While I like to think of myself as a mostly natural gal, I am all for deodorant – as long as I can find the least toxic deodorant.
I know from experience that it is no fun to be at a party – hot, sweaty and STINKY! Talk about a social taboo.
As I did my research a few years ago to try to find the least toxic deodorant (ideally a natural deodorant), I discovered quite a bit of surprising information. It shocked me to discover just how many ingredients are lurking in store-bought deodorants. Some really awful, harmful ingredients actually.
Today I will share a list of 5 ingredients that are commonly found in deodorants and the potential effects they have on the body.
Aluminum
Antiperspirants, a sub-type of deodorant, function by using aluminum to stop up our sweat ducts to keep us from sweating excessively.
However, they do not entirely prevent our sweat glands from secreting some amount of sweat, and our bodies can become immune to the antiperspirants’ sweat-reducing effects after a while. Whether or not they work is not really the issue though. The issue is the aluminum content.
So, what’s the problem with aluminum? Aluminum has been linked to a number of health issues, including seizures, breast cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, bone formation disorders, and kidney problems. A 2009 breast cancer study highlighted a possible link between antiperspirants and breast cancer.
When you put antiperspirants in your armpit, it robs your body of the ability to sweat and detox toxins. Since your armpit is near your breast tissue, it is a very bad place to put such a toxic substance as aluminum. Better to be safe than sorry. I vote NAY on the aluminum.
Parabens
Parabens are used in a wide variety of daily-use body care products and are often found in deodorant. Products like toothpaste, make-up, shampoos and conditioners often contain parabens.
Daily use of a product or multiple products containing parabens results in direct and continuous exposure, thereby increasing your toxic load. Your toxic load is the amount of toxins your body has to process on a given day.
Parabens have been said to be hormone disruptive, which is why I think it is generally a good idea to stay away from them. Personal care products have the greatest quantity of parabens of all products. According to the EWG, parabens can act like the hormone estrogen in the body and disrupt the normal function of hormone systems affecting male and female reproductive system functioning, reproductive development, fertility and birth outcomes.
As much as I don’t like to stink, smelling good should not come at such a high cost. In my opinion, its best to steer clear of Parabens.
Propylene Glycol
Propylene glycol is a petroleum based substance. It is a low cost ingredient originally developed as an anti-freeze. It is used in a lot of foundations and concealers as well as deodorant. This chemical is used in tons of everyday products and is enhances skin absorption. As a penetration-enhancer, it can make the skin open to other ingredients – positive or harmful.
Propylene glycol is a known neurotoxin and skin irritant. It has no place in a deodorant!
Again, the case of the toxic load is quite important. Our liver has to process all of these ingredients. So, it is important to keep our liver functioning optimally. I recommend cleansing at least twice a year to ensure your organs are functioning properly.
Phthalates
Phthalates are hormone disruptors that can increase the likelihood of cell mutation, which increases the risk of birth defects. They are commonly added to plastics to increase their longevity, flexibility and transparency. A significant loophole in federal law allows phthalates (and other chemicals) to be added to fragrances without disclosure to consumers.
Phthalates are used in tons of products – from furniture to make-up to deodorant to foods. Diet is believed to be the main source of phthalates because fatty foods, such as milk, butter and meats, are commonly packaged or stored in plastic containing phthalates.
A 2003 study published in Environmental Health Perspectives suggests that environmental levels of phthalates are associated with altered DNA integrity in human sperm. The study consisted of 168 males who were recruited from the Massachusetts General Hospital Andrology Laboratory and provided semen and urine samples. The results indicate that monoethyl phthalate found in urine does increase DNA damage in sperm. Source: Dr. Axe
Triclosan
Triclosan is a chemical classified as a pesticide and a probable carcinogen. It is also an endocrine disruptor and allergen.
According to the F.D.A, some short-term animal studies have shown that exposure to high doses of triclosan is associated with a decrease in the levels of some thyroid hormones. But we don’t know the significance of those findings to human health.
I think it is reasonable to assume that, if you use a bunch of products with this chemical daily, along with other hormone disrupting chemicals, that, over a lifetime, this will probably lead to a serious toxic load build-up.
They say an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. It is best to keep products as simple and toxin-free as you can. Especially when companies like dōTERRA make it so easy to avoid them.
Natural Deodorants To Use
It would be wise to ensure that your deodorant does not contain harmful ingredients and to find a natural deodorant that works best for you. I have tried many natural deodorants over the years and, currently, I am happy with the options from dōTERRA: Balance Natural Deodorant and Greek Orange Natural Deodorant. I find it is the best natural deodorant and definitely the least toxic deodorant. For added freshness, I add a drop of geranium essential oil before I apply to help with hormonal contributions to stink.
After reading this list, I encourage you to take a look at the ingredients of your deodorant, if you are using one. Remember, you are using deodorant every single day. Use a good one!
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