Time to Trade in your Deodorant

In the summertime I wrote a couple of articles for Woman.ca. I focused a lot of natural remedies (I was on the organic and all natural bandwagon). I then found out about the harmful chemicals in deodorants...

Aluminum zirconium is an active ingredient in almost all the deodorants and antiperspirants that are found on the market. Antiperspirants are so popular because they effectively prevent odor and sweat while leaving the body smelling fresh and clean. They also prevent the natural release of toxins through those same sweat glands. The aluminum acts like a plug and blocks any toxin from escaping through your armpits. As a result the mixture of toxins and sweat has absolutely nowhere to go except back into your lymph and sweat glands. This can cause a number of health problems.

There have also been recent studies (although not conclusive) about the link between aluminum and cancer. Antiperspirants are made to be absorbed through the skin, meaning that the body takes in aluminum and other chemicals on a daily basis. In 1993, the World Health Organization said, "there is a suspected link between Alzheimer's disease and the toxicity of aluminum."

I believe that every problem has a naturopathic solution. So instead of going out to buy an antiperspirant, why not try a natural aluminum-free deodorant. Here are just a couple of natural deodorants you should try:

Tom's of Maine: Tom's formula fights odor in a gentle, effective and natural way. Each product has Hops and Zinc. Hops is known to stop the growth of odor-causing bacteria and Zinc helps trap the odor molecules while absorbing bad smells. There are a number of different types of deodorants to choose from like the Original Care, Sensitive Care and Long Lasting Deodorant.

Body Shop Deo-Dry: This deodorant is made up of volcanic minerals and essential oils. The Deo-Dry products not only fight odor-causing bacteria with essential oils but the volcanic minerals absorb moisture and leave you completely sweat free. This new range of deodorants comes in three different scents: Cool & Zesty, Fresh & Floral and Chilled & Breezy. Plus when your roll-on runs out, all you need to do is come into a store and get it refilled. Ultimate protection in an eco-friendly package, this is one product I can definitely stand behind.

Kiss My Face: This company offers a range of different products that are aluminum AND paraben free. Paraben are chemicals that are used to preserve cosmetics and are also linked with cancer. These deodorants have an effective enzyme formula which includes baking soda and clay. However, try to avoid their Liquid Rock products since the labels do not mention that they are aluminum free.

Natural Methods: If you are looking for an economical substitute to deodorants why not try baking soda or cornstarch. Both these products are a type of natural antiperspirant that is known to curb odor and sweating. They are all used as ingredients in most natural deodorants. In the end they are extremely effective and also wallet-friendly!

Happy Shopping