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Did you know what the chemicals in deodorant mean? Do you know if any of the chemicals in deodorant are harmful? Did you also know that there are toxin free deodorants you can buy? Yes, you can avoid the bad ingredients. You can also easily find many non toxic deodorants. I make some suggestions later on in this article.
"many chemicals included in deodorants are better avoided"
Annoyingly, many popular deodorant brands will have you believe that deodorants are great. The bright and clean packaging and slogans like "it won't let you down" makes things more confusing.
What is clear is that many chemicals included in deodorants are better avoided. Some chemicals are harmful. Others have not been tested for their safety.
So, it is important to know what the chemicals in deodorant are harmful. This way, you can avoid these chemicals and go for non toxic deodorant brands. Because they are out there!
On this page you will find:
- The difference between deodorants and antiperspirants
- Chemicals in deodorant to avoid
- Are chemicals in deodorant harmful to the environment?
- Which deodorant brands contain chemicals to avoid
- My top 5 non toxic deodorants
Keep reading to find out what chemicals in deodorant are harmful. You will also find my top 5 non toxic deodorant brands.
This post may contain affiliate links, which means that we may receive a commission should you make a purchase using these links.
Firstly, let's have a look at the difference between deodorants and antiperspirants.
The difference between deodorants and antiperspirants
There is a difference between deodorants and antiperspirants.
Deodorants are supposed to reduce underarm odour. Antiperspirants are supposed to reduce underarm sweat.
"Both deodorants and antiperspirants are effective at reducing underarm odour in women and in men. Antiperspirants are more effective at reducing underarm sweat."
In most cases you will want to reduce underarm sweat and reduce underarm odour. Both deodorants and antiperspirants are effective at reducing underarm odour in women and in men. Antiperspirants are more effective at reducing underarm sweat.
Oh and by the way, the only difference between men's and women's deodorant is the fragrance added (how it smells).
Chemicals in deodorant to avoid
1. Propane
Propane is one of the chemicals in deodorant and antiperspirant to avoid.
Propane is a gas, also known liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). It is a fuel used to power vehicles, barbecues and portable stoves. LPG gas is also used in many household aerosol sprays to include deodorants and air fresheners.
2. Butane
Similar to propane, it is another chemical in deodorant to avoid.
Butane is a flammable gas in the same category as Propane. Butane gas has many uses including as fuel in cigarette lighters and as an ingredient of synthetic rubber.
It is not surprising that you can find Butane in sprays such as deodorants.
Both Propane and Butane act as a propellant to give your deodorant that perfect spray.
"LPG gas has not been assessed for carcinogenic effects." A carcinogen is something that can cause cancer.
LPG health risks
Public Health England states that in order for the LPG to “cause any adverse health effects you must come into contact with it". This can happen when you are spraying a deodorant or antiperspirant after your morning shower. So you will come into contact with it - daily!
And, you will breathe it in.
What you might not know is that LPG gas has not been assessed for carcinogenic effects. In other words, nobody has tested whether LPG causes cancer. This does not mean that there are no health risks. For the full article click here.
LPG gas is not present in the top 5 toxin free deodorants listed below.
But that is not all. There is more!
3. Aluminium
Yet another chemical in deodorant to avoid.
Aluminium works to briefly block sweat glands reducing underarm sweat and odour.
This chemical is a combination of aluminium (metal) with hydrochloric acid (a strong acid). Aluminium is a common ingredient in deodorants and antiperspirants. Therefore, it is important to know aluminium health risks.
"manufacturers are not limited to how much aluminium can be included in cosmetic products."
“According to a Cosmetics Europe survey, there are more than 50 aluminium containing substances in cosmetics. This means that you can absorb aluminium through your skin, inhale it and/or ingest it. Therefore, your exposure to aluminium increases. This increases aluminium health risks. For the full article, click here.
Surprisingly, Aluminium warnings are not present on any deodorant/antiperspirant. This is despite there being a number of health risks linked to aluminium.
Aluminium health risks
At high doses aluminium is toxic. Therefore, there are specific guidelines on the safe levels of aluminium in non-spray and spray deodorants/antiperspirants, toothpaste and lipstick.
"research highlights the major source of aluminium is in fact food."
These guidelines do not include the exposure to aluminium from other sources.
And this is where aluminium health risks increase.
Surprisingly, research highlights the major source of aluminium is in fact food.
This means that your daily intake of aluminium from many sources spread over your lifetime can add up to quite a high amount. There is no research into such effects on human health. Therefore, nobody knows what long-term aluminium health risks are.
There are aluminium free deodorants out there. Always make sure you check the ingredients before you buy.
You might be thinking that the above chemicals in deodorant are surely enough.
