Why you should use aluminum-free deodorants
There is a lot of talk about aluminum-free deodorants , but what are they and why do we recommend you stop using them?
Under the term deodorant, we often encompass two products that are different: deodorants and antiperspirants. But what are the differences between the two?
Antiperspirants work by preventing perspiration in the armpits. While deodorants allow perspiration but act by eliminating the bacteria that are responsible for bad odor. Because sweat itself does not smell like anything, it is when bacteria decompose it that the odor that is so unpleasant to us is generated.
Antiperspirants and some conventional deodorants contain aluminum as an active ingredient. Aluminum is related to a series of pathologies including breast cancer and Alzheimer's .
Why is it bad to prevent sweating?
As we said, antiperspirants block the release of sweat in the armpits. Sweating is a natural process, and it is one of the main ways our body eliminates toxins. If we block this process, what happens to the toxins? And what happens to the aluminum that our body absorbs? Various studies have shown that aluminum tends to accumulate in the breast.
In conventional perspirants, aluminum salts can reach 25%. Aluminum salts can mimic hormones, estrogens, thus increasing the risk of cancer. Keep in mind that a single exposure to this product means nothing, but since it cannot be eliminated from our body, imagine the accumulation that takes place after years and years of application.
What should I look for when choosing a deodorant?
You must read the list of ingredients carefully. The composition of a deodorant has to be as natural as possible. Look for those that have natural ingredients and only essential oils as aromas since some fragrances also contain aluminum. Also note that they do not include triclosan , propylene glycol , parabens or phthalates as these substances also act as endocrine disruptors.
Triclosan is a substance widely used in deodorants and antiperspirants. Many studies associate it with damage to the brain and liver. As well as a higher incidence of cancer.
Parabens are excellent bactericides that have been used left and right in cosmetics. Their role as endocrine disruptors has been determined.
Taking advantage of their solvent power, phthalates have been widely used in deodorants and antiperspirants. Its use is related to hormonal dysfunctions, DNA damage and malformations in the fetus.
Propylene glycol is a component of antifreeze that is also used in cosmetics and particularly in deodorants. It is related to damage to various tissues such as kidney, brain and liver.
Oh, and don't be fooled by the "no aluminum salts" claim. It can be very misleading. The mineral Alumstone is often used as a substitute for aluminum salts, but it is not as effective against perspiration and still contains aluminum.
Natural deodorants that you can find in our store
Next we are going to analyze the composition of the Clemence et Vivien natural deodorants that you can find in our online store .
Take for example Dulce natural cream deodorant, its INCI composition is as follows:
Butyrospermum parkii (shea)*, zhea corn starch (corn starch)*, helianthus annuus seed oil (sunflower oil)*, sodium bicarbonate (sodium bicarbonate), prunus armeniaca kernel oil (apricot kernel oil)*, kaolin (clay) white), cananga odorata flower (ylang-ylang flower) oil, salvia sclarea (sage) oil, cedrus atlantica (cedar) oil, tocopherols (natural vitamin E), benzyl benzoate**, farnesol**, linalool**, limonene **, geraniol**
What all this gushing really means is that the product has the following composition in order from highest to lowest:
Shea butter, corn starch, sunflower oil, baking soda, apricot oil, white clay, ylang ylang essential oil, sage essential oil, cedarwood essential oil and vitamin E.
The rest of the products (benzyl benzoate, farnesol, linalool, limonene and geraniol) are compounds that are part of essential oils and must be indicated separately due to cosmetic safety regulations. They are permitted substances and must only be indicated because there are people allergic to some of these compounds and it must always be made clear.
As you can see, there are more than enough reasons to switch to natural deodorants once and for all. Our health will thank you and they are also very effective.
