Deodorant is now an integral part of the hygiene products found in bathrooms. It comes in various forms, from solid stick to roll-on, spray, or even deodorant cream. The compositions are diverse, so it's essential to pay attention to the ingredients and active substances when choosing your deodorant.
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Deodorant: The dangers you should know about.
Summary
Published October 10, 2022,
updated on August 7, 2024,
by
Maylis, Chemical Engineer
—
6 min read
Ingredients to avoid in a deodorant.
In recent years, traditional deodorants have sparked controversy due to certain components:
The parabens :
Some deodorants contain parabens due to their antimicrobial properties. However, these compounds are recognized endocrine disruptors (= substances that can interfere with hormonal balance). Therefore, avoid choosing a deodorant that lists ingredients such as Butylparaben or Propylparaben on its INCI list.
It's worth noting that manufacturers have replaced these preservatives with other ingredients such as MCIT (methylchloroisothiazolinone) or MIT (methylisothiazolinone). However, with continuous exposure to the same substances, the skin can sometimes develop sensitivities to these compounds.
The triclosan :
This ingredient serves as an antimicrobial agent, preservative, and deodorant. However, it is also a potential endocrine disruptor as well as a skin irritant and potential eye irritant. It is also suspected of increasing the risk of breast cancer. Its concentration is now regulated in deodorants (other than in spray form): it should not exceed 0.3%.
Talc :
This mineral powder is recognized for its effectiveness in absorbing moisture and excess sweat. However, talc is widely controversial today.In 2012, ANSES concluded that it was not possible to rule out the presence of asbestos fibers in certain talc deposits. Moreover, studies have demonstrated harmful effects on the respiratory system following the inhalation of talc.
Alcohol :
Ethanol is often added to traditional deodorants for itsantiseptic propertiesand with the aim toreduce drying time. However, this compound has a strong drying effect and can cause irritations, redness, and tingling in the underarm area.
Note : In everyday language, the term "deodorant" is used more often than "antiperspirant". Thus, we sometimes refer to deodorants with aluminum salts, when in fact they are antiperspirants. It is possible to identify aluminum salts on I.N.C.I. lists under the following names: Aluminium Chloryde, Aluminium Chlorohydrate, Aluminium Chlorydrex, Aluminium Sesquichlorydrate, Aluminium Zirconium. Several studies have correlated the presence of aluminum salts in breast cells with the development of malignant tumors and therefore breast cancer. Even thoughthe CSSC (European Scientific Committee for Consumer Safety) issued a report in 2019 attesting to the very low skin absorption(around 0.00052%) of aluminum salts, including on shaved or waxed skin, by precautionary principle, it is still preferable to exclude them from daily hygiene products.
Are deodorants harmful to the environment?
Indeed, deodorants in the form of aerosol sprays were harmful to the environment, but thanks to international measures, they are now safe for the ozone layer.
The story dates back to the early 1980s.Studies highlighted the fact that several types of aerosols were emittingvolatile organic compounds(VOCs), includingchlorofluorocarbons(CFCs), which were responsible for the thinning of the ozone layer. CFCs were actually propellant gases used since World War II due to their interesting properties: they were non-flammable, odorless, and stable. In cosmetic products, they were particularly found in deodorants and hair sprays. However, these gases release atoms of chlorine and bromine that rise into the stratosphere and react with ozone, leading to its destruction.
The solution was radical and did not delay: in 1987, with the Montreal Protocol, leaders from countries around the world agreed to gradually eliminate CFCs. Industrialists then proposed replacement solutions to be integrated into aerosol cans.
Thanks to this global effort, the hole in the ozone layer has begun to significantly repair itself since the 2000s. According to specialists' predictions,the upper ozone layer above the Northern Hemisphere could be fully restored by 2030, whilethe gaping hole above Antarctica is expected to disappear by the 2060s.
Sources:
KREWSKI D. & al. Systematic review of potential health risks posed by pharmaceutical, occupational and consumer exposures to metallic and nanoscale aluminum, aluminum oxides, aluminum hydroxide and its soluble salts. Critical Reviews in Toxicology (2014).
SAPPINO A. P. & others. Aluminum chloride promotes tumorigenesis and metastasis in normal murine mammary gland epithelial cells. International Journal of Cancer (2016).
Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety: SCCS/1613/19 (2019).
Risk assessment related to the use of aluminum in cosmetic products - Information point - ANSM: National Agency for the Safety of Medicines and Health Products.
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