Deodorants are a big part of people’s self-care routine. Whether you are using an antiperspirant or a deodorant, both are known to contain questionable ingredients that can pose severe health risks. Luckily, clean beauty advocates have made quite a stink about it (no pun intended), with several natural deodorant companies now in the market. Check out this article to find out what’s really in your store bought deodorant and why you should make the switch asap!
What Makes Us Sweat?
To be frank, nobody likes to talk about their body odor. And for those of use that sweat more, it's a constant worry. We sniff when no one’s watching and wash our armpits on bathroom breaks when it gets really bad. For context, it would help to explain what happens when we sweat.
There are two types of sweat glands in our armpits, apocrine glands, usually connected to hair follicles and eccrine glands, which open to the surface of the skin. Sweat glands get triggered for three reasons. They kick in when you are feeling hot and bothered from the heat, exercise or from stress and release sweat through ducts to the surface of the skin which cools you down. Sweat by itself doesn’t smell bad, it's the particular bacteria present on your skin that decompose odorless sweat, giving BO its signature scent. What’s more, different factors can change the odor like what you eat, how stressed you are, and even the weather.
What’s the Difference Between Deodorants & Antiperspirants?
There are two ways to address body odor, stop sweat from building up, or make it harder for stinky bacteria to hang out on your body. Aluminium antipersperants block sweat glands, so you don’t sweat as much. Less sweat means less opportunity for bacteria to grow, and less of that funky smell. Deodorants work by masking the odor using different agents. Some use salts, minerals which make your skin and hair less hospitable to smelly bacteria. Others contain absorbent components that prevent dampness, or plant enzymes with antibacterial properties that also stop the growth of bacteria. Most also include fragrances to mask the odor. Simply put, antiperspirants block sweat and deodorants cover up the smell.
Are Antiperspirants and Deodorants Harmful to Your Health?
Although they may be effective, deodorants contain ingredients that are linked to a number of serious health risks. And as the rates of cancer rise in humans, cancer-causing toxins are being studied more and more.
1. Aluminium
Aluminium is the active antibacterial ingredient in antipersperants. Also called aluminium salts, aluminum chloride, aluminum chlorohydrate, and aluminum zirconium tricholorohydrex glycine. Research shows aluminium applied to the skin can be toxic to humans and increases the risk of hormonal imbalances, Alzheimer’s disease, breast cancer, prostate cancers and skin allergic conditions. Some studies suggest exposure to aluminium during pregnancy reduces mineralisation of bones and delays brain development in babies.
2. Triclosan
Another concerning compound which is causing controversy is Triclosan, an antimicrobial agent present in 700 antibacterial products. Triclosan messes with the hormone signaling part of the body which increases the risk of cancer and thyroid disease. Triclosan is so harmful that in 2016, the FDA banned it from being used in antibacterial soaps and other cosmetics. Unfortunately, it is still present in some deodorants and antipersperants.
3. Parabens
A preservative, Parabens are used in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and food products. Some studies suggest parabens in high exposure have estrogenic effects and can disrupt your endocrine system, especially your reproductive function, which puts you at greater risk of developing breast cancer and other hormonal imbalances.
4. Propylene Glycol
Propylene glycol is a compound derived from natural gas and petroleum. It is used in commercial stick deodorants to give them a firm texture and can cause skin allergies and dermatitis.
5. Polyethylene Glycol (PEGs)
Polyethylene glycol (PEG) is used as a solvent and thickening agent in cosmetics and a number of consumer products like laxatives and antifreeze. Yikes! PEGs are generally found to be contaminated with cancer-causing ethylene oxide and 1,4-dioxane.
6. Fragrance
‘Fragrance’ is a blanket term used to hide upwards of 3,000 toxic scent chemicals and ingredients. Although the personal care industry is required by law to list the ingredients they use, fragrances are protected as “trade secrets”, so they don’t need to disclose ingredients on their labels. Synthetic fragrances are linked to headaches, asthma, autoimmunity, thyroid conditions, and cancer. If you see the word fragrance (parfum in french) in a product, you don’t really know what’s in it, and best to avoid!
7. Phthalates
A plasticizing chemical, phthalates are used in deodorants to enhance the absorption of fragrance, making the scent last longer. Phthalates are also present in various unrelated products, including insecticides and vinyl finishings. Research links phthalates to birth defects, asthma, male fertility issues, autism, attencit deficit disorder, low IQ and neurodevelopmental issues.
Why You Need to Sweat
These chemicals are used to block sweat from coming out. In theory, this sounds great, but in reality, the risk outweighs the benefit. Sweating is a necessary process that helps to regulate body temperature and eliminate toxins that have made their way into our bodies (ie from food, air, water pollutants). Blocking those toxins from coming out means they will be reabsorbed into the system and recirculate in your blood and lympahtic system.
Natural & Safe Deodorant Alternatives
The verdict is clear, we know the chemicals in deodorants and antipersperants are simply bad for our bodies. And with our modern world, we’ve got enough toxic exposure to worry about, so why would we want to add another unnecessary burden? Fortunately, natural deodorants will control the odor through the use of natural plant enzymes that keep bacteria at bay. This means your body can still sweat the way it was meant to, without the nasty side effects. Check The Safest Deodorants on the Market post to find out our vetted list of the best deodorants!