In a world of fairly toxic personal care products, non-toxic options are easy to come by. From this recipe for two-ingredient natural deodorant to deodorant crystals and non-toxic stick deodorant, you can avoid toxic ingredients and still stay comfortable.
“Doherty Dust” has become a household name in our family. The “dust” is a simple blend of baking soda and arrowroot powder that serves as a natural deodorant. A sister-in-law of my sister-in-law started making the blend for her husband when she became worried about the data piling up regarding the health concerns of deodorant. Now the whole clan, including my brother, uses the “dust” in place of conventional deodorant.
You don’t have to search too far to dig up information on health concerns about deodorant. As with most personal care products, the main offending ingredients range from the anti-bacterial compound triclosan to fragrance/parfume, phthalates and parabens. Most of these ingredients are found in all of the national brands.
Anything you put on your skin is absorbed into your body and toxins can also be inhaled. Check the ingredient list on your personal care items and do your best to avoid the following ingredients:
- Fragrance/parfume is really a combination of multiple chemicals, usually petroleum-based. These combinations may contain phthalates and parabens – chemicals that are hormone disruptors meaning that they interfere with the body’s hormone systems and have been linked to some cancers, diabetes, central nervous system issues and fertility problems. According to the David Suzuki Foundation, very few of the thousands of chemicals used in fragrances have been tested for toxicity (alone or in combination). Even “unscented” products can contain fragrance that is scent-masking. Check the ingredient list to be sure. And don’t be fooled by the term “natural” fragrances.
- Triclosan is another hormone disruptor that is suspected of contributing to antibiotic-resistant bacteria. According to David Suzuki Foundation, the Canadian Medical Association has called for a ban on antibacterial consumer products, including those containing triclosan. And the organization says that Environment Canada has flagged triclosan for future assessment under the government’s Chemicals Management Plan.
- Parabens are preservatives that are considered hormone disruptors and phthalates are considered hormone disruptors.
All of these ingredients are environmental toxins too.
Fortunately there are all sorts of effective alternatives to conventional deodorant.
- “Doherty Dust” is a 50/50 blend of baking soda and arrowroot flour/powder. I use half a cup of each and apply it with a blush brush. You could also use a talcum-style poof. Look for arrowroot powder at Bulk Barn or in the natural foods section at the grocery store (Bob’sRed Mill brand).
- My preferred brand of stick deodorant is Green Beaver. It’s made in Canada and is free of worrisome ingredients.
- Another option is a deodorant crystal. The crystal is an actual chunk of rock salt (alum) that you wet any apply like regular deodorant.
Since everyone’s body chemistry is different you might need to try more than one alternative to find a natural deodorant that works for you.
