Is Your Deodorant Toxic?

Is your deodorant toxic? Many antiperspirants and deodorants contain harmful ingredients. Here’s what to look for, and how to keep yourself safe…

No one wants to smell bad, but the fact is that sweating is a normal and essential bodily process, and disrupting this process with antiperspirants can have consequences. Furthermore, many of the ingredients found in most commercially available deodorants and antiperspirants may have harmful side effects. These toxins can actually build up in your system over time, especially when applied to sensitive areas like the underarms, where they are readily absorbed into your body.

For example, according to PureHaven.com, you should watch out for these harmful ingredients when purchasing deodorant or antiperspirant:

• Aluminum: This bio-accumulative neurotoxin stores in fat cells and may accumulate in your brain, destroying nerve tissue.
• Parabens: Absorbed into the skin, parabens mimic the body’s natural estrogen. Studies have linked this ingredient with breast cancer, allergic reactions, and skin rashes. It’s been found in a number of breast cancer biopsies.
• Petroleum by-products: Propylene glycol is one petroleum by-product used in deodorants. It can cause redness, rashes, and allergic reactions.
• Phthalates: This is just one of many chemicals legally hidden in the ingredient “fragrance.” It’s linked with birth defects, breast cancer, diabetes, obesity, autism, and ADHD.
• Triclosan: This ingredient affects certain hormones and is associated with breast cancer. Studies show that it interferes with the body’s thyroid hormone metabolism. It’s been shown to weaken muscles, including the heart, and contribute to liver and inhalation toxicity.

So what is a person to do if you want to stay safe but also not repel your friends and family?

One option is to choose from some of the newer non-toxic and naturally-based deodorants that are now on the market. Many are just as effective as the products you are used to using, and while some of them may be slightly more expensive, isn’t your health worth it?

Another option, if you are the D.I.Y. type, is to make your own deodorant. It’s surprisingly easy, and you can make sure that it only contains ingredients that you are okay with! Here’s a homemade deodorant recipe to try.

To find out what other toxins you may be unknowingly exposed to in your everyday life, be sure to grab your copy of the Toxic Home Checklist!