A POISON CALLED DEODORANT & the Healthy, Natural, Efficient Alternatives

Διαβάστε στα Ελληνικά

After analysing the toxicity & diseases toothpastes cause, it’s worthy to look into the health risks coming with the use of commercial deodorants. From heavy metals & aluminium, Triclosan, phthalates, artificial fragrances, steareths, TEA & DEA toxic Emulsifiers, parabens, preservatives, to allergies, eczema & skin disease, asthma, hormonal/endocrine imbalance, and more, to even cancer..!!

Let’s start by looking into some of the health problems each of these ingredients cause to our systems.

Heavy Metals & Aluminium

1. Neurological Issues.

2. Kidney Damage.

3. Bone Disorders: Osteoporosis, Arthritis…even to men nowadays!!

4. Cardiovascular Problems.

5. Gastrointestinal Issues: IBS, digestion issues, and more!

6. Reproductive and Developmental Effects: adverse effects on fetal development, leading to developmental delays and learning disabilities.

7. Respiratory Problems: Asthma, allergies, and more!!

8. Immune System Suppression.
   

photo from the internet

Parabens (preservatives). They mimic Oestrogens!

1. Hormone Disruption: Hormonal imbalance, early period to girls, prostate, PMS, heavy periods, Thyroid problems, and more!

2. Reproductive and Developmental Effects: Both in women, and men!

3. Allergic Reactions: Skin irritation, allergic reactions, redness, itching, eczema, dermatitis, herpes, and more!

4. Breast Cancer!! Studies have reported the detection of parabens in breast cancer tissues!!

photo from the internet

Triclosan

1. Hormonal Disruption.

2. Antibiotic Resistance: It has been associated with the development of antibiotic resistance in bacteria. This is a significant public health concern as it may reduce the effectiveness of antibiotics in treating bacterial infections.

3. Environmental Impact: Triclosan is known to be persistent in the environment and can accumulate in water bodies. It has harmful effects on aquatic ecosystems and has been detected in water, soil, and sediment samples. Additionally, Triclosan can undergo transformation into potentially harmful by-products.

4. Allergic Reactions.

5. Disruption of Immune Function: It has immunomodulatory effects, affecting the normal functioning of the immune system.

6. Impact on Gut Flora: It alters the composition of the gut flora. Changes in the gut flora (gut’s probiotic bacteria) have been linked to various health issues, autoimmune diseases, suppression of the immune system, and more!
   

photo from the internet

Artificial Fragrances

1. Hormone Disruption.

2. Reproductive and Developmental Effects.

3. Allergic Reactions

4. Breast Cancer.
   

photo from the internet

Phthalates

·  Endocrine Disruption.

·  Reproductive and Developmental Effects.

·  Asthma and Respiratory Issues.

·  Liver and Kidney Damage.

·  Obesity and Metabolic Effects. Research shows a link between phthalate exposure and obesity, insulin resistance, and other metabolic effects

·  Neurodevelopmental Effects: Exposure to phthalates is associated with neurodevelopmental issues in children, including cognitive and behavioural problems.

·  Cancer!!

photo from the internet

I try to keep this article short. For the evidence-based analysis of those chemicals, and the health problems they cause, you should read this article of mine, where I analyse the ingredients in toothpastes. Most of the additives are common.

Of course, as I always say, do your own research, and cross-check your sources! Pay special attention to who pays for each research ;) It defines the results!

Let’s see what ingredients people like to use to make safe and efficient deodorants.

1. Baking Soda (Sodium Bicarbonate):

2. Arrowroot Powder or Corn-starch:

3. Oils, Butters, Beeswax, Essential Oils.

4. Magnesium Hydroxide: This mineral helps neutralize odour and can be a suitable alternative for those sensitive to baking soda.

5. Probiotics: Probiotics, or beneficial bacteria, can be included to support a healthy skin micro biome (skin flora). They may help control odour by promoting the growth of good bacteria that naturally inhibit the growth of odour-causing bacteria.

6. Clays.

7. Activated Charcoal.

8. Aloe Vera.

Now let’s see which of those “safe” ingredients we should use, or not, and why.

· Baking Soda & Magnesium Hydroxide.

It’s a no-no for me for 2 reasons!

1. These compounds are both antacids. Our skin, which is part of our immune system against microbes, bacteria, viruses, etc., is and has to be acidic! The antacids immediately lower our skin’s PH, and it loses its natural protective properties.

We always have to use slightly acidic ingredients, such as olive oil, lemon, vinegar, other acidic oils, and combinations of them, regulating the acidity of our product to a PH level of 4 to 5.

2. They leave marks on our clothes.

photo from the internet

·  Clays, Arrowroot & Corn-starch.

