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I’m not normally compelled to write about an anti-perspirant deodorant except there is now an aluminium-free one available (and the first of its kind) from Soft & Gentle that’s led to a murmur of excitement.
Natural based deodorants are nothing new but they don’t stop you sweating. Anti-perspirants do and up until recently, the only ones available contain aluminium-based compounds to temporarily plug the sweat ducts. This has led to concerns about whether these are absorbed into the skin and how it could possibly be linked to breast cancer. I don’t know if this has been proven but you can imagine the ripples of panic it sends through once the press (*cough* Daily Mail) gets hold of it.
The arrival of Soft & Gentle’s aluminium free anti-perspirant deodorant has been heralded as a breakthrough. Not only is it free on aluminium chlorides, there is also no parabens and no alcohol plus the formula is vegan-friendly and suitable for sensitive skins.
So how does it work? The aluminium-free formula relies on plant-based ingredients to temporarily close the sweat duct, offering sweat protection whilst allowing the skin to breathe happily.
With the sweltering days of summer we’ve been having, it’s never been a better time to put this deodorant to the test. I’ve worn it daily for the past couple of months and have almost finished the can but unfortunately it has failed to live up to its expectations. My underarms always feel sticky and I smell. It’s not terrible but it’s enough to question my personal hygiene. Unfortunately others have commented (kindly) on how sweaty I feel when they have gone in for a hug, which has made me very self-conscious – not my personal trainer though. He either has no sense of smell or is too polite to tell me I stink.
I bought another scent, Floral (there are three to choose from), which sadly didn’t perform any better.
So while it’s a positive development with anti-perspirants, the formula needs to be tweaked to ensure it gives complete protection. Soft & Gentle’s 0% Aluminium Anti-Perspirant is available from Boots, Superdrug and supermarkets priced at £2.49 for 150ml.
*contains press sample
