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There is no argument that having the right deodorant is essential to our hygiene and beauty routines. No one wants to be in a situation where your deodorant lets you down, especially in the summer heat…
But picking the right deodorant is a bit more complicated than finding a scent to your liking, or an antiperspirant strength that will last you the whole day. It’s also about paying attention to the ingredients you’re putting on your body. Like with any beauty or personal care item, the ingredients in deodorant may be harmful to your health.
For years, we have been hearing about the dangers of using aluminum in deodorant. While it might be beneficial to reducing sweat, it may also impact hormone levels in the body and increase risk of Alzheimer’s disease or breast cancer, according to some studies.
But we’re not here to warn against aluminum. There’s something else that may be lurking in your deodorant: phthalates.
"There is a renewed push to get phthalates out of food packing, personal care products and other products," Heather B Patisaul, Associate Dean for Research NC State University, told SheFinds.
“Phthalates are harmful chemicals added to plastic products used throughout the food production process and can cause serious health problems,” as described in a paper co-authored by Patisaul. “These chemicals have been found to leach into food through plastic products and equipment such as tubing, lid gaskets, food preparation gloves, conveyor belts and food packaging materials.”
Patisaul told SheFinds that a new bill has been introduced to the U.S. Senate to address the issue of phthalates on our health. Called the Preventing Harmful Exposure to Phthalates Act, this bill is intended to prevent phthalates from contaminating the U.S. food supply.
“There is now enough evidence to strongly suspect phthalate exposure is not good for the developing brain,” Patisaul told us. “We couldn't really say that even 3-5 years ago.”
However, this even if this bill is passed, there could still be phthalates in your deodorant.
Patisaul explained, "The issue with personal care products like deodorant is that they fall under the purview of the FDA and there are almost no regulations surrounding the composition of personal care products.
"Nearly every control over 'toxic chemicals' in these products is voluntary. Industry is essentially self-regulating, and that's the problem. Consumers don't know that the regulatory landscape for cosmetics and personal care products is virtually lawless. In most other countries phthalates and other EDCs are banned from personal care products. It's been extremely difficult to get traction on this issue and so it remains largely a "buyer beware" situation."
The best way to avoid using products made with dangerous chemicals is simply to keep informed and aware. Scrutinize the ingredients on any product you buy, deodorant or otherwise. Make sure you're only using products with ingredients you feel safe with.
If you need help finding a new deodorant, check out some of our favorite natural items here.
