6 Alternatives to Toxic Deodorants

By Natural Solutions

Why most deodorants stink—and six alternatives that work. Of all our daily grooming habits, swiping a deodorant stick or squirting antiperspirant under our arms may be the one we dare not neglect. Hot yoga classes and subway etiquette practically demand it. But when it comes to choosing a BO buster, we should care just as much about how it affects us as it does others—and that means avoiding the harmful ingredients many deodorants contain.

Why? Unlike soaps or shampoos, “these cosmetics are not rinsed off,” says Philippa Darbre, breast cancer researcher at the University of Reading in England. “The entire application is left on the skin each time, allowing for the accumulation of chemicals in the underarm and upper breast area.”

The sensitive skin in these areas eventually absorbs this chemical overload—some of which is toxic—into the underlying tissue, where it can wreak havoc in the body.

Beware of these primary offenders:

Aluminum compounds
Found only in antiperspirants, aluminum zirconium and aluminum chlorohydrate work by blocking pores that release sweat. Aluminum, like other heavy metals, may interfere with the ability of estrogen receptors to correctly process the hormone.

Propylene glycol
Because this ingredient functions as a penetration enhancer, it can be more harmful when paired with other chemical additives. The ingredient—even in concentrations as low as 2 percent—provokes skin irritation in some people, yet manufacturers can create a product with 50 percent propylene glycol content. Believe it or not, you’re likely to find this in many “natural” deodorants.

Triclosan
Used as an antibacterial agent and preservative, triclosan reacts with tap water to create chloroform gas, a potential carcinogen. Triclosan also exhibits endocrine-disrupting properties in marine animals—which should concern everyone because it also has shown up in human breast milk and blood.

Steareths
Usually listed with a number (like steareth-15), these additives come from a cheap process that makes harsh ingredients more mild. The process (known as ethoxylation) produces carcinogenic 1,4-dioxanes during manufacturing.

Next: Safer Alternatives

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Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

Pat W.

12:23AM PDT on May 19, 2012

good info...gonna try these

send a green star

Yulan L.

2:51PM PDT on Apr 26, 2012

Thanks for sharing we need to know what we are putting on our bodies and not in small writing that some of us can't read or understand what it is.

Melissa H.

4:14PM PDT on Mar 20, 2012

Has anyone tried milk of magnesia? I have been using for over a year and it works really well. Heard about it from The Peoples Pharmacy. They sell a rollon but I just buy the store brand and use my hand to apply.

Sheila S.

6:19PM PDT on Mar 17, 2012

I've been using Tom's of Maine for years, because it doesn't contain aluminum. However, it does have propylene glycol. Perhaps it's the least dangerous, because there aren't many other chemicals in their compound for it to mingle with. (see article) I will stick with Tom's. Also, try searching for a body powder that does not contain talc. I use Gold Bond.

paula e.

1:12AM PDT on Mar 17, 2012

Thanks. I will give it a try.

Malgorzata Z.

1:42PM PDT on Mar 16, 2012

Dzięki za informację, u nas tych alternatywnych nie można dostać

richa b.

2:28AM PDT on Mar 16, 2012

thank you!

Anastasia J.

6:49AM PST on Mar 4, 2012

My job's outdoors and physical so I need something strong. Have yet to find a natural product that works, but I'll try some of these.