Don’t Sweat It: The Best Deodorant During Pregnancy
Deodorant is an everyday product most of us don't think about. During pregnancy, though, many people start reading labels more closely.
Some choose to avoid ingredients like aluminum, parabens or added fragrance while pregnant. That's a personal preference: there's no good evidence that regular antiperspirant or deodorant use harms a baby.
Pregnancy can make you sweat more and change how scents affect you, so a gentle, low-fragrance product may simply feel better.
But does that mean pregnant women have to deal with sweaty armpits for nine months?
Not at all! So you don’t have to “sweat” about it, we've already found the best deodorant during pregnancy for you to use.
Criteria
Pregnancy can be an exciting time, but also a stressful one. You’re constantly told what you should and shouldn’t be doing, what to eat, how to sleep, and more.
Your deodorant doesn't need to be one of your worries, but it's fair to want to know what's in it.
Aluminum in antiperspirants has been debated because of possible links with cancer. The National Cancer Institute says no scientific evidence links these products to breast cancer.
Antiperspirants reduce sweating, while deodorants only cover or reduce odor. Many products combine both.
Natural deodorants can control odor, but most won't reduce sweat the way an antiperspirant does. If you want a natural option, one example is Bali Secrets Natural Deodorant.
Bali Secrets Natural Deodorant
Bali Secrets Natural Deodorant is a vegan, plant-based roll-on.
The ingredient list has been short. Check the current label, but it has included:
Seaweed extract, coconut oil, natural mineral salt, aloe vera gel, distilled water, alcohol, and essential oils like rose and lavender.
The mineral salt helps limit the bacteria that cause odor. Note that mineral salt (alum) is itself an aluminum compound, so it isn't aluminum-free in the strictest sense.
The brand has pointed to ingredient ratings from the Environmental Working Group (EWG.org,) but EWG ratings are not a safety approval.
Shake it, apply a thin layer, and let it dry. A small amount goes a long way.
Essential oils like rose and lavender can irritate sensitive skin, so patch-test it first. Reviewers who like it say it works well on odor.
Many have said they have tried other natural deodorants in the past but haven’t had the same results they get with Bali Secrets.
Pros & Cons
It usually costs more than a drugstore deodorant, but a bottle lasts a while because you only need a little.
It works for everyday use, pregnant or not.
This isn’t just great for pregnant women. The scents are appealing for both men and women. Pretty much anyone who’s wanting a more natural approach with proven results would benefit from Bali Secrets.
I think you'll want to stick to it even once you've welcomed your baby into the world!
The ingredients work together to form a protective layer and keep bacteria at bay, but the strength of the the anti-perspirant may not be to your liking if you tend to sweat heavily.
If you’re sick of white stains from your deodorant, you don’t need to worry about that at all with Bali Secrets. It won’t stain clothes or discolor your underarms either.
If you're not sure, check the seller's current return policy before you buy.
Conclusion
You don’t need to go through the embarrassment of having smelly underarms for nine months.
A natural safe deodorant is a fine choice during pregnancy if it suits your skin. Your regular product is also fine for most people.
If you have heavy sweating, a rash, or questions about any product, ask your midwife, OB-GYN or pharmacist.
You’ll still feel fresh and won’t have any odors to deal with. Lift your arms with confidence with the best deodorant during pregnancy.
Sources
- Antiperspirants/Deodorants and Breast Cancer, National Cancer Institute
- Aromatherapy and Essential Oils (PDQ), Patient Version, National Cancer Institute
