YOUR DEODORANT IS HARMING YOU!

8 Toxins Lurking in Your Deodorant

Just look at the list of chemical ingredients in an average deodorant…

1. Aluminum Compounds

Aluminum is the ingredient in antiperspirants that actually clogs your pores and prevents sweating. Aluminum exposure has been linked with the development of Alzheimer’s disease and interferes with your estrogen levels. When your body can’t process estrogen properly, there’s a higher risk for breast and prostrate cancer.

2. Parabens

This chemical is used in a lot of products these days as a preservative, but it is possibly one of the most harmful additives of all. Sometimes parabens act as estrogen in your body, which disrupts hormonal balances and has been linked to breast cancer and prostate cancer.

3. Steareths

These additives are the product of ethoxylation (weakening of harsh chemical in the manufacturing process), which simultaneously produces carcinogens and dioxanes.

4. Triclosan

The FDA has classified triclosan as a pesticide, yet it is in the majority of brand name deodorants. It’s used to kill bacteria in the manufacturing process, as well as when it comes in contact with your skin. When triclosan is combined with water it can also create a carcinogenic gas called chloroform.

5. Propylene Glycol

If used everyday, this chemical can cause damage to your central nervous system, heart and liver. It is also shown to irritate skin, especially if you have sensitive skin. Propylene glycol can be harmful at as small a percentage as 2%, yet deodorants generally have a high dose of 50% propylene glycol.

6. TEA and DEA

Triethanolamine (TEA) and diethanolamine (DEA) are chemicals can seep into your skin and affect your liver and kidneys. In fact, they’re so harmful that these two chemicals have already been banned from products in Europe because they are known carcinogens.

7. Artificial Colors

Some artificial colors and bleaches in deodorants can cause serious allergic reactions and are also known carcinogens

8. Fragrance

Did you know? Fragrance is the leading cause of skin irritations. With your underarms and scalp being the most sensitive parts of your body, it’s important to be cautious of using highly-scented products in these areas. Why are fragrances so dangerous? It’s because they are are often made of proprietary blends of different ingredients. That means that companies are not willing to disclose what goes into their “signature” scents – or any of their scented products. Some companies will list the ingredients, keeping the proportion of ingredients a secret, but the majority do not.
While all other elements are required by law to be disclosed in the U.S., a brand can add any of thousands of substances unregulated by the FDA to these products without disclosure. In 2018, Women’s Voices for the Earth published a study on the fragrance industry. They discovered that in over 3000 chemicals reportedly used for fragrances, 1,242 were chemicals of concern – and that included at least 7 possible carcinogenic, or cancer-causing, agents.

The compounds in those scents can be harmful in and of themselves, OR their mixture may be harmful. The dangers of fragrances include:
-Carcinogens. As mentioned, these are agents that cause cancer and they are highly debatable. Sometimes one country or agency declares a chemical a possible human carcinogen but other groups and organizations will push back against that. Quite often, this is done by brands here in America.

-Endocrine Disruptors. These are chemicals that can disrupt or harm the how hormones function in the body. The EPA states that endocrine disruptors can cause birth defects and negatively impact the reproductive system, the immune system, and the nervous system. They are also linked to cancer.
Phthalates. According to Made Safe, phthalates are used to “increase the longevity of the fragrance.” These chemicals are also endocrine disruptors and have other harmful effects as well.

-Neurotoxins. Does perfume kill brain cells? The science is not vast on this issue, but Safe Cosmetics reports that animal research does link one ingredient, p-cymene, to “headache, weakness, and irritability, along with the reduction in number and density of brain synapses.” Fragrances have also been linked several serious neurological conditions.

-Allergens and irritants. Fragrances often test out as a “top 5” allergen trigger affecting millions of people. Additionally, it may induce asthma or other respiratory problems.

-Synthetic musk. This chemical stands out because carries many of the dangers listed above including Parkinson’s disease, and can accumulate in the body as well as in the environment. Water runoff that contains synthetic musk is difficult to break down.

These are the most documented health concerns for fragrances but they are not the only ones. Chemicals in fragrances have also been accused of causing rashes, migraines, ADHD, and possibly contributing to autism.

In summary, do yourself a BIG ol health favor, and get some #ZenPits!