5 Toxins In Your Drugstore Deodorant

How many times have you rushed out of the house in the morning, only to realize later that your armpits smell like an old gym locker? That’s probably because you forgot to put on deodorant. After all, it is one of the simplest ways to keep body odor at bay. It’s also one of the most common grooming products.

The market for deodorants and antiperspirants is booming with new brands and naturals such as eco deodorant by AKT London. While it may seem that every company is trying to get a piece of this lucrative pie, there are some red flags you should be aware of before reaching for that drugstore version.

Propylene glycol

This is one of the most common ingredients in many deodorants. While propylene glycol is a natural compound that is also used in food products and cosmetics, it is also known to be a skin irritant. It has been linked to allergies, asthma, and other health issues. While these are considered rare instances, it’s better to be safe than sorry.

Propylene glycol works by absorbing the water in your armpits, which is where the odor-causing bacteria live. While it does an okay job of masking odors, it can cause the skin to become dry. If the deodorant is too strong, it can also irritate the skin. Keep in mind that it is not recommended for people with sensitive skin. If you notice your skin is becoming irritated or dry, you should consider switching to a milder deodorant.

Triclosan

Triclosan is a common antibacterial ingredient found in many products, including deodorants. While it once seemed like a good idea, recent studies have shown that this chemical can cause several health issues. According to the FDA, triclosan is not effective enough to be used as an antibacterial agent in hand sanitizers or soaps. It is only okay to use in toothpaste.

The FDA has even gone as far as to say that triclosan is not safe for use in deodorants. While most deodorants don’t contain this chemical, it’s better to be safe. Triclosan has been shown to disrupt hormone production by mimicking estrogen in the body. This can lead to several health problems, such as infertility, accelerated puberty in children, and altered thyroid hormone levels.

Aluminum

While it may seem like an obvious choice, aluminum is an active ingredient in many antiperspirants. It works by plugging the pores in the armpits and reducing the amount of sweat that the body produces. And while antiperspirants do reduce body odor, they also reduce the amount of sweat your body produces, which can irritate the armpits. Many studies have shown that aluminum-based compounds can be absorbed into the skin. While no health issues have been identified with low amounts of aluminum, it is important to be aware of how much you are putting on your skin.

Butylated hydroxyanisole and methylisothiazolinone

These two preservatives are commonly used in deodorants and antiperspirants. They are added to products to extend their shelf life, but they can also be harmful to your health. While these two are not known to be carcinogenic, they are still harmful to your skin.

The best way to avoid these harmful preservatives is to look for no additive deodorants. BHA and MI can cause several skin issues, including rashes and redness. They can also lead to long-term skin damage by causing irritation or making your skin more susceptible to UV damage. BHA and MI are also known to cause allergic reactions in some people.

Limonene

 

This is one of the most common fragrance ingredients in deodorants and other beauty products. While it may smell nice, it can also be harmful to your health. Limonene is a natural compound found in citrus fruits, but most synthetic versions are derived from petroleum. The problem is that while synthetic limonene is a fragrance, natural limonene is a carcinogen.

While it is unlikely that you will experience any issues from using synthetic fragrance, it’s better to be safe. The best way to avoid synthetic fragrance is to use fragrance-free products. If you are not sure about a product’s ingredients, you can look them up online. You can also ask your dermatologist for some product recommendations.

Concluding Thoughts

Body odor is a natural process that happens when bacteria that live in your armpits break down sweat. Deodorants and antiperspirants can help reduce the smell of sweat by killing the bacteria or blocking the pores where the sweat comes out. While it may seem like these products are harmless, they can be harmful if you use the wrong one.