Sustainable Beauty: Deodorant
Deodorant, something most of us use as an everyday product, without even thinking about it. You might wonder why we decided to highlight this topic on A Sustainable Closet. Well, since we dress sustainably and try living our lives more in that direction, we might just treat our bodies the same way. Many of the deodorants available out there contain several ingredients working well to prevent sweating but are actually harmful to the body. A recent study showed that some of the most common deodorants available to buy contain everything from endocrine disruptors to allergens. Even deodorants with fine eco-labels such as "Svanen" have been shown to contain substances that you do not want to expose your body to.
5 ingredients to avoid in your deodorant:
1. Aluminum
There are mixed opinions about deodorants containing aluminum since it’s become to have a centraö role in many deodorants on the market. Some say it’s not dangerous but others mean it’s been linked to breast cancer, prostate cancer and increased risk of Alzheimer's disease.
2. Parabens
Disturbs our hormone balance, which can lead to such things as premature puberty in children and increased risk of hormonal cancers. Linked to birth defects and organ toxicity.
3. Propylene glycol
A preservative that can cause damage to the central nervous system, liver and heart.
4. Phthalates
Coupled with increased risk of birth defects. May interfere with hormone receptors and increase the risk of cell mutations.
5. Triclosan
Classified as a pesticide by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and as a carcinogen, i.e. a carcinogen, which can accelerate or cause cancer in humans and animals.
Triclosan is bactericidal and has been widely used in detergents, sponges, toothpastes, clothing and many other products marketed as antibacterial. After alarms about risks of resistant bacteria have come, many have removed triclosan from the products, but some still have it. Okay, so now we’ve clarified what we should avoid exposing our armpits for, let’s instead focus on which deodorants will do us good.
5 better deodorants
Single-use plastic stinks - we agree! Wild has created a reusable deodorant applicator made from aluminum that will last you a lifetime. And you can refill your case again and again with their bamboo pulp deodorant refills which they deliver straight to your door. The refills are made from natural fiber so once empty, pop them in your paper recycling or compost heap where they’ll rot away to nothing. Every time you refill your case, you’ll save 30 grams of plastic going to landfill. Thatä’s great! Wild is powered by plants, not aluminum-salts or parabens and sulfates and all their formulas are vegan certified and cruelty-free. They never test on animals, only smelly people.
Named Best Deodorant 2019!
Naturlig Deo is an organic deodorant handmade from a few and carefully selected ingredients in Norsjö, Västerbotten, Sweden. The deodorant eliminates sweat odor and absorbs moisture in an effective and natural way with the help of coconut oil, bicarbonate and cornstarch. All cultivated raw materials in Naturlig Deo are organically certified. Organic, vegan and unisex with popular mild and fresh scents.
Salt Deo is a non-scented, highly effective and disinfecting deodorant, free from alcohol and aluminum chloride. The product does not leave any white marks on fabric and its effect lasts up to 24 hours. Its disinfecting effect makes it suitable after shaving, both under the arms and on the face.
La Roche-Posay Deodorant Physiologique
Physiological Deodorant for sensitive skin helps to fight odor and humidity for 24 hours. Formulated with Perlite, Zinc Pidolate, and Allantoin, this gentle deodorant helps to reduce odor and absorb moisture. It soothes sensitive skin and provides a fresh, soft feel to the underarm area. Aluminum salts-free, alcohol-free, dye-free and paraben-free.
This deodorant does not contain parabens, alcohol or aluminum chloride, it is suitable for sensitive skin or for those who prefer fragrance-free options.
It contains alum, a natural mineral salt that inhibits sweat production without clogging the pores. If you haven’t tried a natural deodorant before, give it a habituation period if the product is not effective at once. It can take a few days up to a few months, but we recommend giving it a try.