As we become more aware of the ingredients in our personal care products we have also started to look more closely at the correlation between our health and how these ingredients may affect us. Two of the products under a lot of scrutiny in recent years are something most of us use every single day – deodorant and antiperspirant.
While there have been several studies to determine whether there is a link between these products, their ingredients, how long and how often they’re used and cancer, only moderate correlations have been found--no conclusive evidence--that they cause cancer, according to the National Institutes of Health and the National Cancer Institute.
Parabens, artificial fragrances and aluminum are the top three concerning ingredients, aluminum being most worrisome for its estrogenic properties. Since we are applying antiperspirant in an area so close to breast tissue, the possibility of aluminum being absorbed into breast tissue is something many people have concern over.
Luckily many natural options for deodorant and antiperspirant are available now. The most common and easiest natural option to transition to is a simple solid deodorant. They are available in many different scents, using essential oils and natural based fragrances and even unscented formulas. These solids can use a variety of natural ingredients including salts, zinc and even baking soda to prevent and absorb odor.
Natural deodorant options
The traditional solid deodorant isn’t the only option in this wonderful world of natural odor-fighting products, though. You can also find roll-ons, sprays and even paste formulas that are highly effective and completely non-toxic. In fact, salt rock deodorants have been around for decades and are a completely natural way to prevent under arm odor.
Although most products that are considered antiperspirants contain aluminum, if you are in search of something that will not only keep you smelling fresh but also feeling fresh, look for a powdered deodorant to help absorb wetness.
When choosing a powder deodorant, steer clear of anything containing talc. Instead, you will want corn starch or baking soda (often listed as sodium bicarbonate) to be your sweat absorbing savior. While powdered deodorants can take some getting used to, especially when learning how to keep your clothes from being covered in it, since they are completely natural they usually wipe away quickly and easily if you happen to get it somewhere you don’t want it.
Another option is to make your own natural deodorant with odor-absorbing ingredients such as baking soda, along with skin-soothing ingredients such as coconut oil and beeswax plus essential oils for germ fighting and scent.
If we take care to choose healthy foods and eliminate toxic cleaning products from our homes, then we should also make sure our personal care products are safe, healthy and non-toxic. Making the switch to natural deodorant is one simple step that might protect our health for years to come and with so many great options, there’s no reason to put it off another day.
Quick guide to choosing a safe deodorant
What to avoid:
- Aluminum
- Parabens
- Artificial Fragrances
- Talc
What’s safe:
- Natural Mineral Salts
- Tea Tree Oil
- Essential Oils
- Baking Soda
