5 Health Reasons Not To Use Deodorants and Alternative Solutions
Today let’s talk about something that most Americans have in their bathrooms and use daily and that is Deodorants. Of course you don’t want to have BO! No one does, but I feel it is important to let you know about some of the ingredients in antiperspirants and deodorant that have toxic chemical ingredients and put your health at risk. Don’t worry I will give you some alternative and natural solutions so that people don’t start avoiding you because of the smell!
Sweat has no odor, the familiar unpleasant odor is caused by bacteria that live on our skin and hair. These bacteria metabolize the proteins and fatty acids from our apocrine sweat, causing body odor.
Deodorants deal with the smell by neutralizing it and by killing the bacteria that metabolize the proteins and fatty acids. Antiperspirants however, try to prevent sweating by blocking the pores using aluminum. Without sweat, the bacteria cannot metabolize proteins and fatty acids that cause body odor.
It might be a surprise to learn that the antiperspirants you use daily is in fact an over-the-counter (OTC) drug. As mentioned, Antiperspirants work by clogging, closing, or blocking the pores with aluminum salts in order to prevent the release of sweat, effectively changing the function of the body. Antiperspirants are considered to be drugs because they affect the physiology of the body.
The Top 5 Ingredients That You Need to Avoid:
1. Aluminum: The primary is Aluminum, which is a metal used to block the sweat from escaping the pores. Aluminum has been linked to breast cancer in women and linked to Alzheimer’s disease. Several studies have shown a link to prostate cancer in men and breast cancer in women, but the FDA has not yet classifying it as a carcinogen. So until they do it will remain in deodorants and your health is at risk.
2. Parabens: In the last decade this particular ingredient in deodorants has become controversial. Paraben, a widely used synthetic preservative that are often found in deodorants and are in many other body care products that are highly absorbance through our skin. The main concern with these are that they will disrupt our delicate hormonal balance which can lead to early puberty in children and an increase risk of hormonal cancers. Paraben exposure have also been linked to birth defects and organ toxicity.
3. Propylene glycol: This ingredients is used deodorants and its purpose is make the deodorant easy to apply to the skin. It is used in many cosmetics products to soften and make them more pliable due to its slick consistency. It is a petroleum-based material.
4. Phthalates: These are used in many cosmetics including deodorants and antiperspirants, synthetic fragrances, body care products and their purpose is to help to dissolve other ingredients and to create a better smoother consistency. Phthalates have been linked to numerous health issues such as higher risks of birth defects. The conclusion is that they may disrupt hormone receptors as well as increase the likelihood of cell mutation.
5. Triclosan: This is another common ingredients used not only deodorant, but in antibacterial soaps, hand wipes, and gels. It’s purpose is to kill the odor because of its anti-bacterial properties. It is actually classified as a pesticide by the FDA and as a probable carcinogen by EPA. Some companies have removed it but amazing it is still in many deodorants.
Other Alternatives and Natural Deodorants:
Look for natural or organic ingredients in products such as:
- vegetable glycerin
- vinegar
- baking soda
- charcoal
- green tea
- organic aloe vera gel
- organic essential oils
- organic apple cider vinegar or witch hazel extract base
- hypoallergenic
- paraben-free
- aluminum-free
- truly natural preservatives like bioflavanoids and lichen.
A completely natural product that controls odor which is ages old is called Thai and it comes in many forms such as spray, stick, or roll-on.
You can also make your own homemade deodorant with baking soda and any pure essential oil of your choice.
This is one of my favorite DIY deodorant recipes:
- 1/2/ cup Baking soda (I use Bob Red Mill)
- 1/2 cup Organic arrowroot powder or organic cornstarch
- 5 tablespoons of Organic cold pressed unrefined coconut oil
- about 20 drops of Organic essential oil (preferably one with antibacterial properties) such as — peppermint, lavender, grapefruit, tea tree oil, or your favorite scent.
Instructions:
Mix baking soda and arrowroot or cornstarch with the coconut and essential oils of you choice. Add the coconut and essential oils and mix well in a blender of high spend mixer. Pour into a small glass jar with an air-tight lid to store. Will last 3-6 months
Unfortunately, there are many products or ingredients of products that have become controversial, and we must question their effects on our health. This does not mean that products will be taken off the market, the FDA in many cases does not protect the consumer until they have going through their bureaucratic hogwash with all their regulations and rules that protect the manufacturer’s. In my opinion if a product has an ingredient that shows a considerable amount of potential health risks then it should be pulled off the market until proven safe.
Now that I have said my peace I want you to know that I hope this information has been helpful. Please read labels carefully and if in doubt don’t buy!
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Ok. I have used baking soda for cleaning. Thanks for the tips. Will have to try these.
Thanks Marla. Interesting article. I use organic roll on deodrant. What is your opinion on this? What works best for you?
Thanks for reading my article. As long as you know that your deodorant is truly organic and does not have toxic ingredients in then I feel it really doesn't matter if it is roll on not. I personally prefer to use baking soda or Thai rock mineral deodorant because I know it is natural and safe.