WHAT'S IN YOUR DEODORANT ? 7 KEY INGREDIENTS TO AVOID!
You jump out of the shower and meticulously slather your fave body moisturizer all over your skin . Then when it comes to the under arms, a quick swipe or two and you're ready to start the day. Have you noticed that we give very little thought to what actually goes onto our arm pits? Really, why is that? Our underarm is covered with skin just like any other part of the body right? So why not spend a few minutes to consider what we apply daily to our pits. Your fave deodorant might be as fresh as lemons and easy to use, but is it safe ? Steer clear of these seven toxic ingredients when choosing your products!
1. ALUMINUM COMPOUNDS AND SALTS
Aluminum is a common active ingredient in many antiperspirants, as it essentially plugs the sweat gland to minimize perspiration. The problem is that there have been concerns about the use of these compounds in skin products. Once in the body, aluminum mimics the effects estrogen; a hormone that has been found in high concentrations in many breast cancers. This has led scientists to investigate potential links between breast cancer and aluminum-based deodorants.
Aluminum can also pose a threat to those with low kidney function, plus a study found higher traces of aluminum in the brains of Alzheimer’s patients. Although the correlation (if any) is not yet known, is it worth taking the risk when there are aluminum-free options available?
2. ALCOHOL
Many antiperspirants contain alcohol, which is used to dissolve different ingredients and to help the product dry quickly when applied. Alcohol kills some of the bacteria that forms odour, but it can also dry out skin and contribute to irritation. We prefer to use gentler ingredients such as organic coconut oil , zinc oxide, magnesium hydroxide and specific essential oils for their antibacterial effects.
3. PARABENS
Parabens are synthetic compounds that are used to control bacteria, fungus and other unwanted microbes in a range of products like toothpastes, shampoos and deodorants. However, parabens can be absorbed by the skin and can mimic the effects of estrogen in the body, affecting the endocrine system. Parabens have been found intact in breast tumour tissue, and they could be in your body right now – in one study of randomized people, almost 100% of urine samples contained traces of the compound. Denmark has taken the precaution of banning some parabens in products for children under three years old.
While these findings do not link parabens directly to cancer or illness, many people understandably prefer to go paraben-free with their product choices. Natural ingredients such as clove or tea tree oil can be used for their antibacterial, anti-fungal and antiseptic properties instead.
4. PROPYLENE GLYCOL
Propylene glycol is a synthetic organic compound used as a food and manufacturing additive – and also to de-ice RVs and aircrafts in cold conditions! It’s used in some cosmetics and deodorants to soften their consistency and make the product easier to apply. It’s accepted that you’d need to ingest a whole lot of propylene glycol to experience adverse health effects, but there is another worry. Propylene glycol is used as a penetration enhancer, so if paired with harmful ingredients it could potentially aid the skin’s absorption of those substances. Best not even go there, we say.
5. TRICLOSAN
Triclosan is used as an antibacterial and preserving ingredient in many deodorants, hand washes and cosmetics, but there are almost certainly safer ways to kill troublesome bacteria.
