Deodorant’s scary? What? Why?
Well. . . I have used deodorant or antiperspirant since adolescence–wanting to smell fresh & not have underarms stains. I can remember commercials on TV persuading me to buy this glorious scent or the competitor’s; arguing that their product ‘lasted longer’ or ‘smelled better.’

I always thought it was an essential part of my beauty routine until a few years ago when I started reading + hearing things about deodorant–not good things. The use of antiperspirant deodorant formulas has been subject to a lot of controversy due to the aluminum base and parabens (which are chemicals used as preservatives)–among other harsh and toxic substances like solvents + unnatural fragrances.

YIKES! When I started reading this information from different sources, I really dived into why I thought antiperspirant was essential to my routine & looked for alternatives that were safer for my body.

HERE’S THE SKINNY:
What’s the difference between deodorant + antiperspirant?

Deodorant minimizes body odor.
Antiperspirant prevents sweat by blocking the ducts that release it with aluminum.

Y’know, cause that’s super natural. . . NOT! Seriously, does plugging ducts sound like that’s good for your body? Sure doesn’t to me. . .

& you want to know what was the strongest factor in me changing my routine? I started reading about the link between aluminum in the antiperspirant + breast cancer. Yes, I said breast cancer.

Since breast cancer runs in my family, with both my grandmother + aunt living as survivors (so happy to say that), this was a huge red flag for me! I understand that I’m at a higher risk due to my family history so I want to do everything I can to reduce my risk.

It’s said that important breast cancer prevention strategies include choosing natural personal care products, being aware of bra risk factors, limiting your fructose/sugar intake, exercising + optimizing your vitamin D and animal-based omega-3 fat levels.

Aluminum is usually the first ingredient listed on antiperspirant labels. For anyone who reads labels, or wants to start understanding what is in the products they buy, ingredients are listed by the highest percentage to lowest percentage. Over the counter antiperspirants contain between 10 and 25 percent of their “active ingredient,” which is usually an aluminum-based compound. Aluminum may be absorbed into your breast tissue where it could potentially increase your risk of breast cancer or other health problems. 

Women with breast cancer have higher levels of aluminum in their nipple aspirate fluid (NAF), a fluid present in the breast duct tree. Studies show aluminum from antiperspirants is deposited in breast tissue and animal studies have also found that aluminum can cause cancer. 

Aluminum has been associated with a variety of health issues–

• Breast Cancer
• Alzheimer’s Disease
• Kidney Problems

The few other ingredients to be mindful of are fragrance, triclosan + propylene glycol.

I want to stress that I am not an expert on these ingredients nor a doctor. I am just someone who believes that our products shouldn’t harm us but instead help us. My rule of thumb is if I cannot pronounce it or do not know the origins of an ingredient–I won’t buy it, eat it or use it. I believe in natural products that are truly natural & most of all, educating ourselves as consumers.

So, are you feeling a bit more aware of what’s in this (no longer) ‘essential beauty product’?

Before you get too freaked out, know that there are alternatives!

WHAT TO LOOK FOR WHEN BUYING SAFE DEODORANT:

Make sure it’s aluminum-free.
Make sure it consists of essential oils and all natural ingredients.
Aluminum free alone may not be enough (some aluminum-free deodorants are still high risk) so make sure they also don’t contain chemicals like triclosan and propylene glycol.

Here are my favorite brands that I recommend. . .

SCHMIDT’S

Schmidt’s, started by their founder Jaime, has set out to break the reputation of natural deodorant’s being ineffective–and succeeded. By refusing to compromise any effectiveness when formulating her deodorant, she invested in research and testing which then allowed her to create a product that legitimately worked all day, felt great on the skin + smells awesome. I love the bold, vibrant smell of the Bergamot + Lime & Aaron’s obsessed with the Cedarwood + Juniper stick.

You can find their whole line of amazing products here!

PRIMALLY PURE

Primally Pure is a brand that matches their love for organic products with aesthetics! Bethany, the founder, believes that skincare and beauty products should enrich your life by providing you with noticeable results without sacrificing your health or well-being. After discovering the power of eating real food, she subsequently purged her home of toxic skincare products (much like my story) and began formulating her own replacements made with real, recognizable ingredients.

Her pride stems from providing safe, organic, and 100% natural skincare products made with the absolute best and most nourishing ingredients on the planet. She strives to create effective products that work by nourishing the skin, body, and self – products that promote health and vitality instead of taking away from it.

I love that she has created two formulas of deodorants, one for anyone’s skin & one for sensitive skin. Both in such a lovely (newly launched design) package! You can find the whole Primally Pure line here.

With new findings staring us right in the face, it’s extremely hard for me to ignore the potential dangers of many health + beauty items. But what can we do? We can make conscious + intentional choices to actively search for + buy products that are more beneficial to our health.

Do you use organic or natural personal care products? If you do, share them with me in the comments! I would love to learn about new products + brands that you recommend!

To replace your antiperspirant with a natural alternative I recommend checking here or here.

Here, here, here & here are a few of the articles that are demonstrating these ideas too.