But there is more.
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4. BHT
BHT is another chemical in deodorant that you should avoid.
According to the Office for Product Safety & Standards BHT is “a synthetic antioxidant.” Antioxidants ensure that your skincare or makeup does not go off.
Did you know that BHT is a food additive? It is true.
BHT is a common chemical.
Its common use means it is important to understand BHT health risks.
"BHT may need to be further reviewed with respect to aggregated exposure from other sources"
BHT health risks
“Members stated that BHT use in products may need to be further reviewed with respect to aggregated exposure from other sources, including foods.” In other words, there needs to be more research into BHT. Especially in respect of the exposure to BHT from a number of sources such as foods and cosmetics. This does not mean that BHT poses no health risks. It just means there is not enough research into this.
The widespread use of BHT means that a person’s exposure to it builds up over time. To see the full report click here
Any deodorants that I suggest are BHT free, by the way.
5. Laureth - 23 should be avoided when choosing a deodorant.
We have found this in brands like Mitchum.
Laureth-23 is a surfactant, and you can find it many beauty products.
Laureth - 23 health risks
Although it is considered safe to use, we recommend avoiding this chemical. EWG highlights evidence of endocrine and reproductive effects.
Are the chemicals in deodorant harmful to the environment?
Chemicals in deodorant are absolutely bad for the environment.
Think about it.
The toxins in deodorant enter the water system when you shower. They decompose in landfill entering the soil. We then drink the water and eat the food grown in that soil.
The toxins in deodorant then return to us through water and soil.
Don't despair about the harmful chemicals in deodorant. There are many other non toxic deodorant brands available. I list my top 5 non toxic deodorants below.
Now you might be wondering which deodorant brands contain chemicals to avoid?
The short answer is most of them.
Which deodorant brands contain chemicals to avoid?
Countless popular deodorant and antiperspirant brands use any or all of the above ingredients. Popular brands include:
- Dove
- Sure
- Lynx
- Sanex
- Vaseline
- Mitchum
- Nivea Men
- L’Oreal Men Expert
Click here for the full list of deodorant brands containing chemicals to avoid.
At first glance their clever packaging, clean colours and slogans make you believe that the deodorant is gentle on skin. Some deodorants feature flowers, suggesting natural ingredients.
However, when you look closer, the labels are worrying.
For example: “highly flammable” or “avoid direct inhalation”.
Don’t fall for the marketing tricks.
Conclusion: check the ingredients in deodorant and go for non toxic deodorants
To summarise, deodorants are full of harmful chemicals. You do not need such chemicals in your body. There are many natural, plant based deodorants available. They are also naturally kinder to your skin. Here we have also included tips for natural, sustainable and low cost skincare.
"There are other chemical free deodorants out there."
We are not suggesting for you to stop using any sort of deodorant/antiperspirant and just be free. Although, if that is what floats your boat then great.
This article has been written to help you make an informed choice.
There are several toxin free, natural and cruelty-free deodorant brands. If you are looking for deodorants with natural ingredients, look no further.
We have picked the top 5 of the best toxin free deodorant brands for women and men. These deodorant brands are also cruelty-free and gentle on skin.
My top 5 non toxic deodorant brands
Wild - Natural Refillable Deodorant - Aluminium Free - Purple Case with Refill Variety Pack
Pros:
- refillable and therefore sustainable
- choose from a variety of scents
- natural clean ingredients. BHT and aluminium free
- vegan
- non toxic deodorant
Cons:
- you pay more at the very beginning because you buy the refillable case and the deodorant
- case made from aluminium
Odylique Lemon & Aloe Vera Natural Deodorant
Pros:
- chemical free, all natural ingredients
- plant based ingredients
- vegan
- suitable for men and women
Cons:
- the case is made from plastic so not sustainable
- not refillable
Fussy - Natural Refillable Deodorant - Aluminium Free
Pros:
- refillable case and therefore eco-friendly
- vegan and cruelty free
-
Paraben, Sulfate and Phthalate-free
- toxin free deodorant
Cons:
- refillable case made from plastic
Green People Aloe Vera & Prebiotics Deodorant 75ml | Natural & Organic Deodorant | Gentle Sandalwood & Chamomile Scented Deodorant for Women
Pros:
- suitable for all skin types
- toxin free deodorant
- mostly organic ingredients
- gentle on skin
- not tested on animals
Cons:
- although made from recycled plastic it is not refillable and therefore not sustainable
Kutis Grapefruit and Rose Deodorant
Pros:
- chemical free deodorant with all natural ingredients
- suitable for all skin types
- vegan-friendly and cruelty-free
- fully recyclable packaging so more eco-friendly
Cons:
- not refillable deodorant
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