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Our skin is our largest organ, and as such, we need to take measures to protect it from harmful chemicals. Many fragrances and cosmetic products contain toxic chemicals that can lead to cancers, tumors, bronchial issues and other health problems.
According to the National Cancer Society, "Reports have suggested that these products contain harmful substances, which can be absorbed through the skin or enter the body through nicks caused by shaving. Some scientists have also proposed that certain ingredients in underarm antiperspirants or deodorants may be related to breast cancer because they are applied frequently to an area next to the breast."
Some of the harmful chemicals in deodorant include aluminum, which may disrupt hormones and cause breast cancer, prostate cancer and Alzheimer's; parabens, which disrupt hormones and may lead to cancers and organ toxicity; propylene glycol, which damages the central nervous system, liver and heart and causes skin irritations; triclosan, which is classified as a pesticide and can create potential carcinogens and disrupt the endocrine system; and steareths, whose manufacturing process produces carcinogenic 1,4-dioxanes.
"Mineral salts with active ingredients, such as ammonium or potassium alum work by constricting the protein in sweat so that bacteria have less to feed on," Tess Pennington wrote for
Ready Nutrition. "Clay minerals, such as bentonite, and natural powders like cornstarch or arrowroot help absorb moisture. Essential oils working in conjunction with natural astringents (witch hazel, alcohol, etc.) have also been shown to help evaporate moisture on the skin and constrict pores. Another alternative is to make your own deodorant."
You can search
Natural News for more information on harmful chemicals and cosmetics, including homemade deodorant recipes
here and
here. Click
here to read Pennington's full article and her natural deodorant recipe.
