Hello everyone! My apologies for being so absent lately. Ah, I'm finishing my last semester of college and have been working hard on studying and finishing all my schoolwork (as well as my on-campus actives/duties/volunteer work)! Today I'm writing about a topic that in my opinion, needs to be discussed more...All-Natural deodorant!
For a long time, I believed the lie that it is totally safe to use conventional, name-brand deodorants sold in stores. WRONG! Any deodorant that is sold in stores and labeled as "anti-perspirant" is actually very harmful to your health. Antiperspirants contain aluminum. This can lead to breast cancer in women, prostate cancer in men, and increase the risk of Alzheimer's disease. Another ingredient called propylene glycol is linked to damage to the central nervous system, liver, and heart. Phthalates increase the risk of birth defects and disrupt hormone receptors and increase the likelihood of cell mutation. Triclosan is classified by the FDA as a pesticide and a probable carcinogen. If it's meant to kill an organism, then it should not be anywhere near or on you! These ingredients are classified as parabens. Basically they increase the risk of cancer, birth defects, hormone disruptions, and all contribute to organ toxicity. They're all really bad and dangerous things!
To combat this, there are so many companies that are creating all-natural deodorants. I say try several and see what works best for you. Everyone's bodies react differently so what works for me may not work for you and vice versa. Personally, my favorite is a company called Native, and they're the one company that really works for me. There are so many great companies out there!
I've gotten a few questions or concerns and I'm going to answer/address some of them:
Q: Are all-natural deodorant antiperspirants?
A: No. Aluminum and toxic parabens are what gives traditional deodorants their anti-perspirant quality. Those things as stated above are very dangerous. Our bodies need to sweat and release trapped waste and toxins, so if we force our bodies to stop sweating, then we cause a lot of damage to ourselves. Many all-natural deodorants have being soda which helps us feel and stay dry and fresh, but it will not block our glands/pores. Sweat is good.
Q: What if I'm allergic or sensitive to baking soda?
A: There's a lot of companies that make all-natural deodorants for sensitive skin. They don't contain any baking soda and will still make you feel dry, fresh, and amazing.
Q: Do all-natural deodorants cause clothing to stain?
A: No! One of my favorite things about all-natural deodorant is it isn't really capable of staining clothes. I've tested it on black shirts and other dark colors. Aluminum and other ingredients found in big name-brand deodorant are what causes clothing stains. They are chemical that react with your skin and the fabric of your clothing and are responsible for those ugly marks/stains.
Q: Do you need to reapply deodorant/Do you still feel fresh and dry?
A: Again, it's all about finding a company that works for you when using all-natural deodorant. With some companies, I've had to reapply throughout the day, but once I found my company, I only have to apply once a day and use about 1-2 swipes of deodorant. (Really, less can be more!) When you find the right company for you, you will most likely only need to apply a very small amount of product once a day. And you will feel dry and fresh and there's many great scents to choose from!
I cannot stress how important it is to research what you put on/in your body. Just because something is name-brand and sold everywhere, it doesn't mean it is safe to use. Be smart and careful with your selections. I hope this was helpful information and it's sad that armpits do not get enough attention and love.
XOXO
Chloe
