SPECIAL FEATURES:
Email
Make the switch to a natural deodorant
Aluminum is found in most conventional deodorants and has been linked to breast cancer. If you want to eliminate it from your toiletries, try these options.
Tue, Apr 13 2010 at 2:36 PM
Related Topics:
Photo: iStockphoto
So let's talk armpits. Specifically, let's talk about something you probably put on your armpits every morning: deodorants and antiperspirants. These B.O. blasters come in almost every scent imaginable, in forms from roll-ons to clear gels. Your supermarket aisle probably stocks two dozen varieties.
Almost every one will have something in common: aluminum chlorohdrate or aluminum zirconium. And that could be a problem.
Concern about aluminum
Natural health groups have been pressing government and regulatory agencies for years to take a hard look at the long-term safety of aluminum in cosmetic products. Aluminum is what gives antiperspirants their wetness-fighting ability, and they're highly effective. Commercial deodorants can contain up to 25 percent aluminum salts by weight.
The problem is this: nobody really knows what aluminum does in the human body. In the case of deodorants, you’re applying aluminum directly to the skin and leaving it there. With women, in particular, that skin might be broken from shaving.
You'll notice most antiperspirants contain a warning to discontinue use if you experience irritation from its use, and quite a few people are sensitive to the aluminum salts, parabens and triclosan common in over-the-counter products. But what really worries some health experts is aluminum's possible connection to breast cancer.
The cancer question
Before we go any further, let's be clear: despite the flackery you'll find on the internet, there are no definitive studies which link the use of antiperspirants to an increased risk of cancer. These concerns have been floating around for at least a decade, and groups such as the American Cancer Society still consider commercial deodorants to be safe.
That hasn't stopped some researchers from fretting. Take Dr. Philippa Darby of the U.K.'s University of Reading. She's recently published a paper in the Journal of Applied Toxicology showing that aluminum salts increase estrogen-related gene expression in cultured human breast cancer cells. In other words, the aluminum appears to mimic estrogen under lab conditions. Elevated estrogen levels are tied to a higher risk of breast cancer.
More study is in order, but Darby's research raises new question for investigators.
Safer deodorants
Maybe you're concerned about the possible risk factors of commercial deodorants, or you're someone with skin sensitivities. Perhaps you're just looking to reduce the chemical exposure in your life. The good news is there are effective deodorants which don't use aluminum chlorohydrate or aluminium zirconium — and they're cheap!
We all want to smell good and feel clean. Those not-so-fresh moments are caused by bacteria which thrive in warm, moist places. Armpits are the Monte Carlo of the single-cell jet set. But you can deport them with an inexpensive deodorant stone.
These stones — sometimes called by one of their trade names, Thai Sticks — are large, smooth crystals of potassium alum (potassium aluminum sulfate). Potassium alum is a naturally occurring form of aluminum salt. The difference between potassium alum and aluminum chlorohydrate is that potassium alum is a much larger molecule, not thought to be absorbable through human skin. Wet the stone and apply it like a conventional roll on. Rinse and set it aside to dry. That's it.
There are no perfumes or additives, and you probably won't need any. A deodorant stone doesn't stain, and it works all day. If you want something fancier, there are spray and roll-on versions with additives such as aloe and essential oils. Jason, Alba, Thai Stick and Kiss My Face are among those you'll find online or at your local natural health store.
A plain stone will cost you $5 or $6, and could last up to a year.
If you're looking to completely eliminate aluminum from your deodorant and your medicine cabinet, there are other options. Tom's of Maine makes a well-regarded line of non-aluminum products featuring zinc ricinoleate and natural ingredients. Zinc ricinoleate is also the basis of Dr. Hauschka Deodorant Fresh in scented and floral formulas. Burt's Bees Herbal Deodorant uses oil of sage for its active ingredient, and Trader Joe's sells a natural deodorant which relies on a cotton product to approximate the antiperspirant action of aluminum zirconium. Surprisingly, mainline manufacturer Adidas also makes a non-aluminum deodorant: Adidas 24-Hr Control. It's not expensive, and the sort of thing you'd find in a conventional drugstore.
