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What Everyone Ought to Know About Crystal Deodorant Stones
When consumers buy crystal deodorant products that are labeled “natural” they are assuming that the products are actually natural. But, that is not always the case. After countless hours of reading Blogs, chemistry forums, manufacturer websites, and speaking with industry know-it-alls, it was made very apparent that the crystal deodorant market is saturated with “natural” deodorant stones that are in fact synthetically manufactured to replicate the natural counterpart.30 years ago no one even knew what a natural deodorant stone was. But now that demand for crystal deodorant stones has drastically increased, companies are trying to find cheaper ways to produce and sell the product, hence the evolution of the synthetic deodorant stone, which is now dominating the once all-natural market.
Since brands are abusing the consumers’ trust, and tip-toeing unregulated terms like natural, we, as consumers, need to arm ourselves with a keen eye, and most importantly educate ourselves about what the product really is and is not.
Natural Deodorant Stones vs. Synthetic Deodorant Stones
There are two types of crystal deodorant stones, one which is an entirely natural occurring mineral, and the other which is chemically manufactured. The natural deodorant stone is extracted directly from the Earth, cut, shaped, polished and packaged.
The natural deodorant stone is a white, translucent crystalline stone that contains fracture veins. It is odorless, chemical free, alcohol free, hypoallergenic, non-sticky, non-staining, and non-irritating. It is routinely mined throughout the world, especially around the Mediterranean and Andes.
The synthetic deodorant stone is chemically manufactured using Aluminium hydroxide (ATH) and acid. After an extensive phase of chemical reactions and mixtures, the final product is a synthetic alum powder. The alum powder is then pressed to form deodorant stones, which appear as a white, opaque, solid stone.
However, beyond the obvious difference of one stone being natural and one being synthetic, there is also a visual difference. The presence of Aluminium hydroxide in the manufacturing process of the synthetic deodorant stone results in the stone appearing completely opaque, whereas the natural deodorant stone is translucent.
There is a lot of discussion in industry circles regarding the use of aluminum in deodorants and what harmful effects, if any, it has on the body. Crystal deodorant brands that claim to be natural are in fact not natural, and the same uncertainty and misleading claims occur when it comes to aluminum in deodorant and crystal deodorant stones. As a result of extensive research, I have concluded that synthetic deodorant stones are manufactured using Aluminium hydroxide (ATH), but I will leave the causality of any harmful effects up to the experts.
As the crystal deodorant market does not clearly define or factually label their products, it seems only fitting that the harmful effects of aluminum are also uncertain. Studies of deodorants and cancer have provided conflicting results, and additional research is needed to investigate this relationship and other factors that may be involved. You can read more about this topic at the National Cancer Institute Website or learn about aluminum hydroxide as stated by the Environmental Working Group.
Side-By-Side Comparison: Synthetic vs. Natural Deodorant Stone
Since we now know that synthetic deodorant stones contain Aluminium hydroxide (ATH), and as a result appear as a whitish, opaque stone; and natural deodorant stones are translucent and contain fracture veins, we can clearly see the differences shown below.
So, in conclusion, don’t trust the label. Just cause it says it is natural does not mean it really is. As in the above photo, both products were labeled natural, but clearly the one on the right is translucent and contains veins, meaning that it is actually natural; and the deodorant stone on the left is completely opaque and is therefore synthetic. Until the term “natural” becomes more regulated with stricter standards, the best judge for the true origin of the deodorant stone is your own eye.
3 Responses for “What Everyone Ought to Know About Crystal Deodorant Stones”
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What if the products are advertised as entirely natural???
Well it depends if the claims are being made by the company, or if their ‘entirely natural’ advertisement is backed up by a trustworthy certification. There are many internationally recognized natural certification organizations that provide a certifiable seal.
With regards to crystal deodorants the best way to determine the true origins is visually, as some natural certifications accept synthetic ingredients if they are nearly identical to the natural counterpart, as well as accepting a small percentage of inorganic materials.
I have been looking for naturally mined deodorant salt and have had no luck. Could you share which brand the natural deodorant that you pictured is and where I could buy that? Thank you.