Toxins In Our Deodorant and More
Biggest reason why I stopped using store deodorant and switched to doTERRA's natural deodorant.
Antiperspirant or AKA Aluminium zirconium tetrachlorohydrex gly, commonly found in many deodorants. This biggest ingredient is chosen for its ability to prevent sweating. I mean who doesn't want that, right?!? I always thought those yucky yellow wet stains on my favorite white shirts was because I was sweating so much, which is very frustrating. After learning more, the yellow stains it is due to the body's chemical reaction to the aluminum ingredients in the deodorant product. How the body reacts to the aluminum ingredient in the deodorant [1]. I have been also hearing about how your deodorant can be a risk to your health, even mention of a connection to breast cancer. Which is very concerning and had to read up more to understand.
Our skin is the largest organ and it will absorb whatever you put on it even though it acts as a protective barrier to the environment. As an essential oil user the biggest way to quickly absorb the benefits of the oils into our system is placing them on the bottom of your feet being that our feet have the largest pores on the body. Of course just to name other areas that have large pores on the body are the face, armpits and genitalia. The skin absorbs an average 64% of total contaminant dosage. The face is very porous but also the armpits and genitalia areas have an absorption rate of 100% and that 100% absorption is fragrance ingredients, AKA too many toxins and chemicals to be even able to list out. [2] Ok well you wont naturally place your deodorant on your face or any other areas. Makes one think with all the other products that we do put on our face, cosmetics, shampoos, soaps, hand sanitizers, sun screen and more that we use on the rest of our body, what all the skin is absorbing, it all adds up.
What Is Aluminum Zirconium Tetrachlorohydrex GLY (AZG)
It naturally comes from the crust of the earth. Commonly used for many products from soda cans to space shuttles. But the ionic and compound forms of aluminum, such as those dissolved in water and to those often found in cosmetics, antiperspirant, can be toxic in high doses. [3] The antiperspirant in many deodorant products is chosen to block and obstruct the pores in the skin by causing the cells to swell and pinch off the pore. [4] It is not hypoallergenic, it may trigger an immune response to those who are sensitive, such as irritation and dermatitis. [5]
What Are The Risks
Naturally our body is meant to sweat, it is the body's way to eliminate those toxins that build up in our system. The body as a whole, the filtering organs are constantly filtering out those toxins and one of the ways eliminating that is through the pores of our skin. Those who have kidney problems can't effectively rid themselves of the excess toxins. Aluminum toxicity may lead to nerve damage, kidney damage and osteomalacia, vitamin D and calcium deficit,[6] and has been linked to increased instances of Alzheimer's and breast cancer. [7]
A great deal of our lymph nodes are around the arm pit area. The lymph nodes are truly remarkable system in themselves. In short they are another filtering system. The aluminum is being absorbed into the skin and the ions from the aluminum and zirconium is blocking off those pores. It keeps the toxins in and that tends to build up in the lymph nodes, collecting in the breast tissue and keeping the body from eliminating it. When our lymph nodes and other filtering organs become overwhelmed with toxins, sluggish and dysfunctions is when we start seeing damage to the skin, eczema, psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, jaundice in babies are just to name a few.
I highly encourage you to research yourself the ingredients in your everyday personal products and see what you find out as well. There are literally not enough exhausted studies being done to know the extent of the risks. All that is being shown is there is a good possibility that Aluminium zirconium tetrachlorohydrex is being connected to breast cancer and or Alzheimer's disease. [8] For me going off my own logical deduction knowing how much our skin does absorb what we do put on it and knowing how "Fragrance", and "Parabens" truly disrupts our system as a whole, the immune system and our hormones it's no wonder we are seeing more and more dysfunctions all around.
Other ingredients found in deodorant
Parabens - this is a man made chemical that is an artificial preservative. It is designed to increases the shelf life of products and prevent the growth of bacteria. This can be found in cosmetics, food, beverages, pharmaceuticals, shampoos, body care products, moisturizers, sunscreen, deodorant and more. Parabens have been connected to skin irritations and allergic reactions to disrupting the hormones. Just like aluminum it is an estrogenic, it mimics estrogen hormone and it throws the body hormones out of whack. The FDA does not regulate parabens in body care and cosmetic products like they try to limit it in food and drinks. On deodorant labels, look out for methyl, ethyl, propyl, benzyl, and butyl. Those are dead giveaways for parabens. If you think about it we use these daily and those daily exposures add up[9].
