Sweat and odor—our culture abhors them. It’s nearly shameful to show sweat outside of a workout, and it is shameful to… gasp… smell. With all the pressure to stay dry and smell sweet, it’s no wonder using deodorant and antiperspirant is a daily ritual for most. Yet, because deodorants and antiperspirants are absorbed in the skin, there has rightly been concern about the safety of their ingredients. Here’s a brief guide to the most concerning deodorant ingredients to be aware of.
Sweat does not have an odor. The small is actually the result of the bacteria that break down the swear after they released it from the sweat glands onto your skin. Deodorant addresses the bacteria in order to eliminate smell, while antiperspirant blocks the sweat glands from releasing sweat. While these chemical ingredients are used to kill germs, mask smell, and block sweat glands, they may have some unwanted side effects.
Chemicals in Deodorants
Aluminum
Probably one of the most controversial ingredients, aluminum-based compounds are the active ingredients in antiperspirants. They work by blocking the sweat glands, keeping perspiration from reaching the skin’s surface. After they published a 2003 study in the European Journal of Cancer Prevention suggesting a potential link between antiperspirant use and breast cancer, concern grew.
The study interviewed 427 women with breast cancer about their antiperspirant use and found that women who regularly shaved and used antiperspirant developed breast cancer 15 years earlier than women who did not. However, the study’s method was highly criticized for not including a control group. Other critics, including the American Cancer Society, say that while there are strong epidemiologic studies in the medical literature that link breast cancer risk and antiperspirant use, no scientific research exists.
There have also been findings showing a correlation between Alzheimer’s patients and high levels of aluminum in their brains. This has made consumers concerned about the potential for aluminum absorption from antiperspirants to increase the likelihood of Alzheimer’s. However, critics say other sources could be responsible for the high levels of aluminum—not necessarily antiperspirants.
While more conclusive research is needed, you can play it safe and choose an aluminum-free deodorant alternative.
Triclosan
Many deodorants contain triclosan, an artificial antimicrobial chemical used to kill bacteria on the skin and other surfaces. Yet, triclosan is a known skin irritant and can cause contact dermatitis. Studies show triclosan may disrupt thyroid function and other important hormone systems. The American Medical Association discourages the use of triclosan as it may encourage bacterial resistance to antibiotics.
Fragrance
Many deodorants and antiperspirants contain “fragrance” as an ingredient. It should be avoided as the chemical components of fragrance are protected as trade secrets and do not have to be disclosed. Often fragrance includes phthalates, solvents, stabilizers, preservatives, and dyes — to name a few.
Phthalates are problematic, as it has linked them to endocrine disruption, developmental and productive toxicity, and cancer. They have been banned from cosmetics in the European Union, but are still ubiquitous in U.S. cosmetics.
The great news is that many safe and natural options for addressing odor and perspiration are available today. Here are a few to get you started!
Natural Deodorant Options
A deodorant stone is usually a large, smooth crystal of potassium aluminum sulfate that you wet and apply just like a common deodorant stick. Simple! (Potassium aluminum is a larger molecule than aluminum chlorohydrate and not thought to be absorbable through the skin.)
Deodorant Stone
Herbal Deodorants
Look for deodorant sticks made with herbs such as calendula, a natural and gentle antiseptic that fights odor-causing underarm bacteria, or chamomile that has antibacterial properties and soothing, restorative qualities, too. Witch hazel is another great herbal ingredient to look for, as it has skin-soothing properties. Derived from the bark and leaves of a shrub, witch hazel helps to shrink the pores of the armpit and has calming properties.
Essential Oils
Look for essential oils alone—or in a deodorant. Most have antibacterial properties, including essential oils of rosemary, lichen, sage, lemongrass, and tea tree. They often have skin-soothing qualities as well, which is perfect for sensitive underarm areas.
But if you are using an undiluted essential oil, be careful not to use it straight out of the bottle since some oils in concentrated amounts can cause skin irritation. To be on the safe side, dilute 12 drops of essential oil in one fluid ounce of a cold-pressed carrier oil like almond oil before applying to underarms.
You’ll find plenty of healthy options like these at Peach Vitamins. Click here to see our natural deodorant options, or come visit the store. Stay safe, smell sweet!
Article originally published in Good Health Lifestyles magazine, Winter 2017. Links and edits by Peach Vitamins staff.
[wps_products product_id=”1755221721123″ html_template=”product.php”]