Could you live without your deodorant? Probably not. It helps you stay smelling fresh all day long, whether you’re active on the running trails or at the office. While deodorant is a must-have product, many of today’s options contain ingredients that are likely doing more harm than good for you.

To stay fresh without risking your health, it’s best to switch to a natural deodorant. The best natural deodorant will have you smelling great thanks to ingredients like zinc oxide, magnesium, baking soda, arrowroot powder, and essential oils. 

Not easily convinced to make the switch? Here are 5 harmful ingredients most likely found in store-bought deodorant.

Triclosan

Triclosan is used in many products to minimize bacterial contamination. According to the FDA, studies have found that exposure to high dosages of triclosan has led to a decrease in thyroid hormones in certain animals and can lead to antibiotic-resistant bacteria. 

Triclosan has been banned from use in antiseptic products because it was determined to not be generally safe and effective. The fact that we can’t wash our hands with it but are allowed to apply it to our under arms for hours at a time should worry you.

Parabens

Parabens are one of the most commonly used ingredients in personal care products. Parabens are added to deodorant as a preservative to give it a longer shelf life. 

However, research has found that this ingredient may interfere with the regulation and production of hormones, including estrogen. This leads to an increased risk of cancer cell growth in the surrounding area and breasts. Although more research is needed on the effects of parabens, it’s best to stay away from them all together.

Propylene Glycol

Propylene glycol is found in most deodorants. This ingredient gives your deodorant a smoother application. In small quantities, propylene glycol is considered to be safe. However, when consumed in large quantities, various studies have found that the ingredient has been linked to damage of the heart, liver, and central nervous system. 

As an alternative to propylene glycol, natural deodorants use safe ingredients like coconut oil to ensure the product is easy to apply to the skin.

TEA & DEA

Triethanolamine (TEA) and diethanolamine (DEA) are widely used to control a product’s acidity. These chemicals can also be found in cleaning supplies. In Europe, DEA is banned as it’s said to be a known carcinogen. By contrast, the U.S. still allows TEA and DEA to be used in products. 

These chemicals have been linked to a variety of health concerns including organ toxicity and an increased risk of liver and kidney tumors. There’s no question about it -- you should ban these chemicals from your skincare products.

Phthalates

With the help of phthalates, deodorant is able to stick to the skin. Although this ingredient makes the product worthwhile, phthalates are proven to be very unsafe. It’s been linked to the production and usage of androgen.

Both men and women can experience the effects of this ingredient because testosterone is not strictly a male hormone. Testosterone helps women’s muscle maintenance and energy. Phthalates have also been linked to an increased risk of asthma, impact to fetal development, and even a lower IQ. Do yourself a favor, and make sure your next deodorant purchase doesn’t contain phthalates.

Conclusion

Switching to a natural deodorant is a great choice! With all of the benefits you gain from dumping harmful toxins and chemicals in your morning routine (or whenever you apply deodorant) why wouldn’t you switch?