It's easy enough to understand why the food we eat can potentially be bad for us, but too often we forget that the products we slather onto our skin are just as important. Deodorant, which most of us use on a daily basis, is a perfect example. A lot of brands claim to be "natural" but are nothing of the sort, and the ingredients that make most popular brands so effective are the ones we really need to keep an eye out for. I learned a lot during my own search for a truly natural underarm option.
Aluminum - This metal is the primary ingredient in many commercial deodorants, and it's used to fill your pores and literally block sweat (as well as the toxins that we
want to get rid of) from leaving the body.
Scientific research has recently shown a correlation between aluminum exposure and Alzheimer's Disease, and some experts believe that it can be linked to breast cancer as well. As unfortunate and uncomfortable as it can be sometimes, our bodies are supposed to sweat. Aluminum screws with what should be a natural occurrence.
Parabens - These synthetic hormones are used to prevent bacteria from growing in water-based products and they can be found in food as well as countless personal care items. It makes sense that a chemical that has the ability to kill living organisms could also set up camp and wreak havoc in our bodies, right?
Parabens have been linked to cancer, endocrine disruption, reproductive toxicity, and skin irritation, just to name a few. Check ingredient lists for ethylparaben, methylparaben, propylparaben, and butylparaben if you're looking to avoid them.
Propylene Glycol - You might find this ingredient in your deodorant because it helps maintain moisture and consistency. While
the FDA says that the chemical is "generally recognized as safe" for consumption, propylene glycol is commonly used as an antifreeze by chemical, food and pharmaceutical companies and it is also used as a solvent in the paint and plastics industries. How do you like the idea of that making its way through your bloodstream?
Pthalates - This stuff is everywhere. Pthalates are not only used as a lubricant in deodorant, but they can also be found in nail polish, vinyl flooring, rain coats, bug spray, IV drip bags, and about a gazillion other things that we come into contact with every day. I was saddened
to learn that the new car smell that many of us enjoy is a direct result of this same substance. Pthalates are another known endocrine disruptor and have also been linked to birth defects.
Triclosan - Last, but certainly not least, is an ingredient that is classified as a pesticide and is used to prevent bacterial growth in our deodorant, toothpaste, and anti-bacterial soaps.
Triclosan is another endocrine disruptor and is also causing harm to our water supplies and fragile ecosystems. There seems to be no scientific evidence that "anti-bacterial" products are beneficial to our health. Most of them include this ingredient and are doing more harm than good!
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Most of us will go on to live a normal life regardless of the brand of deodorant that we're smearing under our arms, but I just can't stand the idea of knowingly increasing my risk of all that stuff and filling my body with chemicals that it wasn't designed to process. Luckily I've finally found a deodorant that works really well for me!
I ordered
Primal Pit Paste in the lavender scent and my underarms have been naturally stank-free for about two weeks now. I've made it through running, Zumba classes, and 85 degree humidity with no cause for concern. The consistency is different when compared to your typical deodorant (obviously, because it doesn't have all of that fake crud in it) but it has been just as effective and I love how it smells. Plus, since this stuff is aluminum-free it wont leave those pesky yellow stains on your clothes. Bonus!
The only negative impact that this change has made on my lifestyle is a slightly higher cost. The hundreds of not-so-natural options that you'll find on most store shelves are inexpensive to produce
because of the chemicals that are used in them. This is a perfect example of why cheaper is not always better. Personally, I'm happy to pay a higher price for quality ingredients that don't need to be researched by the CDC.
If you're thinking about ditching your deodorant but are convinced that a natural option wont be effective enough, my friend Mandy over at Sustainable Sass just
wrote a great post about natural ways to reduce your need for deodorant in the first place. Some of her tips include drinking lots of water, increasing your intake of fruits and veggies, and exercising... all of which are things we should be doing more of anyway. Check out her blog! It's pretty great.
So what are your thoughts? Have you considered making the switch?
