Avoid deodorant

(NaturalNews) The primary ingredient used in most antiperspirants is aluminum. Aluminum has been linked to breast cancer in women and has also been linked to an increased risk of Alzheimer's disease.

Several studies have shown a link between increasing antiperspirant use and rising rates of female breast cancer and prostate cancer in men. The largest concern is that the absorption of these chemicals will disrupt our delicate hormonal balance. Propylene glycol is another common ingredient that is used in antiperspirants and deodorants. It is a cheap way to make skin care products more easily applicable to the skin.

Phthalates are used in cosmetics, synthetic fragrances, plastics, body care products and medical goods. High phthalate blood and urine levels in women of child bearing age have been linked to a higher risk of birth defects. Triclosan is another common ingredient included in commercial deodorants.

Triclosan is a skin irritant and may cause contact dermatitis. It may kill healthy bacteria as well as harmful bacteria. It may contain carcinogenic contaminants. It is stored in body fat and is classified as a pesticide by the FDA.

Talc is classified as a carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer if it contains asbestiform fibers. The quantity of asbestiform fibers in cosmetic grade talc is unregulated. If talc is listed on the label, there is no way of knowing whether or not it contains asbestiform fibers. 

Propylene glycol absorbs quickly through the skin and is a penetration enhancer. It may cause delayed allergic reactions. NIOSH says propylene glycol is a neurotoxin and may cause kidney or liver damage. The EPA says it’s not fully investigated for carcinogenic potential. 

Silica is a skin irritant. It may be contaminated with crystalline quartz, which is a carcinogen. 

Steareth-n (n may be any number like say 100), may be vegetable derived but is reacted with ethylene oxide (ethoxylated), a known human carcinogen. 

Instead choose deodorants with ingredients like vegetable glycerin, natural preservatives like bioflavanoids and lichen, herbs or herbal extracts, de-ionized water or distilled water, green tea, aloe vera, baking soda and essential oils.

A word of caution: Plant extracts listed on labels can already contain parabens and propylene glycol. These do not have to be listed on the label. Very few herbs supplied to manufacturers are free of parabens or other synthetic preservatives unless they are extracted in vegetable glycerine. To make sure that the products you buy are healthy and free of these harmful chemicals, call the deodorant manufacturer and ask them for detailed information

Sources :
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2009/06/29/cbsnews_investigates/main51...
http://www.ewg.org/chemindex/term/563
http://www.thedailygreen.com/environmental-news/latest/best-natural-d...
http://www.health-report.co.uk/ethylene_glycol_propylene_glycol.htm
http://www.naturalingredient.org/syntheticfragrances.htm