We check the ingredients in our food. We are concerned about healthy air, but do we ever think about our deodorant? Maybe we should.

Aluminum-based compounds are used as the active ingredient in antiperspirants, and parabens can be found in some deodorants. Some some scientists have suggested that these  compounds may contribute to the development of breast cancer, kidney disease, allergies and even Alzhheimer’s Disease. However, both the American Cancer Society and the National Cancer Institute say there’s not “conclusive evidence” linking deodorant and antiperspirant chemicals to cancer, but if you would feel better using a more natural product with no aluminum or other potentially toxic chemicals, there are many healthy alternatives that work just as well. 

Here are some of the most popular natural brands and several do it yourself home-made deodorants.

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    Joe Raedle/Getty Images/ThinkStock
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    NATURAL DEODORANTS

    Look for natural deodorants and antiperspirants that are aluminum and paraben-free. Shop online or visit a natural food store or market to find an organic product.

    This healthy alternative should have an antibacterial component, such as tea tree oil. It should also contain an ingredient to absorb sweat, such as arrowroot. Finally, it should also include essential oil for smell such as lavender or sandalwood. Make sure you also read the label as some natural deodorants may still have chemicals.  There are many sites available with a list of natural options.  Here is one of them.

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    Star Tribune via Getty Images/ThinkStock
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    BAKING SODA & CORNSTARCH

    If you would rather have a DIY product, then look no further than in your kitchen cabinet. One home remedy is baking soda - a simple way to remove body odor. Mix one-eighth of a teaspoon of baking soda with a small amount of water to create a paste. Then, rub it on your armpits.

    However, you may also feel wetness running down on your underarms. To avoid that, you can also mix a small amount of cornstarch as it has thickening agents that will prevent excessive moisture. This will also make the paste smoother and easier to add on your armpits.

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    György Barna/Getty Stock/ThinkStock
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    LEMON JUICE

    Another effective at-home solution is lemon juice, as it contains citric acid that also kills odor-causing bacteria. Not only that, but it also has a fresh and everlasting scent.

    Simply squeeze the juice from an organic lemon and then apply it on your underarms. However, be careful when you’re adding the liquid to recently shaved armpits as it will sting because of its high acidic content.

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    Bloomberg via Getty Images/ThinkStock
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    RUBBING ALCOHOL

    Reach for your first aid kit or medicine cabinet and pull out that rubbing alcohol. Usually, we use this product to safely disinfect and clean our skin after a cut or injury.

    So, naturally, rubbing alcohol can also be applied to our underarms to kill odor-causing bacteria. Pour it in a spray bottle and spritz it on your armpits. For more variety, you can also add your favorite essential oil for smell.

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    Universal Images Group via Getty Images/ThinkStock
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    WITCH HAZEL

    Perhaps the most powerful alternative we can use is witch hazel, as it has many benefits for our skin. What separates this remedy from the rest is that it is a natural astringent and anti-inflammatory. This makes for a great healthy deodorant as it kills bacteria and reduces extreme sweating on our skin.

    Just soak a cotton ball with witch hazel and rub it on your underarms. The best part is that it immediately eliminates body odor and doesn’t leave a residue. However, witch hazel does wear off quickly, so you’ll need to reapply it several times throughout the day.

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