Propylene Glycol - is used to soften deodorants and make them easier to apply to the skin. This ingredient, which is petroleum-based, can be extremely dangerous – especially when it’s combined with other chemical additives. Propylene glycol can cause skin irritations ranging from mild redness to full-on allergic reactions. Even extremely small concentrations (two percent or less) can irritate sensitive skin. Some companies make their deodorants with as much as 50 percent proplyene glycol! It’s even worse in larger quantities. Numerous studies linked propylene glycol to damage of the heart, liver, and central nervous system. Even many “natural” deodorant alternatives use propylene glycol, so check your labels closely! [10]
Triclosan - A form of a pesticide found in many consumer products to prevent or kill bacteria and extend shelf life of the product. Found in some OTC drugs, antibacterial soaps, hand sanitizers, body washes, fluoride toothpaste, cosmetics and deodorants. Not surprisingly, this creates a range of potential health issues… Human studies have linked triclosan exposure to a compromised immune system. A 2010 study found that triclosan lowered antibody levels and increased the incidence of allergies and hay fever. There are also more serious issues to think about, like the endocrine system. Studies found that even exposure to very low amounts of triclosan disrupted “thyroid hormone-associated gene expression”. [11]
On a side note: doTERRA's new & improved toothpaste does not contain fluoride. This is a natural whitening toothpaste and I absolutely love the taste of it. The hydroxyapatite is in our teeth naturally, makes the enamel harden. Our teeth are under constant stressors from the food we eat, beverages we drink and from sugary contents, causing acid decay. With hydroxyepitate helps reverse the acid decay and helps with temperature sensitivity as well. I used to have temperature sensitivity, as well as, receding gums and after using doTERRA's original On Guard toothpaste and mouth wash, I do not have that sensitivity issues like I used to and my gums are improving. Right now the new On Guard toothpaste can be purchased along with the Wellness Program Immunity Kit, check out my post on the Wellness Kits.
Artificial coloring - Conventional deodorants also use artificial colors and bleaches in their manufacturing process. A big part of the trouble is just not knowing exactly what you’re getting. There are tons of additives to choose from, some much worse than others… and the ingredients listed tend to be vague. Some artificial colors are even made from coal tar, which raises serious concerns about allergic skin reactions and even possibly carcinogenic effects. On deodorant labels, look out for “FD&C colors.” These synthetic colors have been approved by the FDA for food, drugs, and cosmetics… but that’s in no way a guarantee they’re safe in your deodorant. [12]
What To Use Instead?
As much as I love making my own DIY products, I have not gotten into making my own deodorant. I have been using doTERRA's natural deoderant and absolutely love them! doTERRA has eliminated that guess work for us. They have a wonderful natural deodorant line. Sweating is a completely natural process, this helps regulate our temperature and even eliminate toxins. doTERRA's natural deodorant does not contain aluminum that clogs the pores that prevents the body's natural process. This allows you to sweat like you’re supposed to, but cover up any bad odors in the process. It's also Paraben and Fragrance free. Each one is absolutely wonderful. I love the Balance blend which I use all the time. My absolute favorite is Citrus Bloom which I hope will be able to come back. The citrus aroma of the Douglas Fir & Greek Orange is a beautiful aroma very uplifting naturally.
You will also receive the benefits from the Balance blend. The warm, woody aroma of dōTERRA Balance Grounding Blend creates a sense of calm and well-being to uplift your mood and boost your confidence.
Features CPTG® essential oils of Spruce, Ho Leaf, Frankincense, Blue Tansy, Blue Chamomile, and Osmanthus
Aluminum, paraben, phthalate, and talc free
Tapioca starch aids in absorbing underarm moisture leaving you feeling fresh and dry throughout the day
Baking soda helps to neutralize and prevent odors
The sweet, refreshing aroma of Douglas Fir and Greek Orange promotes a positive, energetic mood to help you focus on your day.
Features CPTG® essential oils of Douglas Fir and Greek Orange
Baking soda, aluminum, paraben, phthalate, and talc free
Tapioca starch aids in absorbing underarm moisture, leaving you feeling fresh and dry throughout the day
Magnesium helps to neutralize odors
DIY Natural Deodorant
Deodorant Base
3 Tbs. Coconut oil
1/4 cup cornstarch
6 drops vitamin E oil
1 Tbs. beeswax pellets
1/4 cup baking soda
Deodorant container
15 drops EO ( see blend ideas below)
Melt beeswax and coconut oil in a double boiler or in the microwave (stirring every 30 seconds until just melted). Stir in cornstarch, baking soda, and vitamin E oil. Allow to cool slightly; then add essential oils. Pour into an empty deodorant container. Allow to cool and harden completely. Apply deodorant as needed.
Purifying Lavender Melaleuca
8 drops Lavender
7 drops Melaleuca
Flower Power
9 drops Rose
3 drops Orange
2 drops Clove
Spicy Fresh
3 drops Marjoram
3 drops clary sage
3 drops Spearmint
3 drops Clove
3 drops Patchouli
Resources
[1] 7 Reasons To Throw Out Your Aluminum Deodorant
[2] Your Skin: It Absorbs
[3] Natural cleaning products for Aluminum
[4 & 8] What are the dangers of Aluminium Zirconium
[5] Dangerous AZG
[6] Natural Cleaning Products for Aluminum
[7] What to know about Aluminum and deodorant
[9-12] Aluminum Deodorant
