In 2011 when I first investigated natural alternatives to silicone chemistry I focused on aesthetics and found a range of esters and vegetable oil derivatives that delivered very similar levels of gloss, spread-ability and volatility to their equivalent silicone fluids. Things haven’t changed so much in that regard over the last five years other than there now being a greater range on offer from a larger range of manufacturers. However, what has struck me this time is gap that exists between niche silicone applications and their carbon based equivalents and there’s nowhere this is more important than under your armpit!
Silicone technology comes into its own in a deodorant / antiperspirant formula. Firstly the inherent biological inertness of silicone makes it an ideal carrier/ diluent/ emollient for what is a highly sensitive area given its dampness, micro flora and habit of being abraded (shaved and/or chaffing). Carbon based technology is rarely inert, indeed the nutrient qualities and complexity of natural oils, waxes and butters is what makes them so appealing for most personal care applications.
Read on and explore the potential of carbon alternatives in antiperspirant/ deodorant formulations!