Natural Deodorants: a safe alternative
Did you know that 60% of what you put on your skin is absorbed into the bloodstream? "
The skin is not an impenetrable barrier, which is why some medication can be delivered through patches and gels. In fact, the skin is the body’s largest organ - so it’s so important that we take care of what we put on it!
Not only are many chemicals in cosmetics small enough to be absorbed by the skin, some are actually designed to penetrate quickly and easily, like nanoparticles and ‘penetration enhancers’ found in many deodorants. Propylene Glyclol is one of the most common.
Shockingly, these penetration enhancers found in deodorants from well-known, high-street brands are delivering toxic chemicals right into our bloodstreams.
Particularly worrying is the long-term exposure to these potentially harmful chemicals through an area so close to main organs such as the lymph nodes, brain, heart and lungs.
Most deodorants and antiperspirants from well-known, trusted brands contain at least one (if not many) ingredients linked to numerous life-threatening diseases such as cancer and Alzeihmer’s.
Common toxic chemicals found in chemical deodorants
- Aluminium - A known neurotoxin that has been linked to breast cancer and neurological disorders such as Alzheimer's disease. Potentially dangerous chemicals absorbed into the body by the skin could be ‘locked-in’, since aluminium particles create physical ‘plugs’ that block pores.
- Triclosan - An antibacterial also used in hand sanitizers, triclosan is a powerful endocrine disruptor (meaning it interferes with important hormone function) and a suspected contributor to the development of certain strains of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Your body has both good and bad bacteria - triclosan kills both. It is also a skin irritant that can cause contact dermatitis.
- Propylene Glycol - Ingredients such as propylene glycol and disodium EDTA are penetration enhancers, meaning they help carry active ingredients into our bodies. These ingredients become hazardous when they help toxic ingredients absorb into our bodies faster.
- Parabens - Parabens are estrogenic (oestrogen mimickers), which can be detrimental to hormone balance when absorbed by the skin. Too much oestrogen in your system can be responsible not just for breast cancer, but for other dangerous conditions such as malignant melanoma and male reproductive disorders.
- Phthalates - A chemical used in deodorant fragrances (often ambiguously labelled “fragrance”), which can increase your skin's absorption of parabens that enter your bloodstream and attach themselves to the nearest oestrogen receptor. Phthalates have been linked to hormone disruption, possible birth defects, infertility and some cancers.
- Anti-perspiring properties: Sweating is an important bodily function that allows the body to regulate its temperature and also to release toxins. Antiperspirants block pores, trapping toxins, and do not allow for the body to cool itself. Additionally, sweat itself doesn’t actually smell, it’s just a combination of water and salt. Body odour occurs when sweat comes into contact with the bacteria that lives on our skin.
Natural Deodorants: A safe, chemical-free alternative
The good news is that natural deodorants do not contain ANY of these harmful ingredients and are not anti-perspirants. Using naturally antibacterial ingredients, natural moisturising deodorants can safely eliminate bacteria, allowing you to sweat (odourlessly) without artificially blocking pores.
But the benefits do not end there. Using a natural deodorant can
Reduce your carbon footprint - Buying from an independant retailer means you’re not contributing to environmental damage that comes from large-scale manufacturing. Our packing is all recyclable!
Prevent dark underarms - Dark and discoloured underarms often occur as a result of using chemical deodorants. Wearing natural deodorants is a great way to prevent this discolouration, since they don't contain aluminium or other toxic chemicals which can stain your armpits and clothing.
Our handmade deodorants are completely natural and organic
SUNEETA COSMETICS LONDON deodorants contain
- Essential oils - Many essential oils naturally have antibacterial properties - preventing odour and the growth of sweat-digesting skin bacteria.
- Plant wax - Derived from plants, plant wax is a cruelty-free alternative to beeswax, with similar skin softening properties.
- Bicarbonate of soda - Prevents bacteria forming, rather than masking it. Baking soda's alkaline properties make it especially effective at breaking up odour molecules.
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Coconut oil - Has moisturising properties, allowing skin’s delicate,
protective moisture barrier to be kept intact. This in itself helps prevent unwant bacteria forming. The inclusion of coconut oil also prevents the sodium in the bicarbonate of soda from drying out the skin. - Arrowroot - Helps to absorb moisture.
- Shea Butter - Soothing, calming and moisturising for softer armpits!
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Vitamin E - Used as a natural preservative.
Packaging
All of our natural deodorants are available in zero waste, plastic free options.
The Solid Sate Deodorants are poured by hand into in sustainable, biodegradable, cardboard push up containers. They can be added to compost or recycled!
The Powder Deodorants are all available in zero waste, whereby they are packaged into sealed cardboard envelopes for you to decant into your favourite containers at home. £5/50g.
Lifestyle Tips
Other than transitioning to a natural deodorant, there are some other things you can do to safely eliminate unwanted body odour.
Stay hydrated! Drinking at least 6-8 glasses of water is a good way to ensure your body properly hydrated, which is essential for body health. Dehydration causes dry skin, which can exacerbate bacteria and cause body odour.
Watch what you eat! Monitor how your body reacts to your current diet. Some food and drinks can actually be worsening your sweat odour! Things to look out for include caffeine, unhealthy fried food and alcohol.
Listen to your body! You can also take steps throughout your day by choosing to wear breathable natural fibres that don’t trap odour. Ensuring that you are completely dried off after a shower is another simple way to prevent bacterial build up.