It’s a big NO-NO for me!

Starches, clays, etc., when combined with liquids from our products, or our sweat, or even the air’s humidity, absorb them, and a paste-like substance is created, which results in blocking our pores!

I wouldn’t use them for 3 reasons:

1. They prohibit our skin from breathing properly through the pores.

2. They remain on our skin and pores for long enough for bacteria to thrive, and be fed by the starch! This leads to skin infections, and more unwanted symptoms.

3. They leave marks on our clothes.

·  Activated Charcoal.

I have avoided the use of activated charcoal in my skincare and products because there has not been adequate research conducted to prove, at least to me, that charcoal is safe and poses no toxicity or risk for cancer.

photo from the internet

·   Aloe Vera.

Aloe Vera could be a fantastic ingredient to apply on your skin due to its cosmetic properties, but only when used fresh, directly from a plant (while avoiding the toxic green part of the leaf’s skin). However, because it cannot self-preserve for more than 1-2 days, and lacks a stable consistency, all 'natural Aloe' products are compelled to include preservatives, homogenizers, stabilizers, and thickening agents. Unfortunately, these are all chemicals that we should avoid applying to our skin, as they will eventually find their way into our bloodstream.

photo from the internet

·  Oils, Butters, Beeswax, Essential Oils.

As long as they are natural, cold pressed, unrefined, and have a low comedogenic rate, which is how we measure the pores clogging score of oils, waxes, and butters, then it’s a Yes from me.

photo from the internet

Here is the comedogenic scale chart. If you study it and compare the values, you too might choose, virgin, cold pressed olive oil for your skincare formulations :)

photo from the internet

A myth about medicinal alcohol in the skincare products, that many people tend to believe.

Alcohol has been excessively used in skincare products, but nowadays, that people have turned to a healthier lifestyle, have rejected it. Long story short, alcohol, a sufficient antibacterial, anti-microbial agent, if used alone or in a formulation that does not contain adequate amount of humectants, can dry the skin. The reality is that if a formulation contains oils, honey, phytic glycerol, butters, waxes, etc., it will moisturise and hydrate our skin. It is safe to use, and it works as an excellent medium in which we can extract herbs and spices, add vitamins and essential oils, and formulate a perfect, safe product, with all the desired properties we need it to have.

photo from the internet

So. This is how I’ve formulated my deodorant as a Holistic Therapist, for my friends & clients, and me. I’ve been using for about 10 years :) 

I extracted 10 healing herbs, essential oils, and spices and pure Frankincense (Resin) in virgin olive oil, moisturising vegetable Glycerol, Alcohol, and added lemon (to balance PH levels), and vitamins, for best skincare results.

It has a subtle woody, earthy, spicy aroma, with notes of pepper, cedar, clove, and cinnamon.

Due to its antibacterial, anti-microbial and antivirus action, it protects us for many hours! It’s unisex, it can also be used as a cologne, and it doesn’t leave marks. But, most importantly, nothing dangerous is added in it, as there is no need for preservatives, due to the lack of water, and its alcohol-glycerol base.    

If you decide to formulate your our recipe, you’ll need to experiment choosing your favourite aromas from herbs and spices, and extract them in oil, alcohol, and glycerol (edible, from plants), or just play around with essential oils. Just make sure to calculate the final PH level, and make sure it’s between 4 and 5.

In order for your product to be self-preserved, you’ll need an alcohol-glycerol percentage of at least 75%.

*My recipes are based on ancient Greek & Chinese Medicine.

Olive oil has been used in skincare, in Greece, since the times of the Father of Medicine, Hippocrates.

---

Important

In case you need immediate help with a health issue, you can fill in my "Health Condition & Medical History" Form, which comes directly to my Email, I will study it and get back to you ASAP.

---

If you have any questions, or just want to communicate your thoughts, feel free to write a comment below, or contact me directly.

I’m always happy to help!!

I hope my articles are useful to you, and that you’ll have fun creating in your kitchen!

If you decide to make your own deodorant formulation, let me know about the results!! :)

You can Subscribe, for more articles about Holistic Health, Recipes and Beauty advice.

*my site is used and directed only by me. No one has access to your email, and no one collects visitor information from me. These are my principles!

And remember. Always create with love! Everything is charged by our energy...and love is the best therapy...! Take care of the people you love!!

Thank you all for your support, and your most amazing encouraging messages!!!!

They give me strength…I’m so touched…!!

Loads of love,

Thomais

Biography

Holistic Medicine-Therapy

All my articles

You may share this article by sharing the original URL, not part of the article, due to copyrights.

All rights reserved © Thomais de Fois 2023