August 20, 2017
It’s been about 5 years since I’ve used deodorant, and from my personal experience I find that we as humans DON’T really need to have this “hygienic” item (on the market) or part of our toiletry set.
If you haven’t taken the time to read the ingredients on the back of that white stick, you may not realize that B.O. you’re trying to mask is made-up of a mix of harmful chemicals doing more harm that good to your armpits, skin and general health.
Deodorant: The Harmful 8
Parabens
Parabens are commonly used in cosmetics that cause skin irritation, contact dermatitis, and act as endocrine disruptors to the female and male reproductive systems. The concerns with increased estrogen level with use of paraben cosmetics is studies linked to the dangers of breast cancer.
Aluminum
Aluminum in deodorant blocks the sweat ducts of your armpits. These aluminum compounds when absorbed in your body disrupt the hormone balance of estrogen receptors and promote the growth of breast cancer cells and promote cystic diseases. Skin irritation/rashes are more commonly observed with daily use of Al-antiperspirants. This lighter classified metal is associated as being a neurotoxin by its increased accumulation found in brain tissues, which may contribute to causing serious cognitive disorders like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.
Triclosan
This ingredients is used to kill the odor causing bacteria from your armpits, which in turn irritates your skin and causes contact dermatitis. It’s been listed both a pesticide and possible carcinogen by the FDA, and promotes the ability to disrupt the function of the thyroid hormones.
Talc
Talc provides that chalk-white colour of deodorant. Toxicity of this ingredient is found to be carcinogenic when absorbed into the bloodstream as it contains asbestos fibres.
Propylene Glycol
Propylene glycol helps absorb your sweat. This ingredient is found to cause a delay in allergic reactions and considered a neurotoxin to the central nervous system that may result in kidney, liver damage and harm to your gut health.
Silica
This ingredient is added to deodorant to help absorb moisture from sweat, however it’s also known for being a major skin irritant. Silica in deodorant is also known to be contaminated with crystalline quartz and associated with respiratory diseases and the development of cancer cells.
Steareth
These waxy chemicals are derived from vegetables and the emulsifiers that keep the other deodorant ingredients from separating. Toxicity of steareths are low, but react well with a well known carcinogen, ethylene oxide.
Fragrance
Added to mask the unpleasant B.O. scent, the harm of fragrances act as a skin irritant, allergenic and associated with toxicity to your internal organs. This ingredient is also quite harmful to wildlife and the environment.
That being said, not everyone can go without using deodorant. The best way to keep it 100% natural and safe is to read the ingredients, stay away from the harmful 8, and find natural deodorant alternatives like:
- Aluminum-free baking soda
- Essential oils
- Beeswax
- Apple cider vinegar
- Unrefined coconut oil
- Witch hazel
- Shea butter
And always the fun and easy DIY option to make your own natural deodorant 🙂
