Applying your deodorant every morning may not be helping your body odour—in fact, it could be making you smell more.
Deodorant—specifically antiperspirants—have been linked by researchers to a variety of health problems.
According to the National Cancer Institute, the evidence is inconclusive. They explain that aluminum-based deodorants act as a temporary plug in the sweat duct, stopping the flow of sweat.
Some researchers suggest these chemicals are absorbed into the side of the breast and cause a hormonal effect that could increase the risk of breast cancer.
A 2004 study by cancer researcher Phillippa Darbre found parabens, another common ingredient in deodorant, within 18 out of 20 breast tissues samples. The National Cancer Institute says despite the studies, more research is necessary to confirm any connection.
Darbre told the Daily Mail that use of these products in prepubescent children and teenagers should be a “cause for concern.” Yet parents are handing deodorant out earlier and earlier as hormones from our food send children into puberty too young.
The two seven-year-old girls and one 10-year-old boy I babysit are already using deodorant daily. I don’t think that’s normal.
But the good thing is, you don’t actually need it as much as you think you do. If you go through a brief detox, you won’t need anything.
My mom was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2014, when she was told she wasn’t allowed to use deodorant. After recovering, my mom never picked it back up and she hasn’t smelled since.
If you want to quit, there are a few ways to speed up the detox process.
Drink lots of water, and apply apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, or even a bentonite clay mask to your armpits. These things will help draw out the toxins that cause you to smell and leave your skin fresh and clean.
If you still notice some body odour, there are natural alternatives that will eliminate odour just as well as any store-bought deodorant.
There are a number of things you can simply wipe on your armpits with a cotton ball including witch hazel, lemon juice, and vinegar. If you’re feeling like mixing something, you could try some tea tree oil with water, or baking soda mixed with coconut oil.
Cornstarch and arrowroot powder are both great options that should also help absorb excess sweat.
Going natural won’t make you stop sweating, but sweat is a necessary and natural way to help your body cool itself off.
There are also better alternatives you can pick up at the store.
Tom’s is one brand that uses ingredients in their deodorant that are generally good for your skin. Burt’s Bees also makes a deodorant with better ingredients.
When looking for an alternative, look for products with ingredients such as coconut oil, arrowroot powder, baking soda, bentonite clay, aloe vera, bees wax, and cocoa butter. Independent beauty shops have started to formulate their own deodorants that don’t include the aluminum or parabens of many on the shelf.
Another interesting option includes crystal deodorants made from potassium alum, a natural mineral salt. One popular brand is Lafes, which works by eliminating odour causing bacteria.
But be careful with what you buy—there are no legal obligations for companies when using the word “natural.” So read the ingredients, and be informed about what you’re actually using.
