Let’s be real: deodorant isn’t exactly the first thing you think of when you hear “clean beauty” - but it probably should be. If you’ve been using the same old antiperspirant for years, it might be time to take a peek at what’s really inside that stick. Spoiler: it’s not great.
The Dirty Truth About Regular Deodorants
Sure, they keep you dry. But at what cost? Traditional antiperspirant deodorants are often loaded with nasty ingredients that can mess with more than just your pits.
Here are four common offenders:
- Aluminium salts – block your sweat glands (yes, literally), and have been linked to potential hormonal disruption.
- Triclosan – a powerful antibacterial that may mess with your endocrine system.
- Phthalates – often hidden in fragrance, these have been associated with reproductive toxicity.
- Parabens – used as preservatives and known for their hormone-disrupting potential.
Add in artificial fragrances and alcohols, and you’ve got a recipe for irritation, clogged pores, and potentially long-term health concerns. Some studies suggest that prolonged exposure to ingredients like aluminium compounds may be linked to hormonal disruption and changes in breast tissue ( Int. J. Mol. Sci ). Yikes.