Aluminum in Deodorants: Three Reasons Why Everyone Should Avoid Aluminum in Deodorants

Many health-conscious people are now concerned about the chemicals that accumulate in the body, for example, through pesticides in the air we breathe or the food we eat. The popularity of organic food and various detox routines is growing—and for good reason. Increasingly, people are becoming aware of the risks associated with aluminum, which is often used as an ingredient in deodorants.

Minna Uusitalo of Rimita Green believes that using an aluminum-free deodorant is one of the most important wellness actions a person can take for themselves. Having thoroughly researched the functionality and ingredients of deodorants, she lists three key reasons why everyone should choose an aluminum-free deodorant.

1. Excessive aluminum exposure increases the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. Excessive accumulation of aluminum in the body can affect the central nervous system. Studies conducted on mice have also suggested that excessive exposure to aluminum may increase the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. Aluminum promotes the clumping of tau proteins. The accumulation of tau proteins in certain parts of the brain can impair cognitive functions (e.g., memory, learning, attention, and regulation of actions).

2. Aluminum can accumulate in the body. Since aluminum is the third most common element in the Earth’s crust, it’s clear that humans are constantly exposed to it—whether they want to be or not. However, aluminum becomes problematic when it accumulates in the body in excessive amounts and the body is unable to effectively eliminate it. There are indications that aluminum may not be removed from the body through normal detoxification processes involving the liver and kidneys but instead accumulates in the body. Over time, the amount of aluminum in the body can grow significantly. Therefore, it’s clear that one should not intentionally increase the body’s aluminum load by applying aluminum-containing deodorant to their armpits. The challenge with aluminum in deodorants is that it enters the body specifically through the armpits. Lymph nodes are located near the armpits, and through these glands, aluminum is effectively “fed” into the body during deodorant application.

3. Aluminum blocks the normal functioning of sweat glands. Aluminum is used in deodorants because it forms a layer on the surface of sweat glands, preventing sweating. However, dry armpits come at a cost: blocking the normal function of sweat glands negatively impacts the body’s temperature regulation and toxin removal processes. The natural and most important function of sweating is to regulate body temperature. When the important work of sweat glands in the armpits is blocked by aluminum-containing antiperspirants, we harm the body’s temperature regulation. In addition to the liver, kidneys, and lungs, the skin is one of the body’s four detoxifying organs. The skin removes toxins from the body through sweat glands by sweating. When the function of sweat glands is blocked by an aluminum-containing antiperspirant, the body’s natural detoxification process is disrupted.

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Don’t block sweat—block sweat odor!

Sweat is a saline solution secreted by sweat glands that contains, in addition to water, toxins, minerals, lactic and amino acids, and urea. These components of sweat are odorless: clean sweat does not smell.

The reason for sweat odor is the bacteria residing on the skin’s surface, which cause the sweat to smell. The effectiveness of Rimita deodorants is based on their antibacterial properties: essential oils (lavender, rosemary, lemon, and chamomile) used as ingredients in the deodorants neutralize bacteria, preventing sweat odor. RimitaDeos are therefore body-friendly companions: they keep unwanted odors at bay without disrupting the important function of sweat glands.

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The possible link between excessive aluminum intake and Alzheimer’s disease

There is controversy over whether the aluminum in deodorants (or excessive aluminum exposure in general) increases the risk of Alzheimer’s disease: there are studies both supporting and opposing this. However, since the connection between aluminum and the most common form of dementia has not been definitively disproven in studies, many people believe it’s safer to avoid aluminum-containing deodorants.

In a study published on PubMed, biochemistry PhD Lucija Tomljenovic, for example, shows that aluminum can penetrate the blood-brain barrier in small amounts. Similarly, Tomljenovic’s research indicates that aluminum selectively accumulates most in the parts of the brain that are particularly affected by Alzheimer’s disease (e.g., the amygdala, hippocampus, and entorhinal cortex). The study also found that the brains of individuals with Alzheimer’s disease contain 3-4 times more aluminum compared to healthy brains. Additionally, in rat studies, aluminum was found to cause neuropathological changes typical of Alzheimer’s disease.

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Antibacterial eco-deodorant without aluminum, baking soda, or alcohol

RimitaDeos, which are also excellent for sensitive skin, of course, do not contain aluminum. They also do not contain baking soda or alcohol, both of which can cause itching in the armpits of sensitive-skinned individuals. The fragrance-free Sensitive version of RimitaDeo is particularly suitable for those with very sensitive skin and scent sensitivities. In addition to fragrances, both limonene and linalool, which many people are sensitive to, have been removed from it. However, there has been no compromise on the effectiveness of Rimita’s Sensitive deodorant: it keeps unwanted odors at bay just as effectively as the scented RimitaDeos.

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Rimita deodorants are suitable for everyone

In addition to their effectiveness, what makes Rimita deodorants particularly special is their suitability for the armpits of all heroes. These highly praised unisex deodorants are perfect, for example, as a first deodorant for a teenager or as a gentle armpit companion for a pregnant person. Rimita deodorants also offer users everyday aromatherapy: the deodorants, which derive their scent from essential oils obtained through steam distillation of plants, bring a touch of the therapeutic powers of scents right at the start of the day. For example, RimitaDeo Raikas (Fresh) smells of refreshing, energizing, and mood-lifting lemon. RimitaDeo Metsä (Forest), on the other hand, pampers the senses with a grounding, invigorating, and respiratory-soothing scent of pine. One of the biggest positive actions you can take for your body is to choose a natural deodorant instead of a chemical-laden one. By choosing RimitaDeo, you’re doing good for both yourself and nature!

• RimitaDeo was the first natural deodorant that worked for me, says Minna Uusitalo, who previously tested dozens of different eco-deodorants.

It’s no wonder that she recommends RimitaDeos to everyone. Rimita deodorants are also an excellent choice for those who want to switch from an aluminum-containing deodorant to a natural version. It’s a good idea to change your attitude towards sweating: don’t fight the sweat itself but focus on preventing sweat odor. And that’s precisely what RimitaDeos take very special care of. A great choice for a first RimitaDeo is the Original version, which was has been chosen as:

• The best natural deodorant in the Nordic countries (Nordic Natural Beauty Awards 2023)
• The best ecological deodorant in Sweden (Skönhetsredaktörerna, Aftonbladet, 2024)
• The best product in its category by Ruohonjuuri in Finland (2019)

BONUS: Rimita deodorants are not only kind to the environment and your armpits but also to your clothes: these deodorants won’t stain your shirts or leave marks on your party dresses. And of course, best of all: Rimita deodorants, which draw their power from natural ingredients, really work!

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