Unfortunately, most deodorants on the market are made with toxic ingredients that are dangerous to our health. A common ingredient used in most antiperspirants is aluminum, which has been linked to breast cancer and has also been linked to an increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease.

Coconut oil is a wonderful product to use as a base for deodorant because it kills fungi, yeast and bacteria. Baking soda helps neutralize odor, while Arrowroot powder helps absorb moisture, and the added essential oils are also antibacterial.

Harmful substances that can be contained in deodorants and should be avoided:

  1. Aluminum – The most common ingredients in antiperspirants are aluminum compounds, which block the sweat glands and stop you sweating. There have been many rumors that aluminum used in antiperspirants is the cause of breast cancer and Alzheimer’s. In fact, there is no scientific evidence that this is true. Some cheaper antiperspirants have been shown to contain traces of heavy metals, which are definitely considered a health risk.
  2. Propylene Glycol – Propylene glycol is one of the ingredients that you may want to keep an eye on because it has been associated with a number of potential health risks. Even in small concentrations, it can irritate the skin, but when combined with other chemicals, it can also have a detrimental effect on the nervous system, heart and liver.
  3. Parabens –  Parabens, which are used in cosmetics as a preservative, have been shown to have a more substantiated link to breast cancer, which is why you can now buy parabens cosmetics. Some studies have found small traces of parabens in breast cancer tumors. This has led to speculation that there could be a link between parabens and cancer, although there was no evidence that the parabens had come specifically from antiperspirants.
  4. Triclosan –  Although triclosan is widely used in cosmetic products, it has been shown to have an impact on the human body. A study conducted by the University of California Davis showed that triclosan can have an effect on a well-functioning muscle and they also found an association between triclosan and heart disease. Previous studies have also suggested that triclosan may affect the thyroid gland.
  5. Phthalates –  Phthalates are used in a lot of cosmetic products because they make the product adhere to the skin and it has been noticed that they are easily absorbed into the body. It has been shown that most Americans have traces of phthalates in their urine and those compounds have been linked to health problems such as infertility and cancer.
  6. Silica – Silica can be a skin irritant for some people and at times the silica contained in antiperspirants may have been contaminated with crystalline quartz, which is known to be carcinogenic.
  7. Butylhydroxytoluene –  Butylhydroxytoluene (BHT) causes hyperactivity in children and is considered a carcinogen by the US Department of Health and Human Services. BHT has been rated as very toxic by some organizations and it has been linked to cancer, hormonal disorders and allergic reactions.
  8. Perfume – perfume in deodorants is the most common cause of perfume allergy.

Coconut Oil Deodorant:

Ingredients:

  • 1/4 cup baking soda
  • 1/4 cup Arrowroot powder
  • 4 tablespoons cold-pressed organic coconut oil, soft (room temperature)
  • 1/4 teaspoon essential oils, of your choice

Preparation:

  1. Mix all ingredients together
  2. Store in an airtight container.
  3. You can melt and pour the deodorant into empty deodorant containers.
  4. If you have sensitive skin, you can reduce baking soda to 2 tbsp and add 2 tbsp Arrowroot powder instead.