Did you know that many deodorants contain toxic chemicals that can cause allergic reactions and have even been linked to serious illnesses. Learn more about the 7 key ingredients to avoid and the natural alternatives for better health.

Australia’s most effective natural deodorant is now under 1 million armpits and counting. Here is why people are choosing it over products containing the below ingredients.

We tend not to give much thought to our daily deodorant routine, but it’s worth taking a few minutes to consider what we regularly apply to our pits. Your current deodorant may seem as fresh as a daisy – but is it safe? Steer clear of these seven toxic ingredients when choosing your products.

1. ALUMINIUM COMPOUNDS AND SALTS

2. ALCOHOL

Many antiperspirants contain alcohol, which is used to dissolve different ingredients and to help the product dry quickly when applied. Alcohol kills some of the bacteria that forms odour, but it can also dry out skin and contribute to irritation. We prefer to use gentler ingredients such as organic coconut oil and magnesium hydroxide for their antibacterial effects.

3. PARABENS

Parabens are synthetic compounds that are used to control bacteria, fungus and other unwanted microbes in a range of products like toothpastes, shampoos and deodorants. However, parabens can be absorbed by the skin and can mimic the effects of oestrogen in the body, affecting the endocrine system. Parabens have been found intact in breast tumour tissue, and they could be in your body right now – in one study of randomised people, almost 100% of urine samples contained traces of the compound. Denmark has taken the precaution of banning some parabens in products for children under three years old.

While these findings do not link parabens directly to cancer or illness, many people understandably prefer to go paraben-free with their product choices. Natural ingredients such as clove oil can be used for their antibacterial, anti-fungal and antiseptic properties instead.

4. PROPYLENE GLYCOL

Propylene glycol is a synthetic organic compound used as a food and manufacturing additive – and also to de-ice aircraft in cold conditions! It’s used in some cosmetics and deodorants to soften their consistency and make the product easier to apply. It’s accepted that you’d need to ingest a whole lot of propylene glycol to experience adverse health effects, but there is another worry. Propylene glycol is used as a penetration enhancer, so if paired with harmful ingredients it could potentially aid the skin’s absorption of those substances. Best not even go there, we say.

5. TRICLOSAN

Triclosan is used as an antibacterial and preserving ingredient in many deodorants, hand washes and cosmetics, but there are almost certainly safer ways to kill troublesome bacteria.Studies have foundthat triclosan can disrupt hormonal regulation in animals, and the American Food and Drug Administration recently banned the agent from being used in consumer skin care products. In fact, the FDA classes triclosan as a pesticide!

"Natural ingredients such as clove oil can be used for their antibacterial, anti-fungal and antiseptic properties instead.”

6. PHTHALATES

Phthalates are included in many cosmetics, fragrances and skincare products because they help to dissolve ingredients. Unfortunately, they’re also possibly linked to pre-term births in pregnant women as well as asthma. One type was found to be associated with male genital birth defects and reproductive issues in adult men. We think that for these reasons, phthalates are worth staying away from wherever possible.

7. PARFUM OR FRAGRANCE

Mixture of chemicals that can trigger allergies and asthma. Some linked to cancer. The Environmental Working Group (EWG) reports that, while many popular perfumes, colognes and body sprays contain trace amounts of natural essences, they also typically contain a dozen or more potentially hazardous synthetic chemicals, some of which are derived from petroleum. Dr Susannah Baron, consultant dermatologist at Kent & Canterbury hospital, and BMI Chaucer Hospital. "You don’t react immediately; the body notes that it does not like the chemical and develops “memory cells”, which cause inflammation when the body is next exposed to this chemical.”