Do You Know What's In Your Deodorant?

Can I just be honest with you?  I did not enjoy the switch to natural deodorant.  Sometimes I'd sit and think about the good old days; the days when I didn't know what was really in my deodorant and the potential harm it could be doing to my body.  I'd sit, stinking a bit and remember.  Good times.  

Once my eyes were opened to what was really in the deodorants I mindlessly applied each morning and throughout the day, I knew I had to do something.  What all is packed into those delightful little sticks?  Glad you asked:

Parabens, and specially parabens that interfere with our bodies estrogen production and other hormones.  It is thought that applying those parabens very close to breast tissue can contribute to the growth of cancer cells.

Aluminum, this one is a no go for sure and is found in antiperspirants.  Our bodies were meant to sweat and preventing our bodies from doing that isn't a great option.  Aluminum works by blocking your pores.  It's metal, like the foil, ground up into very fine particles and added to a paste. 

Triclosan, added to prevent bacteria growth, is a known toxin.  It alters hormones, contributes to antibiotic resistant germs, and is harmful to our immune system to name a few. 

Fragrance, because we want to smell good, and phthalates, because we want all these chemical to stick to our skin.  More hormone disruption, greater risk of skin irritation and asthma.  Fragrance can often appear in "natural" options as well so be sure to read those labels.  

Think about our morning routines.  We shower, shave under our arms, which breaks the skin, and then we apply deodorant filled with the above ingredients to that broken skin.  Over half of breast cancers start in the upper area of the breast closest to where we apply our deodorant, that doesn't sound like a coincidence to me. 

So, does this mean you need to grab a natural option the next time you are getting your groceries?  Yes and no.  While I would agree that a switch needs to be made, it's not just any switch.  Like anything else, there is rampant greenwashing that occurs with deodorants.  Reading ingredients is essential to knowing if you are truly switching to a better option.  

I tried A LOT of natural deodorants before finding one that really worked for me, so don't get discouraged if the first one you try doesn't work out.  You may also benefit from an armpit detox as well.  I found this very helpful.  Just mix equal parts, or however much forms a paste, of Bentonite Clay and Apple Cider Vinegar and apply to the under arm area.

So, what natural deodorant did I land on? Each and Every.  It is truly natural and it really works, my husband even uses it😉.  They still offer great smelling options using essential oils or a fragrance free option as well.  We love the subscribe and save options too for a little savings and one less thing to remember.  Let us know if you try it and love it!