Copyright Lighter Footstep 2007
You might also like:
Sign in with one of these accounts to add your comment.
EDITORS' PICKS
Advertisement
TODAY'S MOST POPULAR ON
- A day in the life of the human hand
- 9 habits that may do more harm than good
- 15 famous people who mysteriously disappeared
- How to bike to work (or anywhere else)
- 10 false facts most people think are true
- 8 hair care treatments you can make yourself
- Why banning candy is a road to nowhere
- Jon Stewart explains the ‘Monsanto Protection Act’
- The amazing health benefits of turmeric
- Stone Age people may have battled against a zombie apocalypse
NEWSLETTER
Advertisement
if you leave it in the container, then how or what do you use to apply it?
I packed my homemade deodorant in a commercial deo container that I was throwing out. I had to add a little more coconut oil to make it creamier.
I just made the deodorant. is it supposed to be a paste or do I need to add more coconut oil? I added honeysuckle drops and it smells good...didn't have any vitamin e, so went without it. also wondering if it stains any fabric???
So, I always seen to sweat more after I shave (I have no idea why), but wouldn't alcohol or tea tree oil sting and cause red irritation? Same with lemon or lime juice.
I have tried Tom's antiperspirants, but they didn't work at all.
The stones gave me a rash, and I can't get the Tai sticks anywhere because they are weed...
So any answers or suggestions?
Thanks!
Try using baking soda alone. Just a pinch after you shower should keep you odor free (at least greatly reduced) for 24 hours.
I live in a tropical country and I sweat a LOT. I've tried may deodorants over the years and have for the past several years settled on the deodorant crystal. I've tried every one mentioned in this article - it's the only one that has worked for me. I just make sure to apply it more than once in the morning and I'm fine for the rest of the day. I prefer the spray to the actual crystal tho.
I discovered and have confirmed through personal trial that unscented old fashioned plain milk of magnesia applied wet after a shower and allowed to dry provides a minimum of 24 hours of odor protection if sweating is minimal. That is on a man that otherwise develops a rather ripe level of B.O.
FYI: Propylene Glycol is similar to anti-freeze, my husband was a chemical operator for several years and he will not use or ingest anything with Propylene Glycol in it.
I really like the information I'm getting from reading the article and all these comments. I'm beginning to take a closer look at the things I use on a daily basis.
I have been using salt sticks for 6 months now and I am a happy customer. No bad odor. I also carry it with me to use if I want to freshen up. One thing you must know is that these salt sticks are not antiperspirants so you will sweat. Thats why if you are very active, at time you will need to get to a bathroom wash up and reapply the deodorant. I do this because I work with children and I move around a lot but when I am not at work, I don't need to do anything.
Garlic and onions can greatly add to one's B.O. Eliminate both of these from your diet and you will definately notice a difference
alimunum being linked to breast cancer in deodorants has LONG since and clearly been cleared up as incorrect data. this is just more hype on the 'natural' market to sell us crap.
I strongly disagree
Notice : there are scammers every where especially if they can make a buck from it. Don't be a chump check it out for your self then you will know the truth, I certinly would not trust corporate advice, they are the same type of folk who killed all the buffalo and left them in the field to wrot. The other side are the same type who would sell you snake oil, piss on your leg and tell you you need to buy their rain proof pants. Which one will you believe???
It's an Obama administration plot. Use golf oil it's cheeper
a republican misspelling Golf instead of GULF? SHOCKER.... not... probably fornicates his "kin" as well, lmao
You must be lost. Why don't you join your mindless camrades on some other site and post your ignorant, insulting comments there?
So, yer a better persin cuz u can spel better?
Nice show of arrogance.
It's not arrogance, it's intelligence...
I definitely take pride in not sounding and looking like an idiot.
I guess we'll never really know what you look or sound like. Maybe we could borrow your all-knowing extreme intelligence and come up with some pretty good ideas. If you can know for fact that someone who misspells a word is a republican - you must be god or a lib.
Pages