This story has been updated since it was originally posted on 10/04/2018
It can be hard to believe that something as simple as a deodorant can be harmful to your health, but more and more research has come out about the risk of this common, everyday product. If you aren’t already aware, many of the ingredients in your deodorant have been linked to health concerns like skin irritation, allergies, and even more severe ones like cancer. The chemical ingredients in these products may make you smell good, but that can come at a very big cost.
When shopping for a deodorant, experts warn about the importance of choosing products that don’t contain aluminum compounds or phthalates. Unfortunately, this can be difficult, because so many products are made with them. However, it’s not impossible!
To learn more about the negative effects of deodorant with toxic ingredients, we spoke to Heather B Patisaul, Associate Dean for Research NC State University.
Negative Effects Of Aluminum Deodorant
The aluminum compounds in your deodorant are used to block the sweat ducts in your armpits to temporarily stop sweat. Sounds good, right? Not exactly. These compounds are then absorbed into the skin throughout the day and are toxic for our bodies.
According to Organics.org, “These compounds can mimic estrogen, which promotes growth of breast cancer cells.” Scary to think about, isn’t it? Especially if you consider how many times a day you apply and reapply deodorant. Considering many of us often apply deodorant to freshly shaven skin which contains tiny little cuts, these chemicals can enter the skin even quicker.
The National Cancer Institute states that due to the proximity of underarm deodorants and the breast, several scientists have suggested a possible connection between the two. Yikes!
Negative Effects of Phthalates
According to Patisaul, "phthalates are harmful chemicals added to plastic products used throughout the food production process and can cause serious health problems." So, what are these harmful ingredients doing in your deodorant?! It turns out that they're frequently used to make the products smell good—and to make that great smell last longer. Unfortunately, though, that comes with a serious price: They may lead to obesity, type II diabetes, cancer, and more.
Phthalates aren't just in your personal care products, either. Patisaul notes that "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." Luckily, there's already a movement to get rid of them. "There is a renewed push to get phthalates out of food packing, personal care products and other products," she explains. But for now, there's still the risk of finding this toxic ingredient in your deodorant.
To make sure your personal care products don’t contain harmful ingredients like aluminum compound or phthalates, always read the label and check the drug facts. You will find typically find aluminum listed under the active ingredients. Other harmful deodorant ingredients to look out for are Parabens, Silica, Talc, and many more.
For a safer antiperspirant, make the switch to all-natural products that are made without these dangerous ingredients.
