There have been many discussions about antiperspirants and deodorants. Generally, these discussions surround deodorants and antiperspirants that contain aluminum that can potentially cause certain health conditions and unwanted side effects and has even been linked to breast cancer. I am definitely not here to say whether or not this is in fact true. However, I am extremely suspicious of these products since there are many studies questioning whether antiperspirants and deodorants using aluminum are safe, as aluminum has been found in some women’s breast tissue who have been diagnosed with breast cancer. Also, many companies have come out with deodorants that do not contain aluminum and other toxic substances.
Some of the main problematic ingredients in deodorants are: (a) aluminum compounds, (b) parabens, (c) propylene glycol, and (d) triclosan. There are others too, but in my view, the following are the most problematic.
Aluminum
Aluminum compounds are used as the active ingredient in most conventional antiperspirants and deodorants that we are most familiar with, such as Secret. These compounds form a temporary “plug” within our sweat glands to stop the flow of sweat to our skin’s surface. Some research suggests that aluminum in these antiperspirants and deodorants are absorbed by the skin because they are applied to our skin constantly and consistently, and a disproportionately high incidence of breast cancer tissue is found in the tissues closest to our underarms. Due to this finding, I have changed my deodorant. My philosophy is that it is better to be safe than sorry—especially when there are literally a bunch of deodorants out there that do not include such an offensive and potentially troubling ingredient.
Parabens
Parabens are really just an artificial preservative that make something have a longer shelf life. Parabens have been considered a problem for a long time, and we know that because the FDA bans the use of them in food and drinks. And, the FDA is slow moving, and lets a lot of things slide that other countries do not allow. So, if the FDA is banning it, it must be pretty bad.
But, we shouldn’t want parabens in our makeup or shampoo, and, I am not sure why companies think we want parabens in our deodorant. Parabens are xenoestrogenic and mimic the hormone estrogen, so abosrbing parabens through our skin can mess up our systems.
Propylene glycol
Propylene glycol is another ingredient to avoid in deodorants. It’s most commonly in deodorants labeled as “aluminum free,” which is tricky because although it’s good to avoid aluminum, it doesn’t do any good to trade it for another potentially harmful ingredient. Propylene glycol is often added to deodorants and other cosmetics to give it a smooth texture that can easily be rubbed onto skin. It is usually derived from petroleum, and it’s a super cheap ingredient so it makes sense that companies like to use it, but it can cause skin irritation and rashes; it can also be potentially toxic if absorbed into the skin in large amounts.
Triclosan
Triclosan is a pesticide, and like parabens, it serves as a preservative. I don’t know who came up with using pesiticides as preservatives, but whoever did was annoying. Studies have linked triclosan exposure to a compromised immune system. It is known to lower antibody levels and increase the incidence of allergies and hay fever, and in some instances, triclosan has disrupted the thyroid. Those are not ideal side effects of a deodorant.
Solution – Natural Deodorants
To get around these problematic ingredients, I traded in my Secret Clinical Strength for a natural deodorant called Real Purity. It is a roll on deodorant, and in all honesty, it works better than any deodorant I have ever used in my ENTIRE life. And, as a preface, I sweat a lot. I was concerned about changing over to a natural deodorant that didn’t just plug up my sweat glands because Secret Clinical Strength didn’t even really do the trick for me. I would still sweat even using that. So, to find a deodorant that is natural and not bad for you that actually works was a dream come true.
Also, a lot of my white tops definitely had yellow pit stains prior to changing over, and I was concerned that problem would happen even more if I switched deodorants. However, I found out that the yellow pit stains are actually the result of a chemical reaction caused from the aluminum. It happens when your sweat mixes with it. After changing to Real Purity, I don’t have that problem anymore, which let me tell you, is almost reason enough to not use aluminum based deodorants.
Real Purity is a roll on deodorant, and some people don’t like that because it has to dry before you can get dressed. It only takes 5 minutes to dry and I think it is worth it, but I get it. When you are in a hurry, 5 minutes is actually a long time. Fortunately, there are other good natural deodorants out there for those of you who don’t like a roll on or don’t want to wait for your deodorant to dry. My boyfriend uses Herban Cowboy and really likes it, and two of my best friends swear by Native and Kopari. As warning, Kopari does have added fragrance (which I don’t love), and it’s not clear if it is just certain oils like Native. As you can see, there are many natural deodorants out there, so there has got to be one out there that is perfect for you.
If there are any natural deodorants out
there that you love and swear by or if you try Real Purity, please message me
and let me know whether you like it or if you like something better!
