Should Your Clients Switch to a Natural Deodorant?

When we think about natural products in the spa industry, we tend to focus on the brands that we use in our treatment services or our skin care lines. But it’s worth noting that your clients are looking for products they can interact with every day to improve their quality of life through natural, beneficial ingredients, which is why natural deodorants have seen an increase in interest.

While clients are looking for these more sustainable products, they may still be wary of natural deodorants and their effectiveness. The stigma that natural products have better formulations but come with a lower efficacy is something that impacts cleanliness products even more. Is it even possible for natural ingredients to provide the same results as the product they can find at their local department store?

The simple answer is: yes. Natural deodorant has come a long way, and there are many brands focused on bringing it into the mainstream. Celebrities are even using natural deodorant as their stepping stone into the personal care market. It’s a huge revenue pool that is constantly growing.

But what makes natural deodorants different and beneficial? And what kind of products should you carry in your retail space?

Natural deodorant removes many of the controversial ingredients in standard deodorizer formulations for botanical replacements that carry the same effects. There are key differences that set natural deodorant apart from what’s available in most drug and department stores:

Aluminum-Free

• When your clients look into natural deodorant, they’re going to see mentions of “aluminum-free.” Many standard deodorants and antiperspirants that are available include aluminum as one of their key ingredients to help stop underarm wetness and plug sweat glands. There are currently many studies researching the possible links between aluminum usage, cancer, and Alzheimer's, but the consensus is still murky.
• However, aluminum is still known to be an irritant for the skin, and can be especially harmful when used alongside cuts or small nicks from shaving. It can also block pores and, in some cases, make body odor smell even worse. Studies have found that use of aluminum-based antiperspirants can often lead to the formation of a larger amount of bacteria, which is what causes unwelcome body odor.

Natural Ingredients

• These products work with natural actives to give you the results you expect from a deodorant without the harmful ingredients that are often seen in products on store shelves. One of the major issues in deodorizers is the use of synthetic fragrance. Per FDA regulations, synthetic fragrances can contain anything under the umbrella of “trade secrets,” so you often don’t know exactly what’s in the product you’re using. Natural deodorants use combinations of essential oils and other natural ingredients to give you that same neutralizing freshness without the mystery.

Antiperspirants

• It’s a common misconception that underarm sweat is something you need to prevent entirely. In fact, sweating is actually very healthy, and you don’t need products to keep you completely dry. Antiperspirants often use ingredients that block pores so that sweat is minimal. But the body often uses sweat to expel toxins, so when the pores are blocked, you’re missing out on this natural benefit.
• If your clients are thinking that natural deodorants are bad because they don’t keep them completely dry, let them know sweating is actually a good thing.

Now that we know a bit more about natural deodorant, it’s worth looking into what products should live on your shelves and as service enhancements for your spa. One of the absolute best products on the market is Freedom™ Deodorant. Freedom offers products that will give your clients 24-hour odor protection without the use of aluminum, parabens, or phthalates.

With Freedom, you can provide your client options, like classic sticks, roll-ons, or sprays. While they make perfect additions to your retail area, the sprays are also a great choice for boosting freshness in your locker rooms or treatment spaces. These options, along with its natural effectiveness, make Freedom a great product for repeat purchases.

Whatever you choose, you’re sure to give your clients the confidence that switching to a natural deodorant is the way to go. It’s just one more way that you can show your clients that you’re their go-to information hub when it comes to personal care, which will always keep them coming back for more.