipedia link

If you want to learn more about the key effective ingredients, see our Effective Deodorant Ingredients page: