When shopping for personal care and cosmetic products, it's easy to assume that "natural" always means better. But here’s the thing—some natural ingredients can be irritating, unsustainable, or even more harmful than a synthetic alternative. In deodorants and skincare, certain "natural" ingredients might not be as safe or effective as they seem. Let’s break down six natural ingredients to watch out for and why you should skip them.
1. Ozokerite Wax
Commonly Found In: Lip balms, deodorants, foundations, mascaras
Ozokerite wax is a naturally occurring petroleum derivative used to thicken and solidify products like deodorants and lip balms. While it may sound harmless, ozokerite wax is often sourced through environmentally damaging mining practices.
It can lead to systemic chronic inflammation and can also create a heavy, occlusive layer on the skin, potentially trapping bacteria and sweat, which can lead to irritation and clogged pores.
In Europe, it is banned in cosmetics unless the refining process minimizes the presence of toxic impurities.
Not exactly the fresh feeling you want, right?
2. Baking Soda
Commonly Found In: Natural deodorants, exfoliating scrubs, toothpaste
Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) is a popular ingredient in natural deodorants because it absorbs moisture and neutralizes odors. But here’s the catch—its high alkalinity can disrupt your skin’s natural pH balance, leading to irritation, redness, and even painful rashes. Many people switch to natural deodorants hoping to avoid irritation, only to find that baking soda-based formulas make things worse.
3. Palm Oil
Commonly Found In: Soaps, lotions, shampoos, deodorants, makeup
Palm oil itself isn’t always listed on ingredient labels, but it’s hiding in plain sight in ingredients like:
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Glycerin
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Stearic acid
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Cetyl alcohol
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Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and sodium laureth sulfate (SLES)
Palm oil production is linked to deforestation, habitat destruction, and unethical labour practices. While some companies claim to use sustainable palm oil, the industry as a whole remains problematic. Cutting out palm oil and its derivatives is a small but powerful way to make a difference. Look for brands that boast palm alternatives in ingredients like glycerin.
4. Mineral Oil
Commonly Found In: Moisturizers, lip balms, body lotions, deodorants
Mineral oil is a byproduct of petroleum that’s sometimes marketed as a "natural" moisturizer. It forms a barrier on the skin, but instead of locking in hydration, it can clog pores and lead to breakouts. Worse, unrefined mineral oils may contain harmful contaminants.
Common mineral oils to watch for:
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Paraffinum liquidum
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Petrolatum (petroleum jelly)
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Microcrystalline wax
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Ceresin
5. Talc
Commonly Found In: Baby powder, setting powders, eyeshadows, deodorants
Talc is often used to absorb moisture and reduce friction, but here’s the problem—it has been linked to potential asbestos contamination. And asbestos is a known carcinogen. While not all talc is contaminated, the risk is enough to make us say, “No thanks.” In deodorants, talc is sometimes used as an absorbent, but safer options like tapioca starch, found in all SONDR deodorants, get the job done just as well—without the risks.
6. Essential Oils
Commonly Found In: Natural deodorants, perfumes, skincare products, soaps
Essential oils might sound like the ultimate clean beauty ingredient, but they can be highly concentrated and irritating—especially for sensitive skin. Some, like lavender and tea tree oil, can increase photosensitivity or even disrupt hormones when used in high concentrations. Yup, just like their 'non-clean' synthetic counterparts. Sorry to burst your bubble! While they can have benefits in small amounts, they’re not always the best choice for everyday use in deodorant and skincare.
SONDR uses a carefully curated blend of healthy essential oils and botanicals, as well as certified safe synthetics, made without parabens, phthalates, reproductive toxins (or toxins of any kind), carcinogens or endocrine disruptors.
So, What’s the Alternative?
If you’re looking to clean up your personal care routine, opt for products that prioritize safety, sustainability, and skin compatibility. At SONDR, we formulate our deodorants and body care products without these harsh natural ingredients, ensuring they’re gentle on sensitive skin while staying highly effective.