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You may apply deodorant daily without having second thoughts. However, before using it, it’s wise to question yourself: Is deodorant toxic to humans? Should I use it daily? With growing awareness,  every day, personal care products are placed under the microscope. 

The truth about deodorant toxins is not as simple as it looks. It depends entirely on the specific ingredients used in many deodorant formulas. Aluminum-containing deodorants are more harmful than other deodorants. This blog will highlight toxic ingredients commonly found in deodorants and how you can avoid their potential harms.

Why Is Aluminum In Deodorant Bad For You?

To comprehend why is aluminum in deodorant bad for you, you must know about its role. Aluminum compounds, commonly known as aluminum in antiperspirants, are widely added to deodorants to temporarily block sweat glands.

Aluminum reduces the amount of sweat that reaches the skin by forming a gel-like plug in sweat glands. This is what makes deodorants different from antiperspirants, which only target odor-causing bacteria.

Now, you may be wondering, is aluminum in deodorant harmful? Research shows that a small amount of aluminium can be absorbed into your skin after applying.  After absorption, it may accumulate in your body tissues, such as the brain and breast. This also generates questions about breast cancer, neurological disorders, and brain disorders.

Research shows that aluminum in antiprespirants is safe at a regulated level. However, the lack of research data regarding its daily and chronic usage keeps the debate going. If you are concerned about your health and wellness, always think twice before continuing to use. This way, you can resort to non-aluminum deodorants to keep your body clean and fresh while reducing your toxic load.

Beyond Aluminum: Other Harmful Effects of Deodorant

Although aluminum is the most toxic substance in deodorant, there is a list of toxic ingredients in deodorant. Some of the harmful ones are;

Parabens

The term “paraben-free” is so common on body care product labels that it’s easy to overlook.  

But why are they so harmful?

Parabens are used to keep mold, germs, and yeast from growing on deodorants. At first glance, this is a good thing. However, multiple scientific investigations have linked these substances to hormonal abnormalities, issues with fertility and reproductive organs, and an increased risk of certain cancers. 

Additionally, they can cause skin irritation.

Propylene Glycol

Speaking of skin irritations, you may experience armpit irritation if you have sensitive skin and use a deodorant containing propylene glycol. It belongs to the alcohol family and is a relatively common chemical molecule that may be found practically anywhere. 

It is used to give deodorants a lovely cylindrical shape that won’t disintegrate and to prevent ice from forming on airplane wings.

Rubbing the defroster on your underarms seems strange, doesn’t it?  That is absolutely one element you should avoid in your deodorant.

Triclosan

Triclosan is an antibiotic often found in a wide range of consumer products, including body lotions, shower gels, toothpastes, and deodorants. However, just because something is ubiquitous does not guarantee its safety. 

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) prohibited the over-the-counter sale of antiseptic goods containing triclosan, raising concerns that the substance could impair the immune system.

Phthalates

Phthalates, commonly classified as “fragrance,” can be a hidden poison in your drugstore deodorant. These are highly toxic and require their own mention. Phthalates are used not just to enhance the aroma of deodorants, but also to help them spread more evenly.  However, they pose substantial health concerns. Phthalates are associated with breast, ovarian, and prostate cancer. 

They can disturb your endocrine system and affect the liver, lungs, and kidneys, and reduce sperm count and sterility. 

Additionally, phthalates are not only toxic to humans, but they may also have a serious influence on aquatic systems.

Harmful Effects Of Deodorant On The Body

Below are the harmful effects of deodorant on the body:

  • Skin irritation, allergy, contact dermatitis, rashes, eczema, etc.
  • Worsening of existing skin condition
  • Disruption in hormonal balance due to endocrine-disrupting compounds

Side Effects Of Deodorant Spray

The following are the side effects of deodorant spray.

  • Inhalation of spray particles in the lungs
  • Flare-up of respiratory irritation and asthma 
  • Using it in poorly ventilated areas increases the risk of deodorant spray

The Deodorant Detox Period: What to Expect When You Switch

When switching from antiperspirant to natural deodorant, you can expect a deodorant detox period of 2 to 4 weeks. However, the duration and stages of the detox may differ based on your body chemistry.

Week 1

You may go a few days or even a week without noticing a significant difference between your antiperspirant and natural deodorant.

 

This is because the aluminum compounds in antiperspirants generate a gel-like block that constricts the pores in your underarm. This keeps you from sweating and getting wet, and it takes some time to clean out.

Week 2

Stopping the use of deodorants can increase odor-causing bacteria in the underarm area. You may also feel extra dampness because your body is sweating, which is perfectly normal and healthy.

Week 3

During the third week, bacteria levels may begin to decrease. Bacterial culture can rebalance and stop the overproduction of odor-causing microorganisms. This means that you will likely notice a decrease in surplus odor. The moisture levels in your underarms will also return to normal.

Week 4

Your body should have completely accustomed itself to natural deodorants. It can take up to 30 days for your body to reset itself, but some people experience a shorter or longer detox period. You can now continue using a natural deodorant daily to eliminate body odor.

What Are the Best Natural Deodorant Ingredients?

The following are the best natural deodorant ingredients.

  • Baking Soda: It neutralizes bacterial odors and is highly effective at controlling odors. But it may cause skin irritation to sensitive skin.
  • Arrowroot powder: Arrowroot Powder absorbs sweat naturally and keeps your armpits clog-free.
  • Coconut oil: It has both antifungal and antibacterial properties that help reduce the smell caused by bacteria.
  • Cocoa butter: Cocoa butter nourishes and protects the skin barrier and prevents dryness and irritation caused by deodorant.

Your underarm areas are close to lymph nodes. Using clean and non-toxic deodorants keeps your skin clean and prevents the buildup of fluids in lymph nodes, helping in supporting lymphatic health.

Final Words

To conclude “is deodorant toxic to humans?”, although not toxic, daily exposure to toxic ingredients in a deodorant can contribute to the body’s chemical load. Reducing this exposure is a simple and effective step toward preventive health.

Switching to cleaner products isn’t about living in fear but about making empowered choices as part of a greater detox. At Thrive Health Systems, we make a personalized detox plan that suits your body’s needs and your long-term health goals.