Meet the 6 Toxic Chemicals In Your Commercial Deodorant

At Green Theory, we believe that the one thing that you should have complete and total control over is what you choose to expose yourself to throughout the day. Yes, nobody wants to smell like body odor….I’m right, right? Please say “yes”. The question then becomes “what’s the price you’re willing to pay in order to not stink?” and then whether one could effectively get what they want (not repelling people like Pig Pen) without the potential sacrifice to our health. As they say, knowledge is power and, with that in mind, we would like you to meet the synthetic chemicals in your commercial deodorant and get to know them a little bit so that you can make the best decisions for your health.

Aluminum: Aluminum compounds, primarily Aluminum Chlorohydrate, are utilized in antiperspirants to temporarily block sweat ducts, reducing perspiration. This mechanism, while effective for sweat control, introduces aluminum ions into the body, where they can exert a neurotoxic effect. The concern over aluminum extends beyond its immediate impact on sweat production to potential long-term health risks.

The neurotoxicity of aluminum is well-documented, with studies highlighting its capacity to disrupt neurological functions. Its presence in the brain has been linked to neurodegenerative diseases, although direct causality is still under investigation. Furthermore, the interaction of aluminum with estrogen receptors in breast tissue presents another area of concern. Estrogen plays a crucial role in breast tissue development and function, and any disruption in its receptor activity could have significant implications. Research suggests that aluminum compounds may mimic estrogen, potentially leading to changes in breast cell DNA and influencing breast cancer risk. These findings underscore the importance of understanding the full scope of aluminum's biological impact.

The prevalence of aluminum in the Earth's crust and its widespread use in various industries might suggest its safety; however, its biological inactivity in natural processes raises questions about its compatibility with living organisms. The human body does not require aluminum for any known biological process, and its accumulation over time, particularly from external sources like antiperspirants, could pose health risks that are not yet fully understood.

Given these concerns, Green Theory Naturals advocates for informed choices regarding personal care products. Our commitment to health and transparency drives us to offer alternatives that are free from aluminum and other potentially harmful chemicals. By choosing natural deodorant options, individuals can reduce their exposure to these compounds, aligning their grooming habits with a broader commitment to well-being and safety.

Parabens: These synthetic preservatives are ubiquitous in personal care and cosmetic products due to their effectiveness in extending shelf life. The concern with parabens arises from their ability to mimic estrogen, a hormone known to play a significant role in breast tissue. Scientific studies have detected the presence of parabens in a substantial portion of breast tissue samples analyzed, indicating potential absorption and retention within the body. These findings suggest a possible link to breast cancer, highlighting the need for further research and caution in the use of products containing parabens. For those interested in delving deeper into this subject, consulting reputable scientific journals and health organizations' publications could provide more comprehensive insights.

these synthetic preservatives are ubiquitous in personal care and cosmetic products due to their effectiveness in extending shelf life. The concern with parabens arises from their ability to mimic estrogen, a hormone known to play a significant role in breast tissue. Scientific studies have detected the presence of parabens in a substantial portion of breast tissue samples analyzed, indicating potential absorption and retention within the body. These findings suggest a possible link to breast cancer, highlighting the need for further research and caution in the use of products containing parabens. For those interested in delving deeper into this subject, consulting reputable scientific journals and health organizations' publications could provide more comprehensive insights.

Proplyene Glycol: Widely used in personal care products due to its humectant properties, it effectively keeps products from drying out. Despite its utility, propylene glycol is a neurotoxin associated with various health concerns. Highlighting its original development as an anti-freeze compound underscores its industrial beginnings, contrasting sharply with its presence in products designed for skin contact. The National Institute for Occupational Health and Safety's warnings about skin exposure to propylene glycol due to potential irritations and more severe health issues, including kidney and liver damage, serve as a critical point of concern. These risks, combined with potential reactions like contact dermatitis, position propylene glycol as a contentious ingredient in the personal care industry, prompting a reevaluation of its safety and necessity in products intended for regular use.

TEA & DEA: TEA (Triethanolamine) and DEA (Diethanolamine), it's crucial to understand why these chemicals, commonly used to adjust pH levels in various personal care products, have come under significant scrutiny. Regulatory bodies in Europe have imposed restrictions on TEA and DEA due to their potential carcinogenic effects, which has sparked a broader conversation about their safety worldwide. These compounds can react with other ingredients to form nitrosamines, compounds known for their cancer-causing potential. The focus on TEA and DEA highlights the growing demand for safer, more transparent ingredient lists in consumer products, urging consumers and manufacturers alike to prioritize health and safety over convenience. This concern aligns with the increasing trend toward natural and safer alternatives in personal care products.

Triclosan: Its antimicrobial properties, effects on thyroid function and hormone systems, and the concerns raised by the American Medical Association regarding its role in fostering antibiotic-resistant bacteria, it's not something we believe should be used to control body-odor.

There you have it! All the information you have to make an informed decision on which type of deodorants you choose to use on a daily basis. Is it worth the risk? What do you think? Natural deodorants with 100% all natural ingredients have no harmful chemicals in them. Our unique blend of ingredients and probiotics naturally kill off odor producing bacteria while the bentonite clay pulls out harmful toxins leaving you not only smelling great but actually healthier!  Join the movement and take control over your personal care products.

Sources:

https://breast-cancer-research.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/bcr2424

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/14639125

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23899626

https://www.organics.org/7-harmful-ingredients-in-your-deodorant/