What’s In Your Deodorant?
Deodorant is a major part of our daily routine. It’s hard to imagine life without it! But did you know that some of the active ingredients in modern-day deodorants can be harmful to your health? I recently learned that many deodorants on the market contain chemicals that can cause myriad health problems. Because of this, I decided to switch to natural alternatives and say goodbye to store-bought deodorants.
There have been numerous articles written about potentially harmful ingredients in conventional deodorant. Here are some of the worst offenders:
- Aluminum — A primary ingredient, this metal is used to help block the sweat from our pores. It’s been linked to breast cancer and Alzheimer’s and is a known hormone mimicker.
- Paraben — I have written about paraben before because it is an ingredient in many different body products. It’s a preservative used to prevent bacterial growth. Paraben easily penetrates the skin and is a well-known hormone disruptor for both men and women. Research has shown that paraben has been detected in human breast cancer tissues.
- Triclosan — This is another hormone mimicking ingredient found in many deodorants.
- Propylene — A petroleum-based substance, it has been linked to developmental abnormalities and is hormone mimicking as well.
The problem with all these ingredients is that we put them on our largest organ, our skin, where they are easily absorbed into our blood steam and internal organs, potentially putting our health at risk. When we wash off our deodorant, it goes down the drain and into our environment where it can pollute wildlife, soil, and water.
If you are like me, a person who sweats and has no interest in smelling bad but won’t put your health at risk, there are options. First, you can buy a chemical-free deodorant. Here are some options:
I recently started making my own deodorant. I have to say that, at first, I was very skeptical. But to my surprise, I’m super happy with it. It does keep me dry and smelling good—without any plastic trash left behind. The recipe is from Wellness Mama. I add a few drops of lavender oil to it for a nice smell.
Here’s a youtube video of me making homemade deodorant. Enjoy!
Learn more about chemicals in personal care products here
