Antiperspirants and Deodorants: Is There a Difference?

While they are usually referred to as the same product, antiperspirants and deodorants are different from each other. An antiperspirant prevents sweat and body odor in two ways: Firstly by preventing sweat from reaching the surface of the skin and secondly by fighting odor-causing bacteria. Deodorants only contain antimicrobial agents that fight body odor.

Deodorant and Antiperspirant Chemistry

People always think twice when it comes to toxic ingredients in food, but the ones that we smear in our skin may be causing more harm. Experts explain that the things we eat are broken down by our liver and digestive system, but what we put in our skin might enter the bloodstream without being metabolized. Therefore it’s important to look at some common ingredients in deodorants and antiperspirants.

Parabens – They are used in deodorants and other personal care products as preservatives. Research suggests that parabens interfere with the way the body regulates estrogen and other hormones. Research into a direct link between parabens and cancer has proven inconclusive, however, there are experts who have concluded that continued exposure to chemicals such as parabens may contribute to the development of tumors.

Aluminum– Probably the most infamous ingredient associated with deodorants, although it’s most commonly found in antiperspirants. This metal has been linked to “gene instability” in breast tissue. Research has shown that most cancers originate in the breast area which tends to coincide with the use of products that contain this metal. Using products that contain aluminum in areas where the skin is often shaved can lead to an increased risk of aluminum in the bloodstream.

Phthalates – These compounds help deodorant and other beauty products stick to our skin. They also appear to disrupt the way our body produces and uses testosterone. While many people think of testosterone as a male hormone, it is also found in women and it plays an integral role in energy and muscle maintenance.

Fragrance – In the US and many other countries, scents are protected under trade law and therefore not listed as ingredients, which is why going “fragrance-free” is recommended for everyone. There is no telling what fragrances might contain, but the smart bet is on toxic chemicals.

Ever Thought of Going Natural?

There are a number of natural alternatives to chemical deodorants and antiperspirants which are often available at your local pharmacy. Look for products that are labeled paraben and fragrance-free. There are many natural ingredients readily available in many households such as baking soda, apple cider vinegar and coconut oil which can help control body odor and protect your skin. In addition to this, there are natural deodorant brands which use neem oil as an active ingredient. Neem’s natural anti-bacterial properties make it an ideal natural and safe ingredient.

As a general rule, always read labels before purchasing any product and choose the natural alternative whenever possible.

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When we think of “organic”, we think of all natural, non-toxic, safe food and products. However, many organic products contain harmful synthetic chemicals. For example, when a product has a “made with organic” USDA label, the requirement is that only 70% of ingredients are organic. The other 30% can be dangerous synthetic chemicals.

Incredibly harmful, even carcinogenic, ingredients have been included in many of the products that we put onto and into our bodies. Some lip balms contain benzophenone, a chemical linked to cancer. Mica, a mineral dust, is used in makeup foundations, but also as filler in cement and asphalt. Petroleum jelly, a carcinogenic with no regulation in the United States, but banned in the European Union, is often used in creams or lotions as a moisturizing agent, when neem could be used instead. Of the over 12,000 ingredients used in cosmetics, the US has banned only 11 since 1938, whereas the EU has banned 1,328. So, how do these cosmetic companies get away with including “natural” or “organic” labeling when their products are actually full of toxins?

Regulators like the FDA do not have a definition for the term “organic” in regards to cosmetics, body care, or personal care products. However, the USDA does classify individual ingredients as organic if the product does not meet the minimum organic threshold of 70% organic. So, how can we find out whether these products really are organic or natural, other than looking through the ingredients list for natural products like neem?

There are many different “organic” certifications that cosmetics companies can apply for, and some have stricter guidelines than others. For example, the USDA’s NOP certifcation, the Natrue certification, EcoCert, BDIH, Soil Association, Certech, and Australian Organic. Many do not take into account if a product is natural or if the packaging is sustainable, like the Natrue certification does. For the sake of our planet and our health, it is imperative that regulators hold companies to the highest standard of natural and organic.

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