The Dangers of Deodorant & How to make your own Herbal Deodorant

Did you know that there are a bunch of toxins lurking in your deodorant? Yep. Many of the top-selling deodorants in the U.S. contain a number of harmful ingredients. So what are the dangers of deodorant? When used on a daily basis these ingredients can cause an array of health problems. Ditch the toxins in your deodorant and make an all natural herbal deodorant. Why should you make the switch?

Dangers of Deodorant

• Aluminum Zirconium

  • Aluminum is used to block and clog the sweat glands so you don’t sweat. Blocking sweat from coming out of your body is harmful in itself. It allows toxins to build up in your body that you would normally release while sweating. When you add exposure to aluminum, it increases the toxin load in your body. Aluminum is a neurotoxin that has been linked to nerve damage and Alzheimer’s. And yes, your body does absorb aluminum through the skin.
  • This ingredient can also be the link to breast cancer increases in young women since most women start using antiperspirants as teens. According to controlyourimpact.com (source)
    

    “Another mechanism that can help cause DNA damage is through the aluminum and zirconium salts. It has been shown that aluminum can bind to DNA and change it, resulting in damaged breast cells.”

  • DNA  damage, along with the continued growth of damaged cells, is essentially the cause of cancer.

 

• Parabens

  • Parabens are preservatives used to keep foods and personal care products from spoiling. Much like aluminum, they can be absorbed through the skin. Parabens act like hormones in the body, such as estrogen, (a carcinogen, or cancer-causing) and can cause problems with your endocrine system. According to a publication in Journal of Toxicology (source)
    

    “Parabens are used as preservatives in a range of cosmetics applied to the underarm and breast area and it has been suggested that regular application of such oestrogenic chemicals could influence breast cancer development.”

  • Meaning there may be a link between parabens and breast cancer.
  • Also, because of this hormone-like effect, there is speculation endocrine disrupters may cause early puberty in children.

 

• Propylene Glycol

  • Propylene glycol is often used as a preservative or solvent in foods, drugs and personal care products. There have been a multitude of studies done and there isn’t conclusive evidence if it’s actually harmful or not when used as “cosmetic grade.” However, it is documented as caustic in the industrial form.
  • Its been known to cause skin irritation and sensitivities
  • Overall its considered “safe” in small amounts. However, personally, I’d rather not take my chances and just eliminate the risk. At least in my deodorant, because apparently this stuff is used in a lot of personal care goods and as a preservative in packaged foods.

 

Herbal Deodorant

You can find lots of really awesome natural deodorants on the market. I used this pit paste for the longest and really liked it. Its made with all natural ingredients, cruelty-free, and the best part is it has a score of 1 on the EWG’s cosmetic data base, which is pretty much a perfect score.

The database rates products based their ingredients. You should check it out, go to the site and put in your current deodorant to get its rating. Then click the product to see how it go its ratting and to get detailed information on any hazardous ingredients.

 

DIY Herbal Deodorant

I make my deodorant now. It’s way cheaper, I know exactly what goes in it and I can customize it for my needs, or when I’m just feeling like a change-up. It’s a super simple recipe and relatively easy to make. I pour mine into deodorant containers like these, but you can save and use old containers too, or simply put it in a sealable container and apply it with your fingers or an applicator.

 

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup arrowroot powder
• 1/4 cup of baking soda
• 6 Tablespoons of coconut oil
• Essential oils (optional)

Put all the above ingredients (except the essential oils) in a bowl and mix until you get a texture similar to conventional deodorant. After it’s mixed a bit, add in your essential oils. I like using plain old lavender, but I’d love to give jasmine oil a try. It’s supposed to smell amazing, but a bit too expensive for me right now.

I use my hands to mix it.  If you keep working it, it starts to melt, which actually makes it easier to “scoop” into your deodorant containers. It can get kinda messy, but totally worth it. Pop it in the fridge for 20-30 minutes to harden, and you’re good to go.

 

The best Natural Deodorants

If DIY just isn’t your thing there are great store-bought options

Non-toxic options include:

Pitpaste

Crystal Deodorant

Charcoal Deodorant (EWG Certified)

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