Deodorant is something that many of us use and have been using it for years. It has become a staple in our hygiene routine. However, as we are starting to learn more about ingredients and clean beauty, deodorant is another product to be mindful of the ingredients – especially as many of us use it every single day!
Before diving in further, let’s first discuss the two parts of many common deodorants – the deodorant and the antiperspirant. These two terms are often used interchangeably but actually mean two different things. A deodorant focuses more on the bacteria in the armpit to help prevent odors but does not prevent sweating. An antiperspirant works by helping prevent sweat glands from releasing sweat (1), therefore, help prevent us from sweating or excessive sweating in the armpit area. Many common deodorants on the market today are a “2-in-1” which means they contain both a deodorant and an antiperspirant.
Aluminum-based compounds are found in many deodorants as they are often the active ingredient in the antiperspirant part of the deodorant. Research has suggested that using these types of products on the skin near the breast may have estrogen-like effects (2). Since we know that estrogen can play a role in the promotion of breast cancer cells, there has been some suggestion that these two are related. However, there have not been many studies done specifically looking at this link, and with the studies that have been done, there have not been any to date that can clearly confirm the relationship between the two (2). However, there was one study that was done in 2003. According to the National Cancer Institute, it was a “retrospective cohort study examining the frequency of underarm shaving and antiperspirant/deodorant use among 437 breast cancer survivors reported younger age at breast cancer diagnosis for women who used antiperspirants/deodorants frequently or who started using them together with shaving at an earlier age.” (2) However, the results from this article is not being considered as clear evidence due to the nature of the study was a retrospective study and therefore it cannot be considered conclusive in the medical world.
But, this is not to discount the potential risks these active ingredients in common deodorants to bring about, just as we do with all other clean beauty ingredients. Another common ingredient in deodorant is the use of parabens. Parabens are known endocrine disruptors – they can mimic estrogen and cause hormone disruption. They have been shown to impact breast cancer cells and therefore, potentially playing a role in increased risk of breast cancer due to their possible influence in abnormal breast tissue cells (3). However, according to some medical groups, the evidence of the direct link with parabens and cancer may be considered weak (1).
As we’ve read and even seen here just with looking at safe deodorant, finding all medical outlets or studies to agree with health risks is near impossible and that can lead to some confusion. Being afraid of ingredients isn’t necessary, but being mindful and aware of what you are putting in and onto your body is important. Then from there, making the best choices for you and your body is key. With deodorant being a daily (even multiple times a day) item we use on our bodies, considering its ingredients and how those may impact your body (especially over time) is so important! That is the beauty of using a clean beauty product or safe deodorant -- we can reap the benefits of preventing the stink while still treating our body well and protecting it from potentially harmful ingredients.
Meet Beautycounter’s Clean Deo
Good news! Beautycounter just launched The Clean Deo, their clean deodorant that’s been five years in the making! An aluminum-free deodorant that actually works—in a sustainable, refillable case that is so fun! Clean never smelled so good!
This long-lasting, hardworking deodorant neutralizes odor and absorbs sweat to keep you feeling fresh all day, every day. Made without aluminum, it glides on smooth without leaving white residue. Forbes included it in their list of 8 Best Deodorants For Women.
Shop the The Clean Deo HERE.
KEY INGREDIENT BENEFITS:
Cornstarch and baking soda: Work together to help absorb wetness and keep skin dry, while also helping to neutralize body odor. Important note about baking soda: MANY who have been sensitive to baking soda in all other clean brands are not having any issue with this deodorant and have been using it for months. The amount in the product is extremely low. With that said, you might want to do a patch test on the inside of your wrist if you have been sensitive to baking soda in the past.
Coconut oil and shea butter: Help skin feel hydrated, nourished, and smooth thanks to natural emollients rich in essential fatty acids and nutrients.
Candelilla wax and beeswax: Aid in conditioning and hydrating skin.
SCENTS:
Clean Rose: A modern bouquet of freshly cut roses, with notes of geranium and pepper tree berry.
Soft Lavendar: Soothing notes of lavender.
Fresh Coconut: A refreshing blend of tropical coconut, sandalwood, and sweet vanilla. (my favorite, smells like a tropical vacation)
SWEAT IT OUT:
When you go clean, you need to sweat it out. It can take several weeks for your underarms to detox from the toxins that have been trapped in sweat ducts by antiperspirants, and you might experience a (temporary) odor. Trust us—The Clean Deo is worth the wait.
Fresh Tip: to help speed the process along, use Counter+ Charcoal Facial Mask on underarms once a week, and wash underarms daily with Counter+ Charcoal Cleansing Bar.
It’s even Jennifer Garner approved! “To my incredible girlfriend Gregg Renfrew—congratulations,” she says. “This is the best all-natural deodorant I have ever tried. Way to go Beautycounter!” The 13 Going on 30 star also describes the product as “A natural deodorant that actually works.” - source
Sources
“Is Deodorant Harmful for Your Health? .” Penn Medicine Health and Wellness Blog, Penn Medicine, 6 June 2019, www.pennmedicine.org/updates/blogs/health-and-wellness/2019/june/deodorant.
“Antiperspirants/Deodorants and Breast Cancer.” National Cancer Institute, National Cancer Institute at the National Institutes of Health, 9 Aug. 2016, www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/myths/antiperspirants-fact-sheet.
“Parabens.” Breast Cancer Prevention Partners (BCPP), BCPP, 2019, www.bcpp.org/resource/parabens/.
“Deodorant & Toxic Ingredients of Concern.” Made Safe - Deodorant, Made Safe, 10 Mar. 2020, www.madesafe.org/education/whats-in-that/deodorant/.