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Is Your Deodorant Toxic?

Your first response might be – what the heck are you even talking about! It’s okay! Lots of people don’t quite get it but after you read this you might think twice about the deodorants you use. You might even consider telling family members you truly care for about this. 

Five Main Ingredients to Be Careful Of

Most deodorants that have one or more than five hidden toxic ingredients. This includes aluminum, parabens, propylene glycol, phthalates and triclosan.

The primary ingredient used in most antiperspirants is aluminum. Aluminum is a metal, which is used in antiperspirants to help block the sweat from escaping the pores. Aluminum has been linked to breast cancer in women and has also been linked to an increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease.

Parabens are a family of synthetic preservatives that are often found in deodorants as well. In fact, parabens are contained in an alarming amount of our body care products. A random sampling of 100 human urine specimens performed by the CDC showed that all 100 contained parabens. This demonstrates the high absorption rate of chemicals we place on our skin.

Propylene glycol is another common ingredient that is used in antiperspirants and deodorants. This is a petroleum based material that is used to soften cosmetic products due to its slick consistency. It is a cheap way to make skin care products more easily applicable to the skin. The argument that propylene glycol is safe in small amounts has been questioned by consumer safety advocates. In large quantities, studies have shown that it can cause damage to the central nervous system, liver and heart.

Phthalates are another class of chemicals that are often used in deodorants and antiperspirants that you may want to avoid. Phthalates are used in cosmetics, synthetic fragrances, plastics, body care products and medical goods. They help to dissolve other ingredients and to create a better consistency. The problem with phthalates is that they have been linked to a variety of health issues. High phthalate blood and urine levels in women of child bearing age have been linked to a higher risk of birth defects. This suggests that phthalates may disrupt hormone receptors as well as increase the likelihood of cell mutation.

Triclosan is another common ingredient included in commercial deodorants. It is utilized as the odor killing part of antiperspirants for its anti-bacterial properties. It is also commonly used in antibacterial soaps, hand wipes and gels. Triclosan is actually classified as a pesticide by the FDA. It is also classified as a probable carcinogen by the Environmental Protection Agency. This classification has prompted some companies to remove it from their products. However, it still can be found as an ingredient in some formulas.

Some Healthier & Less Expensive Alternatives

When we say less expensive, it might seem like you are paying more money and indeed that might be the case. In return, you can’t put a price on your health and if you can steer clear of these ingredients to get your “HYGIENE ON” then these are some alternatives for you to consider:

Here are some deodorants you can purchase that are aluminum and paraben free via Amazon! Some of these deodorants you can find at a very reasonable price. Order your new healthier deodorants for yourself and make yourself feel mentally better about using your deodorant. Also, share this with others you care for.

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