By Hazel Scott

For a decade, Agent Nateur has been at the forefront of clean beauty, crafting formulations that are as effective as they are luxurious. To celebrate our 10-year anniversary, we are relaunching our flagship product—the holi (stick) deodorant.

With the rise of clean beauty, more brands claim to be "natural," yet many still include synthetic fragrances and harmful ingredients in their formulations. When it comes to deodorant, choosing an aluminum-free and synthetic fragrance-free option is more than just a wellness trend—it’s a necessity for your long-term health. There are so many problems caused by aluminum which could easily be avoided by choosing an aluminum-free deodorant.

Why should we avoid aluminum in deodorants?

First and foremost, aluminum is a metal that is toxic to humans in large doses. And as deodorant is a product that we use daily - or more frequently if we’re exercising, showering, getting ready for a social event - this repeated exposure can lead to accumulation in the body over time and create an array of issues. These days, we’re already aware that we should not be cooking with aluminum, and just as importantly, we should not be putting it on our skin. Here are some key considerations:

Blocking natural detoxification - traditional antiperspirants rely on aluminum compounds to block sweat glands, preventing perspiration altogether. However, this disrupts one of the body’s natural detoxification processes—sweating. We need to sweat to help regulate body temperature and flush out toxins, and when this process is hindered, our bodies may struggle to expel harmful substances.

Hormone disruption - aluminum compounds can mimic estrogen in the body and have been linked to concerns about hormone disruption. Estrogen is a key player in cell growth, and research suggests that excessive exposure to estrogen-mimicking chemicals contributes to hormonal imbalances and over time may lead to more serious health concerns.

Potential Neurological Concerns and Consequences - studies have explored potential links between aluminum exposure and neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's, raising questions about its long-term effects on brain health.

Skin Irritation and Sensitivity – aluminum can clog pores, causing inflammation, rashes, and irritation, leading to red, itchy patches, flaking skin, or even underarm blisters - something to be particularly aware of if you have sensitive skin.

Alters Natural Microbiome in the Armpit Area – nobody wants an antiperspirant or deodorant to make them actually smell worse - but aluminum can disrupt the balance of healthy flora on the skin. This leads to thriving colonies of unpleasant smelling bacteria, which in turn leads to stronger odor. 

So if you want to make sure your deodorant is not just effective, but is also natural and safe, our new holi (stick) range will be available to order from March 20 - and this time round we’re really spoiling you with five gorgeous scents to choose from.