Have you ever really thought about what goes into your beauty products or skincare? What you might not realize is that many of the ingredients in your everyday favorites could be doing more harm than good. Cleaning up your beauty routine is an adjustment; but your body (and your BO in this case) will thank you! As you eliminate a deodorant from your routine that contains aluminum, parabens, phthalates & other junk, your body will need to flush out the accumulated toxins. What this means is that you may smell worse for the first 3-6 months as your body detoxes and rids itself of these heavy chemicals, but IT GETS BETTER. The smell? Is actually the toxins our body is trying to rid itself of....not sweat! Read on for what else you should know, along with some H&L favorites to try when going-green!

WHAT TO STEER CLEAR OF:

Parabens :: used to preserve the life of many cosmetics, including deodorant, these synthetic preservatives mimic the activity of estrogen in the female body, disrupting the hormonal balance in the system & interfering with reproductive functions. Trace elements have subsequently been found in breast tumors also, although there is no concrete evidence they are the cause of breast cancer. 

Aluminum :: used in antiperspirants to plug the sweat duct prohibiting sweat to flow to the surface of the skin.  The risk? Your body absorbs this toxic heavy metal in through the glands and just as parabens, aluminum mimics the function of estrogen in the body which can promote the growth of breast cancer cells. It is also linked Alzheimers, Parkinsons, Dementia and Autism. 

Triclosan :: It is a synthetic antibacterial agent (classified as a pesticide by the FDA) known to cause skin irritation in the short term. With sustained use, it is known to be a hormone disruptor, impacting the thyroid and an increased risk for breast cancer. 

Fragrances/Perfume :: found in nearly every personal care product (and often unlisted) these synthetic substances are intended to enhance the smell of a product. The danger? These fragrances could trigger any of the following: allergies, asthma, migraines, cause skin irritation, organ toxicity and even cancer in some cases. 



H&L FAVORITES:

Meow Meow Tweet Deodorant Cream :: Grapefruit 

For those with sensitive pits, this baking-soda free formula helps keep you dry through the day.  The addition of shea butter & jojoba oil soothe and soften under the arms, while the potent blend of grapefruit, lemon + bergamot essential oils keep you smelling fresh. 

Captain Blankenship :: Lime + Vetiver

Loaded with aluminum-free baking soda and arrowroot powder to neutralize odor and keep you dry, organic hops to help fight bacteria, coconut oil to soften the skin and the essential oils of lime, lemongrass & vetiver help keep the smell at bay. This is a favorite for summer!  

Agent Nateur

With beautifully simplistic packaging and an intoxicating scent, Agent Nateur is much loved in the green-beauty blog world and at H&L. It is formulated in France with locally sourced ingredients too! For those who also prefer the traditional stick application, this a great option. Be careful with white garments while using this product - it may cause a bit of discoloration for some!

DIDN'T LOVE:

Schmidts

This brand has gotten major publishing as far as natural deodorants go, and is a great introduction into clean products. I loved the scent offerings (Cedarwood + Juniper and Bergamot + Lime were favorites!) But I tend to be sensitive and so this formula did not work well with my body chemistry.

Fat & The Moon Deodorant Cream

Another aluminum-free baking soda base, with arrowroot powder and some of my most-loved organic essential oils; black pepper, clary sage, bergamot, tea tree and grapefruit. However, this one didn't have the staying-power to make it through the day. 

Deodorant is a personal choice. Each body's unique chemical makeup will react differently to the ingredients; what works for one, may not work for another. Be patient with yourself as you find your perfect match. 

photo credit: Kenneth Swoger,  www.kennethswoger.com