If you are someone that habitually and routinely uses commercial deodorant and antiperspirants, then you may find that it has a significant impact on your skin and health. Before picking up that commercial stick of deodorant, read on to find out some of the dangers you may be facing with each use.
Kills Bacteria
Our microbes play a vital role in our overall health, and we need them. Therefore, we need to avoid killing this kind of bacteria. We regularly do so though through the prolonged use of antibacterial soaps and commercial deodorants.
Our body consists of both good and bad bacteria. Probiotic bacteria produce acid compounds like lactic acid that lower the skin’s pH and this pH is what prevents the growth of a lot of harmful bacteria. Good bacteria, like probiotics, can grow, multiply, and improve the balance of bacterial microflora.
The apocrine scent glands under our arms are responsible for the odor. The sweat we produce is high in protein and this is something that bacteria can break down easily.
With commercial deodorant, you will find a mixture of toxic chemicals, hormone disruptors, and even carcinogens and pesticides. Some of these harmful ingredients and chemicals include aluminum, parabens, Triclosan, Steareths, TEA, and DEA.
Aluminum
The aluminum found in commercial deodorants is what is clogging the skin and pores which ultimately prevents you from sweating which is why it is used in antiperspirants. Regular exposure to this ingredient has also been found to be linked with the development of Alzheimer’s and can also interfere with your levels of estrogen.
Parabens
Parabens are used a lot in different products as a preservative. However, it has been found to be one of the most dangerous additives you can use. Like aluminum, parabens can also affect estrogen and subsequently cause a hormonal imbalance.
Triclosan
The FDA has since classified this toxin as a pesticide, but it is still prevalent in many commercial deodorants. This ingredient kills bacteria, both good and bad, during the manufacturing process but also kills bacteria when it comes into direct contact with your skin. It doesn’t know the difference between good bacteria and bad bacteria, so it ends up killing both. Combine this ingredient with water, and you will find that you have made a carcinogenic gas.
Steareths
Steareths are additives that are found in many commercial deodorants, and like the other harmful ingredients, they can also produce carcinogens and dioxanes. They are waxy compounds and are often added to cosmetics and skin products to help prevent the products from separating. However, steareths are harmful and have been linked to cancer.
TEA and DEA
Otherwise known as Triethanolamine and diethanolamine respectively, these ingredients are chemicals that can penetrate the skin and affect organs such as the liver and kidneys. Europe has since banned these ingredients from being used in products.
DEA is often used as an emulsifier for products like shampoo and detergents. TEA is used as a fragrance, pH adjuster, and also an emulsifying agent. They can cause allergic reactions, eye problems, and could also dry out hair and skin.
More Natural Alternatives
Now that you know what ingredients are commonly found in commercial deodorants along with the dangers involved, you may be seeking more natural alternatives. However, even when it comes to the label stating they are all-natural, you will still want to be proactive and read through the ingredients to be sure.
Natural deodorants are designed to keep you smelling fresh without exposing you to the harmful chemicals and side effects you can experience with commercial deodorant.
Meta: Commercial deodorants contain many toxic and harmful chemicals that can affect your hormonal balance and estrogen levels, so it may be in your best interest to seek other more natural deodorant.
