How to Choose a Toxin-Free Deodorant

Post by: Rachel Raba in All, safe swap, toxin-free products

How to Choose a Safe, Toxin-Free Deodorant for Women or Men #aluminumfreedeodorant #toxinfreedeodorant #safeswap #deodorantforwomen #deodorantformen

Let’s be truthful… no one wants to stink!

Most of us were taught to deal with underarm perspiration in one of two ways:

Stop it from happening with an antiperspirant.
Cover it with heavily scented, conventional deodorant.

Neither of these is good for our bodies or long-term health! If you're ready to stop preventing perspiration or masking body odor, here are my top tips for dealing with it!

Do armpit detoxes. Our lymphatic systems run throughout our entire bodies to help eliminate toxins. If toxins are not regularly eliminated, they get trapped in the lymph in our armpit region and cause us to smell. This is why avoiding antiperspirants and undertaking pit detoxing, which pull out the toxins, is so important. I previously described how to do it (it’s easy!), including an easy recipe for the detox mask that you’ll need.

Regularly use my favorite charcoal body cleansing bar, which makes a HUGE difference with odor by absorbing the bacteria that causes it.

Ditch conventional deodorants. Why is this important? Because TONS of toxic stuff is typically hiding inside what we apply beneath our arms! Here are the top nasties to be on the lookout for:

❌ PARABENS – A group of chemical preservatives used in about 85% of personal care products. They have a structure very similar to estrogen, which can significantly disrupt your body’s hormones! 99% of breast cancer tumors have been found to contain at least one paraben.

❌ ALUMINUM COMPOUNDS – Perspiration is a healthy bodily function through which we excrete toxins. Aluminum blocks the body’s ability to perspire by swelling the cells around the sweat glands (an inflammatory reaction). When our lymph system can’t do its job properly, it forces other organs and systems in our bodies to work much harder to carry out detoxification. Buildup of aluminum is linked to breast cancer, prostate cancer, and an increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease.

❌ PROPYLENE GLYCOL – A petroleum derivative that accumulates in the system and is linked to cancers, allergies, contact dermatitis, immune system toxicity, non-reproductive organ system toxicity, and skin, eye, and lung irritation.

❌ TRICLOSAN – An antimicrobial pesticide that contributes to the growth of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, is toxic to the aquatic environment, affects the endocrine and reproductive systems, negatively impacts gut bacteria, and may have contributed to the rise in allergies and asthma.

❌ PHTALATES – A large group of chemicals – including dibutyl phthalate (DBP), diethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP), diethyl phthalate (DEP), dimethyl phthalate (DMP), and butyl benzyl phthalate (BBP) – that help to dissolve other ingredients and create a better consistency. Banned in the European Union from use in cosmetics due to their potential to disrupt the endocrine system and cause birth defects. DEP is commonly used as a fixative in synthetic fragrances (helps fragrance adhere longer to skin, the air, anything in your laundry, etc.).

❌ PEGs – A group of ingredients with the prefix “PEG-” followed by a number. Made by the process of ethoxylation in which carcinogenic ethylene oxide is reacted with other ingredients to make them less harsh on the skin. As a result of the ethoxylation process, 1,4-dioxane is created and can be left behind in the product. The EPA has classified 1,4-dioxane as “likely to be carcinogenic to humans.”

❌ BHT – linked to endocrine disruption and classified as a carcinogen.

So, read those ingredient labels closely!

Ready to ditch your old deodorant or antiperspirant and replace it with a toxin-free option?

Here are some good options to get long-lasting protection from stink without the toxins!

Primally Pure Charcoal or Lemongrass -- This is, by far, my favorite deodorant! There are other options as well (I LOVE the blue tansy), but most women and men I've encountered like these two the best. Get 10% off using the code RACHELRABA at checkout!
Each and Every
Little Seed Farm
Rustic Maka
Scully's
Skin Foodie
Primal Life
Agent
doTERRA
Vermont Soap Company
Ursa Major

Have you tried any of these? If so, let us know what you thought of it!

Got another toxin-free option that you love? Share that, too, so that I can add it to this list!

Want more safe swaps for commonly used products? I post a new one every Saturday in the Simplified Natural Living community. We'd love for you to join us there!

Wishing you a sweet smelling summer!

Rachel