HomeGreat article over at http://www.meridahome.com/blog/ by Cameron
Deodorant is becoming a major health concern for consumers across the United States. No one wants to smell bad, and deodorant is a bigger social staple in this country than anywhere else in the world. In fact, about 90% of American adults wear deodorant on a regular basis, making it a 2 billion dollar industry. However, the cultural obsession with smelling squeaky clean may be putting people at risk for some serious health problems.
Traditional deodorants contain many questionable ingredients, such as: aluminum, parabens, propylene glycol, TEA & DEA, triclosan, artificial colors, and talc. Aluminum is usually the active ingredient in deodorants and antiperspirants because it blocks sweat glands. However, when aluminum is absorbed into the skin, can interact with estrogen receptors, which is a risk factor for developing breast cancer. This is very frightening, but there are no conclusive studies that link deodorant usage with increased breast cancer rates. Similarly, parabens are chemical preservatives that affect human hormones, but studies still have yet to concretely link exposure to cancer rates. Propylene glycol is in almost every brand of deodorant (even in some “natural” brands). It was originally developed as an antifreeze because it keeps products from drying out, and is used for that purpose in toiletries even though the chemical itself is a known neurotoxin. In addition to causing headaches, propylene glycol can also cause liver and kidney damage. The use of TEA & DEA as an ingredient for toiletries is severely restricted in the European Union (have you ever noticed that it is difficult to find your favorite brands of skin and hair products abroad? Well, this is why.) TEA & DEA are used to adjust the pH balance of given product, but longterm exposure to these chemicals contributes to liver and kidney damage and is carcinogenic.
All in all, deodorants contain many dangerous chemicals, but there is controversy on whether or not these chemicals are causing harm to the human population. Studies are being conducted on different types of deodorants, but so far, all seem to be either inconclusive or conflicting with one another. Luckily, there are many alternative brands that give consumers the option to reduce their exposure to these chemicals without foregoing odor protection. Eco-conscious bands such as Kiss My Face, Burt’s Bees, and Tom’s of Maine all have lines of “natural” deodorant. (although it is important to read the label because while these brands contain less chemicals than traditional deodorants, they still may contain some of the foremetioned ingredients). MiEssence deodorant has been recognized as one of the most effective and environmentally friendly brands of deodorant, though it is somewhat more expensive than traditional brands.
Also becoming more popular is Crystal deodorant which does not contain any chemicals, and instead uses mineral salts. Users swear by it, but others are hesitant to begin using because this unconventional deodorant is like rubbing a rock in your armpits in the morning! Whatever you choose, more information and safety/environmental ratings can be found on the Skin Deep Database, which has information on 65,000 products.
