✨ A is for Aluminium Compounds – Why is there Aluminium in My Deodorant?!
- Miss Sparkles
- 4 days ago
- 4 min read
Welcome to the second post in the 'A' series of our A–Z of Beauty Baddies – where we shine a sparkly spotlight on the ingredients that might look harmless on the label… but aren’t exactly kind to growing skin.
Today’s culprit? Aluminium compounds – sneaky little things that love to hang out in deodorants, antiperspirants, and even some eyeshadows and sunscreens.
Let’s break it down:
🧪 What Are Aluminium Compounds used for in Deodorant?
Aluminium compounds (like aluminium chlorohydrate and aluminium zirconium) are added to products to block sweat by clogging pores. Sounds helpful, right? But here’s the not-so-sparkly truth…
😬 Why Are Aluminium's a Beauty Baddie?
They Mess With Our Skin
Aluminium compounds work by plugging your sweat glands. This can irritate sensitive skin (especially underarms!) and block your body from doing what it’s meant to do—cool down naturally.
They May Build Up in the Body
Some research suggests aluminium might accumulate in the body over time, which makes some scientists and doctors raise their eyebrows. While studies are ongoing, many parents and health experts say: better safe than sorry!
Not for Growing Bodies
Kids and tweens don’t need heavy-duty sweat stoppers! Sweat is natural—and loading young skin with aluminium doesn’t support healthy development.
Look Out For These Aluminium's on Labels:
Aluminium chlorohydrate
Aluminium zirconium
Aluminium starch octenylsuccinate
Or anything with "aluminum" in the name
Better Choices for Freshness
Instead of aluminium-packed antiperspirants, try:
Natural deodorants made with baking soda (not for those with very young or sensitive skin), magnesium, or zinc
Fragrance-free wipes
Washing regularly and properly with a gentle soap and a sponge/flannel or shower puff (especially during puberty changes!)
Wearing breathable fabrics like cotton
More Natural Deodorant Brands
1. No Pong (Sensitive Formula)
Country: Australia-based
Why it's great: No aluminium, no baking soda (gentler for young skin), creamy paste formula
Bonus: Subtle, natural scent options
Check them out here:
2. Native (Sensitive or Kids line)
Country: USA, but international shipping available
Why it's great: Uses ingredients like coconut oil, shea butter, and magnesium
Bonus: Fun scents in the kids’ range like “Cotton Candy” or “Sweet Peach”
What About “Fragrance” on the Label?
Usually, we say watch out for the word “fragrance” on skincare labels—because it can hide all sorts of mystery chemicals (and companies don’t have to tell us what’s in it 😠).
BUT some brands, like Native, are more transparent and use naturally derived, phthalate-free fragrances—which means no sneaky nasties hiding behind that word.
✨ Sparkle Tip: Make sure the brand is upfront about what “fragrance” means to them (Native lists their ingredients and often explains their scents in detail.)
Here's what they say:
Our goal is to deliver amazing fragrance experiences with perfumes that abide by our high quality & safety standards. To make our unique scents we use a blend of essential oils, safe synthetic oils, and natural extracts. All of our products are phthalate free and paraben free, and we abide by the International Fragrance Regulatory Association (IFRA) guidelines to ensure the safety of our formulations.
Check them out here:
3. Woohoo Body (All Natural Deodorant Paste)
Country: Australia
Why it's great: Baking soda–free options, super gentle, vegan
Bonus: Eco-friendly packaging
Check them out here:
https://www.woohoobody.com.au/
4. Earth Mama Deodorant
Country: USA
Why it's great: Made for sensitive skin = extra gentle for kids
Bonus: USDA Organic, no artificial anything
Check them out here:
https://earthmamaorganics.com/
Tips for Choosing a Tween-Friendly Deodorant:
Look for aluminium-free + fragrance-free (or naturally scented only - see note below)
Avoid baking soda if your child has sensitive skin
Go for magnesium-based or cream/paste formulas for a gentler approach
Choose products made for sensitive skin
Always patch test first!
A Quick Note on "Natural" Ingredients
Just because something is natural doesn’t always mean it’s gentle or safe for everyone.
🌸Even ingredients like essential oils (like lavender, citrus, or tea tree) can cause irritation, especially for kids or people with sensitive skin.
That’s why it’s always sparkle smart to:
Check the full ingredients list — not just the pretty packaging!
Natural = nice, but not always harmless. Always listen to your skin 💖
👩🔬 Miss Sparkles Says:
“Your body is brilliant—it knows how to sweat for a reason! Let’s not plug up the magic. Choose products that work with your skin, not against it.”
🌈 Stay tuned for our next Beauty Baddie — the last of the 'A' series! Can you guess what it might be?
💌 Don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an ingredient reveal! And let me know if you'd like this turned into a newsletter!
Let's glow up the safe way, one ingredient at a time!
Disclaimer:
The product recommendations shared in this post are based on personal research and opinions only. I’m not a medical or skincare professional, and every child’s skin is unique. Always check ingredient lists carefully and do a patch test before trying a new product—especially for kids with sensitive skin or allergies. If you have concerns about any skincare product or ingredient, please consult a healthcare professional or dermatologist. I don’t receive compensation from these brands—just sharing the love for safer, gentler choices!
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