Deodorant's Dirty Secret
Why are conventional deodorants and antiperspirants bad for you?
Most conventional deodorants on the market are loaded with harmful ingredients and known carcinogens. Conventional deodorants cover odors by killing the bacteria in your armpits that cause them to smell and by masking odors with synthetic scents.
The top 5 most harmful ingredients to avoid in deodorant:
- Parabens (methyl, ethyl, propyl, benzyl and butyl)
Parabens are a very common ingredient that is found in everyday cosmetic products and your deodorant as well. Why is everyone so down on parabens when they have been used in personal products for nearly 70 years? During a study done in 2004, parabens were linked to breast cancer. They are said to disturb the body’s hormonal balance and to mimic estrogen, which can play a part in breast cancer formation. - Aluminum Compounds (Aluminum chloralhydrate, aluminum zirconium tetrachlorohydrexgly)
Aluminum compounds within deodorants act as a plug within the sweat ducts and temporarily stop the flow of sweat. However, these compounds can be absorbed by your skin. Just as with parabens, these compounds can mimic estrogen, which can promote the growth of breast cancer cells. - Silica
Silica is a known skin irritant; it may also be contaminated with crystalline quartz which is a carcinogen (capable of causing cancer). - Triclosan
Triclosan is another ingredient that can irritate your skin and cause contact dermatitis. Your body contains good as well as bad bacteria, but triclosan kills both. The FDA classifies triclosan as a pesticide, while the IARC (international Agency for Research on Cancer) has it listed as a possible carcinogen. - Propylene Glycol
Propylene glycol is another common ingredient with health hazards. It may cause delayed allergic reactions, and is considered a neurotoxin, which may cause kidney and liver damage.