We use them every day, often without focusing too much on the list of ingredients. Yet even roll-on deodorants can contain numerous fragrances that can cause allergies or skin irritation. A test by the Swiss magazine highlights this Gesundheitstippwhich analyzed 16 men’s and women’s deodorants, finding problematic substances in most of the products examined.
Only one deodorant achieved a good overall rating, while several products from well-known brands, including Borotalco, Nivea, Rexona and Cien by Lidl, received negative reviews.
Fragrances in deodorants
Swiss experts had samples of roll-on deodorants intended for men and women analyzed in the laboratory, verifying the presence of 31 fragrances known for their ability to trigger allergies.
The results show that 3 products contained between 10 and 13 different substances considered problematic. Among the ingredients to keep an eye on are coumarin, geraniol, linalool and limonene, very common fragrances in cosmetics.
Coumarin has an odor reminiscent of herbs and hay, while geraniol has a floral, rose-like note. Linalool has a fresh and floral aroma, with citrus nuances, while limonene is mainly responsible for the citrus notes, reminiscent of lemon and orange peel.
The problem is not that these substances have an intense odor but that they can cause skin reactions in the most sensitive people, creating problems such as redness, itching and eczema.
There is also an aspect to consider regarding linalool and limonene: in contact with oxygen and heat they can oxidize, forming compounds that are more allergenic. For this reason, the composition of a deodorant deserves attention, especially if we use it daily or already have sensitive skin.
The worst deodorants
The worst results were achieved by two Borotalco roll-on deodorants: Borotalco Fresh No Stop Extra Dry Fragrance 72 hours and Borotalco Men Fresh No Stop Extra Dry Fragrance 72 hours.
Both contained coumarin, geraniol, linalool and limonene, as well as other substances considered problematic by the laboratory. The negative rating is therefore linked to the presence of numerous potentially allergenic fragrances, not to a single ingredient. When many substances of this type are present in the same formulation, the number of ingredients to which the skin can be exposed increases and, consequently, the potential problems.
Some Nivea and Rexona deodorants also received unsatisfactory ratings. These include Nivea Men Dry Impact 72 hours, Nivea Dry Comfort 72 hours, Rexona No Stop 72 hours and Rexona Men No Stop 72 hours.
Negative results also for the two Cien antiperspirants sold by Lidl, Invisible 48 hours and Men Extra Dry 48 hours, and for Lavera Natural Deodorant Natural & Sensitive Aloe Vera. The fact that even a product presented as natural or delicate can contain fragrances that need to be carefully evaluated reminds us that it is not enough to rely on the promises on the packaging but it is important to always check the actual composition.
The Swiss laboratory also detected the presence of polyethylene glycols (PEG) in seven deodorants. These are substances used in cosmetic formulations, for example as solvents or binding agents, which the test highlighted among the ingredients to consider. However, PEGs belong to a different category from allergenic fragrances and their presence does not automatically imply the same type of risk for the skin.
The only product to obtain a good overall rating was I am Men, a men’s deodorant sold by the Swiss chain Migros in which the laboratory detected only one potentially problematic substance: camphor, a fresh, minty-smelling ingredient that can cause skin irritation in some people.
Three deodorants received a satisfactory rating: Lacura Men by Aldi, I am by Migros and Naturaline Men by Coop. According to the magazine, they contained relatively few potentially irritating fragrances and had no other substances of concern considered in the investigation.
The winner and the other 3 best belong to Swiss distribution and are therefore not easily available alternatives in normal Italian supermarkets.
@gesundheitstipp
Why read the INCI also for deodorants
When we choose a deodorant, we often let ourselves be guided by the scent, the promise of protection for 48 or 72 hours and the price, without dwelling too much on the list of ingredients. Yet, reading the INCI can help us understand what substances the product we apply to our skin contains every day, including potentially allergenic fragrances. Even more important attention is paid to those who have sensitive skin or already suffer from contact allergies and want to avoid ingredients that can trigger a reaction.
It’s not about demonizing deodorants, but about choosing with greater awareness, without taking for granted that a well-known brand or a formula advertised as delicate is necessarily suitable for everyone.
The timing of application also matters: after shaving, for example, the skin of the armpits may be more sensitive and prone to irritation. If recurring itching, redness or discomfort appears, it is best to discontinue the product and contact a dermatologist to understand what the cause may be.
