Is Deodorant Dangerous?

Is Deodorant Dangerous?

Putting on deodorant is a normal part of our hygiene routines. It helps keep us smelling fresh and clean, but did you know that this common practice may be harming your health? This article will explain how deodorant can be a health concern and what you can do about it.

What does deodorant contain?

Aluminum chlorohydrate is one of the most common compounds used in antiperspirants. It is included in up to 25% of hygiene products and is typically added as an antiperspirant.  Aluminum salts plug sweat proteins that bind to the wall of the sweat duct, thus having an anti-sweating effect.

Triclosan is a compound shown to impact the body’s hormones and can interfere with hormonal signaling. Triclosan’s endocrine disrupting factors have been proven by a myriad of scientific studies and because of this, the FDA actually banned its use in hand soaps. It is still permitted in low amounts in items such as deodorant.

Diethanolamine (DEA) is a compound used in deodorant and other hygiene products that has been linked to increased risks of developing cancer.

Parabens are chemicals used in traditional care products that mimic estrogen’s role in the body. Parabens have been linked to the development of breast cancer.

How does deodorant impact the body?

When the above chemicals are applied to the skin, they are absorbed and can spread into tissues and even organ systems, causing possible disruption and may contribute to health issues and elevate cancer risks.   

Research shows that aluminum chlorohydrate, when applied to the skin showed 0.012% of the applied aluminum was absorbed through the skin, which accounted for 4 mcg of aluminum being absorbed following a single application.  Aluminum has been linked to a wide range of health issues, including Alzheimer’s and dementia.

Antiperspirants are also not recommended because the body has processes it uses to detoxify itself. Sweating is the body’s way of ridding itself of toxins and when you inhibit your bodies ability to remove contaminants, you do not expel dangerous things your body needs to get rid of. Sweating is a natural process that must be done in order to have the most optimal health possible.

What are alternatives to using traditional deodorant?

There are many holistic substances which can be used as natural deodorant options to control odor.

Rock crystal deodorant is a type of alternative deodorant which is made from a natural mineral salt called potassium alum. The potassium alum salt kills the bacteria that causes underarm odor. It is not an antiperspirant and you will still sweat, but the sweat will not smell.  This is beneficial because it allows your body to expel toxins without you smelling terrible.

To use: It must be applied to clean skin. It is recommended that you apply the rock crystal after you shower.  It is not like traditional deodorants and will not coat already sweaty areas. It only works if you apply it to clean skin to prevent smells. An easy trick if you cannot shower before applying is to wipe your underarms with soap and water with a washcloth before applying.

 You can also make your own natural deodorant with the following recipe:

HOW TO MAKE NATURAL DEODORANT

Ingredients

1 Tbsp Coconut Oil

1 Tbsp Shea Butter

1 Tbsp Beeswax Pellets

3/4 tsp Vitamin E Oil

2 Tbsp Cornstarch

10 drops Essential Oil of Choice

Instructions

Combine coconut oil, shea butter and beeswax in a heat safe container.

Add heat safe container into a small saucepan of simmering water to make a double boiler.

Allow mixture to heat.

Stir thoroughly.

Remove from the heat as soon as mixture is completely melted.

Add Vitamin E oil and cornstarch and stir until smooth.

Remove the sauce pan from the stove

Leave the container in the water to make the mixing easier.

Add in the essential oil.

Pour into storage container.

Allow the deodorant to cool completely.

Remember, sweating is the body’s process to remove toxins, so you want to be able to do so! Switching to a natural deodorant is a great way to help your body be healthier.