The dangers of deodorant and antiperspirant are many. They include chemicals that may cause cancer, Alzheimer’s, and allergic reactions.
Indeed, as Dr. Michael Shapiro, medical director and founder of Vanguard Dermatology, puts it, “Most conventional deodorants contain a number of toxic chemicals, such as aluminum chlorohydrate, parabens, propylene glycol, triclosan, TEA, DEA, FD&C colors, and Talc.”
With the help of Dr. Shapiro, then, here’s the dirt on seven ingredients common in mainstream underarm products, all of which you should definitely avoid.
Why Is Deodorant Bad For You?
The Dangers Of Deodorant #1: Aluminum
Aluminum-based compounds are the active ingredients in antiperspirants. They block sweat glands to keep perspiration from getting to the skin’s surface. Some research has suggested that these aluminum compounds may be absorbed by the skin and cause changes in estrogen receptors of breast cells. Because estrogen can promote the growth of cancer and non-cancer breast cells, aluminum-based compounds in antiperspirants may be a risk factor for developing breast cancer. How exactly can deodorant cause cancer? Read about why celebrities are denouncing mainstream deodorants to find out more about the link between deodorant and breast cancer.
The Dangers Of Deodorant #2: Parabens
Parabens, in their many forms (methylparaben, propylparaben, ethylparaben, or butylparaben), are a class of artificial preservatives widely used in cosmetics and personal-care products. They are suspected of disrupting the body’s delicate hormonal balance. This can lead to things like early puberty in children and an increased risk of hormonal cancers – including breast cancer. Exposure has also been linked to birth defects and organ toxicity.
The Dangers Of Deodorant #3: Propylene Glycol
Propylene glycol is a humectant (keeps substances from drying out) and it was originally developed as an antifreeze, but is now included in some deodorants and antiperspirants. It is a neurotoxin known to cause contact dermatitis, kidney damage, and liver damage. In propylene glycol’s Material Safety Data Sheet, workers are urged to avoid skin contact with the toxic chemical as it may cause eye and skin irritation, gastrointestinal irritation and discomfort, nausea, headaches, vomiting, and central nervous depression.
The Dangers Of Deodorant #4: Fragrance
This term can legally refer to hundreds of chemicals. One of these is phthalates, which has 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.
The Dangers Of Deodorant #5: TEA & DEA
Triethanolamine (TEA) and diethanolamine (DEA) adjust pH and are used with many fatty acids to convert acid to salt (stearate), which then becomes the basis for a cleanser. They both could be toxic if continually absorbed into the body in small doses over a long period of time; for its part, DEA can cause liver and kidney damage, while TEA can cause allergic reactions. These chemicals are already restricted in Europe due to known carcinogenic effects.
The Dangers Of Deodorant #6: Triclosan
This substance is an artificial antimicrobial chemical used to kill bacteria on the skin and other surfaces. Triclosan is a skin irritant and may cause contact dermatitis. Recent studies suggest this chemical may disrupt thyroid function and other critical hormone systems. The American Medical Association recommends that triclosan and other “antibacterial” products not be used in the home, as they may encourage bacterial resistance to antibiotics that can allow resistant strains to flourish. Read Maryam Henein’s investigative piece Clean Dirty Lies to find out more.
The Dangers Of Deodorant #7: FD&C Colors
FD&Cs are artificial, synthetic colors approved by the Food and Drug Administration for use in food, drugs, and cosmetics. Some are made from coal tar derivatives and have been known to be carcinogenic; they also often cause allergic skin reactions.
The Dangers Of Deodorant #8: Talc
As a hydrous magnesium silicate, talc is a soft mineral used in personal-care products as an absorbent and color additive. If it contains asbestiform fibers it is classified as a carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer. One woman was awarded 110.5 million dollars from a lawsuit claiming talc in baby powder cased her cancer. 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.
When choosing a deodorant, be sure to read the labels and stay away from these seven “dangers of deodorant.”
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Maryam Henein is an investigative journalist, professional researcher, and producer of the award-winning documentary Vanishing of the Bees. dangers of deodorants
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