Deodorants

We use it everyday, we don’t even think about it, but WTF is really in our deodorant?

The ingredient labels for personal care products can be overwhelmingly long and confusing, but here are five toxic red flags:

Aluminum

Aluminum compounds work to block the pores that release sweat. Found in antiperspirants, it can interfere with the ability of estrogen receptors to adequately process the hormone. It has been linked to Alzheimer’s and breast cancer.

Parabens

Parabens are a synthetic chemical preservative that allow skin care, and beauty products to have a long shelf life. Parabens can act as estrogen, which can throw off your bodyʼs hormone balance and stimulate the growth of estrogen-sensitive breast cancer cells. In one study, 20 breast cancer tumors were examined and 19 of them contained parabens.

Triclosan

Triclosan is added to prevent or lessen the chance of bacterial infection or contamination. The FDA is continuously conducting studies to discover long term effects on humans, but triclosan does alter hormone regulation in animals.

Propylene Glycol

A petroleum based ingredient that is used to soften cosmetic products for easier application. It is said to not be harmful in small doses, but in large doses has been known to be harmful to the liver, heart and central nervous system.

Phthalates

Another chemical that is added to help consistency of personal care products. Phthalates have been linked to several health issues, specifically a higher risk of birth defect.

Once you’ve looked for these harmful chemicals on your deodorant’s ingredient label, head on over to the Environmental Working Group’s Skin Deep database and put your deodorant to the test. EWG also provides a list of the most non-toxic deodorant brands and where to find them.

www.ewg.org