Deodorant - Top 7 Ingredients To Avoid
The first thing you must do whenever you buy deodorant or any
product that goes on your skin or in your body is to read the
ingredients. They're usually in very tiny print on the back of
the label. If you have trouble reading small print, carry a
magnifying glass around with you so you can read before you buy.
This is critical because what you put on your skin can be
absorbed directly into your bloodstream. And harmful ingredients
in your blood can have potentially deadly effects on your body.
Here are 7 ingredients to avoid when choosing your deodorant:
Aluminum chlorohydrate, aluminum zirconium tetrachlorohydrex gly
or any aluminum compounds. 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 swallowed or inhaled. It is also harmful in contact
with the skin. There is some evidence that repeated exposure to
toluene may cause reproductive harm. Since 2000, 13 research
studies have shown that various types of parabens act like
estrogen in animals and in tissue culture. Estrogen is known to
drive the growth of cancerous cells.
Triclosan is a skin irritant and may cause contact dermatitis.
It may 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 a carcinogen by the International Agency
for Research on Cancer if it contains asbestiform fibers. The
quantity of asbestiform fibers in cosmetic grade talc is
unregulated. If talc is listed on the label, there is no way of
knowing whether or not it contains asbestiform fibers.
Propylene glycol absorbs quickly through the skin and is a
penetration enhancer. It may cause delayed allergic reactions.
NIOSH says propylene glycol is a neurotoxin and may cause kidney
or liver damage. The EPA says it's not fully investigated for
carcinogenic potential.
Silica is a skin irritant. It may be contaminated with
crystalline quartz, which is a carcinogen.
Steareth-n (n may be any number like say 100), may be vegetable
derived but is reacted with ethylene oxide (ethoxylated), a
known human carcinogen.
Instead choose deodorants with ingredients like vegetable
glycerin, natural preservatives like bioflavanoids and lichen,
herbs or herbal extracts, de-ionized water or distilled water,
green tea, aloe vera, baking soda and essential oils.
A word of caution: Plant extracts listed on labels can already
contain parabens and propylene glycol. These do not have to be
listed on the label. Very few herbs supplied to manufacturers
are free of parabens or other synthetic preservatives unless
they are extracted in vegetable glycerine. To make sure that the
products you buy are healthy and free of these harmful
chemicals, call the deodorant manufacturer and ask them for
detailed information.