The first thing you need to do whenever you buy a deodorant or any product that goes on your skin or in your body is to read the ingredients. They are usually printed in very small print on the back of the label. If you have trouble reading fine print, take a magnifying glass with you so you can read before you buy. This is essential because what you put on your skin can be absorbed directly into your bloodstream. And the harmful ingredients in your blood can have life-threatening effects on your body.
Here are 7 ingredients to avoid when choosing your deodorant:
Aluminum hydrochloride, aluminum zirconium tetrachlorohydrex gly or any aluminum compound. Aluminum is absorbed through the skin and accumulates in the body. It has been suggested that there is an association between aluminum and Alzheimer’s disease.
Parabens (methyl, ethyl, propyl, benzyl and butyl), are all derived from toluene, a toxic petrochemical derivative. Toluene is toxic if ingested or inhaled. It is also harmful in contact with the skin. There is some evidence that repeated exposure to toluene can harm reproduction. Since 2000, 13 research studies have shown that various types of parabens act like estrogens in animals and in tissue culture. Estrogen is known to stimulate the growth of cancer cells.
Triclosan is a skin irritant and may cause contact dermatitis. It can kill healthy bacteria as well as harmful bacteria. It may contain carcinogenic contaminants. It is stored in body fat and is classified as a pesticide by the FDA.
Talc is classified as carcinogenic by the International Agency for Research on Cancer if it contains asbestiform fibres. The amount of asbestiform fibers in cosmetic grade talc is not regulated. If talc is listed on the label, there is no way of knowing whether or not it contains asbestiform fibres.
Propylene glycol Penetrates quickly through the skin and is a penetration enhancer. It can cause delayed allergic reactions. NIOSH states that propylene glycol is a neurotoxin and can cause kidney or liver damage. The EPA says it has not been fully studied for its carcinogenic potential.
Silica is a skin irritant. It may be contaminated with crystalline quartz, which is carcinogenic.
Steareth-n (n can be any number like say 100), can be of plant origin but is reacted with (ethoxylated) ethylene oxide, a known human carcinogen.
Instead, choose deodorants that contain ingredients like vegetable glycerin, natural preservatives like bioflavonoids and lichen, herbs or herbal extracts, deionized or distilled water, green tea, aloe vera, baking soda and essential oils.
A word of warning: Herbal extracts listed on labels may already contain parabens and propylene glycol. These do not necessarily have to be on the label. Very few herbs supplied to manufacturers are free from parabens or other synthetic preservatives, unless they are extracted into vegetable glycerin. To make sure the products you buy are safe and free from these harmful chemicals, call the deodorant manufacturer and ask for detailed information.
