Do antiperspirants and deodorants contain hazardous and toxic substances? Yes, quite a lot of them! The ingredients may do us harm, causing irritations and even cancer. You should know which ones they are to avoid them.
Most of us can’t imagine not using deodorants or antiperspirants. Even though they work in a completely different way, they both give us long-lasting freshness, from the moment we get up until we go to sleep, no matter what we do during the day. Unfortunately, if they contain dangerous ingredients, they may irritate delicate armpit skin and even cause some diseases (including cancers). So, let’s check all bad substances in your deodorant or antiperspirant.
Antiperspirant and deodorant: how do they differ?
Before running through the toxic substances, let’s say what sets deodorants and antiperspirants apart. If you don’t know, it’s time to catch up! What are the differences between the two products helping us keep fresh all day long?
Deodorant: it has an antibacterial effect and eliminates the bad smell.
Antiperspirant: it works like deodorant, plus reduces sweat.
By using a deodorant you still sweat but eliminate the strong odor. Antiperspirant is the product which blocks the sweat pores, therefore, it eliminates both the odor and the sweat.
No matter what you choose, you may come across dangerous ingredients in antiperspirants and deodorants. It’s good to make a conscious choice and check the components before purchase.
List of toxic and dangerous ingredients in antiperspirants and deodorants
1. Aluminum and its derivatives
Aluminum is surely the most controversial substance in antiperspirants and deodorants. It clogs the skin pores and blocks the natural sweating process, which is desired. However, when it’s delivered for a long time, it may penetrate the body, build up inside and trigger the development of diseases such as Alzheimer or cause infertility. More and more tests confirm that aluminum causes many health problems that we don’t even realize while using antiperspirants.
2. Parabens, phthalates, etc.
Thankfully, we’re getting more and more aware of the harmful effect of parabens, PEGs, phthalates and similar substances, in relation to all beauty products, not just antiperspirants and deodorants. People are turning to paraben-free products. Is it a good thing? Of course it is. Parabens in antiperspirants and deodorants may upset the hormone balance while phthalates are extremely dangerous for pregnant women threatening the baby.
3. Propylene glycol
It isn’t a harmful substance but it does facilitate the absorption of other toxic substances from antiperspirant or deodorant.
4. The bacteria killer, that is triclosan
Triclosan is a very popular anti-bacterial agent acting as a preservative. It’s used in deodorants and antiperspirants as well as toothpastes or the products we’re using obsessively now: sanitizers. Unfortunately, it’s another dangerous ingredient which may disturb the hormone balance. Some research results show it is linked to breast cancer.
5. Formaldehyde
It’s most common in nail polish and hair sprays but some deodorants and antiperspirants contain it too. Formaldehyde is a strong toxic gas which has a bad effect on the respiratory system. It’s a cosmetics ingredient which causes all kinds of skin rash and allergic reactions (conjunctivitis) most often.
6. Synthetic fragrances
The list of the most dangerous ingredients in deodorants and antiperspirants is closed by fragrances. This group of substances aims to give a nice smell but synthetic aromas easily penetrate the skin, accumulate and do harm. Most of them are put on a list of potential allergens and are at the end of the INCI of many cosmetics, not just deodorants.
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