Sweat happens.
For years there have been concerns over some of the ingredients in drug store purchased deodorants, namely:
• Aluminum Compounds. These compounds clog your pores, have been linked to the development of Alzheimer’s disease, and interferes with natural estrogen levels. A body that cannot process estrogen properly has a higher risk for breast and prostate cancer.
• Parabens. Parabens are in a lot of skincare and cosmetics, and they can act as estrogen in the body, which disrupts natural estrogen production and hormone levels.
• Steareths. These are additives that are a product of ethoxylation, which simultaneously produces carcinogens and dioxanes.
• Triclosan. Although classified as a pesticide by the FDA, triclosan is in most deodorants, as it can kill bacteria. When combined with water it can create chloroform a carcinogenic gas.
• Propylene Glycol. If used daily, and most deodorants are, this can cause damage to the central nervous system, the heart, and the liver. As it can irritate sensitive skin it is found in a small percentage of deodorants, but when it is present the dosage is quite high – nearly 50%.
• TEA and DEA. Triethanolamine (TEA) and diethanolamine (DEA) are chemicals can seep into your skin and affect your liver and kidneys. TEA and DEA have been banned from products in Europe due to their carcinogenic affects.
• Artificial Colours. Artificial colours may only cause irritation to the skin or possibly allergic reactions.

Some of the studies that have these conclusions have not yet been verified as to their longitudinal results, although aluminum is a known neurotoxin and applying it one or twice a day is concerning. As these concerns become more apparent, the pharmaceutical companies are starting to offer alternatives. Having said that, what are the safer alternatives to the inevitable perspiration problem?

Crystal deodorant stones have naturally occurring aluminum, which prevents odour rather than blocking pores. However this may not be enough protection for everyone, as it does not prevent sweat, it just masks the smell. There are natural antibacterial ingredients, such as tea tree oil, witch hazel, sage, or citrus peel, which will help kill the bacteria that causes odour.

As Inherent Skincare looks for the “green” benefits to beauty products and the environmental impact of cosmetics, there is an eco-benefit to natural deodorants. Regardless of whether or not a deodorant/anti-perspirant claims to be invisible and not to leave marks on clothing, they do leave miniscule molecules on clothing that are difficult to wash off and over time will leave a dis-colouration under the arms of clothes. Using natural deodorants is better for our clothes, making our fashion last longer. In addition it will make clothes easier to wash, as not all detergents can entirely remove the aluminum, which means that harsher detergents have to be used and more frequently. The eco-advantage is in the extended longevity of our clothing, the amount of laundry that we are doing, and the chemicals we add to our waters from that laundry.