Heavy Metal Free Alternatives to Synthetic Deodorant

We live in a moment where toxic products and heavy metals thrive everywhere; in the food we eat, the medication we take, the air we breathe and the hygiene products we use. From toothpastes to sunscreens, a variety of products can all contain aluminum and other heavy metals. Of the products that worry me the most, deodorant takes the top spot, because even though there is no clear evidence that anti-perspirant deodorants can cause cancer, aluminum is being investigated as a risk factor for breast cancer. Here is a list of ingredients to watch out for when buying deodorants:

• Aluminum, fragrance and talc: Aluminum is associated with oxidative damage to cell membranes (we don’t want that). Next one is fragrance and the tricky thing here is that manufacturers are not required to disclose the ingredients they use to obtain their desired smell. Then there is talc, which due to its possible contamination with asbestos fibers, can pose risks for cancer.

• Cyclopentasiloxane and ethoxylated: When you see ingredients you can barely pronounce, do yourself a favor and leave them out of your daily routine. Cyclopentasiloxane is classified as an endocrine disruptor, it has a rating of three (with 10 as the most toxic) in the Skin Deep database. In addition, there is evidence that it interferes with human hormone function and human fertility.  And last, but certainly not least, ethoxylated ingredients, such as PEGs and ingredient names ending with -eth and a number, or the word polysorbate and a number, may contain residues of carcinogenic 1,4-dioxane.

But don’t worry, there are plenty of natural deodorants and non-toxic beauty products that can help you smell nice and fresh:

Humble Absolutely no aluminum, talc, parabens, or anything synthetic, this sustainable company honors not just our bodies, but also our planet, so by buying their products, you can help make a difference.

Earth Mama is certified by NSF which means it contains 70% more certified organic ingredients that include: Organic Coconut (Cocos Nucifera) Oil, Organic Corn (Zea Mays) Starch, Candelilla (Euphorbia Cerifera) Wax, Baking Soda (Sodium Bicarbonate), Organic Beeswax (Cera Alba), Magnesium Hydroxide, Organic Arrowroot (Maranta Arundinacea) Powder, Organic Grapefruit (Citrus Grandis) Peel Oil, Tocopherol, Organic Tangerine (Citrus Reticulata Blanco) Peel Oil, Organic Calendula (Calendula Officinalis) Flower Extract.

Pretty Frank has activated charcoal that works wonders and non-toxic ingredients: Magnesium Hydroxide, Organic Arrowroot Powder, Organic Coconut Oil, Organic Shea Butter, Candelilla Wax, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Activated Charcoal, Lavender Essential Oil, Palmarosa Essential Oil, Lemon Essential Oil, Juniper Berry Essential Oil.

Primally Pure not only takes the bad smell of you, it also has anti-inflammatory, balancing, and healing properties; Organic Arrowroot Powder, Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil*, Tallow from Grass-Fed Cows, Organic Beeswax, Baking Soda, Non-nano Zinc Oxide, White Kaolin Clay, Organic Lemongrass Essential Oil.