Deodorant is a staple in our daily lives that should help us, not harm us. Yet, there are so many hidden ingredients in the deodorant we us that we may be bypassing. Let's take close look at common ingredients found in conventional deodorant that you may want to avoid.
Common Ingredients in Deodorant
Diethanolamine: Diethanolamine is an ingredient commonly used in conventional deodorant and personal care products. Diethanolamine is a human carcinogen also known as DEA.
Phthalates: Phthalates are common ingredients found in all personal care products. These chemicals can be used as fragrance ingredients to help extend the life of fragrance. Phthalates are endocrine disrupters in males and in women it can cause early puberty causing breast cancer later in life.
Parabens: Parabens are preservatives that are found in personal care, bath and body, and feminine care products. These chemicals can easily be absorbed through the skin and mimic estrogen in the body increasing the risk of breast cancer.
Triclosan: Triclosan is an anti-bacterial chemical used in deodorant to kill odor causing germs on the skin. This chemical is a hormone disruptor, it mimics estrogen and interferes with hormonal signals and increase the risk of breast cancer.
Fragrance: Fragrance formulations contain hundreds of ingredients. These formulations are considered "trade secrets" meaning the company does not have to disclose the ingredients with us. Some concerns include synthetic musks and phthalates.
Butane and Isobutane: These gases are used as propellants in aerosol deodorant. These ingredients are banned in the UK and Canada for their harmful impacts.
Aluminum: Aluminum is a metal commonly found in deodorant to "plug" sweat ducts to stop sweating. Aluminum can cause cell mutation and increases is carcinogenic.
How to Avoid them:
1. Swap out your dirty deodorant for one with quality clean ingredients.
2. Choose 100% pure Essential Oils over fragrances.
3. Cant pronounce an ingredient? Choose something else.
4. Check out these trusted websites for deeper research on the ingredients of the deodorant and products you use.