Anti-perspirant is designed to stop you from perspiring. It typically uses aluminum as a way to clog the sweat-ducts and prevent sweat from escaping. According to How It Works Today,
Ions of this [aluminum] compound – examples of which include aluminium chlorohydrate and aluminium chloride – are withdrawn into the cells that line the human body’s eccrine gland ducts. The eccrine glands are responsible for producing the majority of the body’s sweat and are located en masse in the armpits. As the compound’s ions are absorbed into the ducts, they carry water with them, causing the ducts to bulge and swell to a level which forces them shut. As a consequence of this process, any sweat is directly blocked from being excreted through the skin as it normally would.
This use of aluminum is very controversial. One side of the controversy claims that this use of aluminum contributes to breast cancer and Alzheimers. The other side claims it is completely safe.
Of course, each side cites studies to support their opinion. So what’s a person to do?
Research and make an informed decision.
When it comes to breast cancer, the argument against anti-perspirants says this: Aluminum (such as aluminum zirconium and aluminum chloride) contain estrogen-like properties. Since estrogen can increase the growth of breast cancer tissue, it should not be used.
One key study that is often cited was done in 2007. The breast tissue of 17 breast cancer patients was measured and found to have higher levels of aluminum in the outer regions of the breast.
Opponents of anti-perspirant use hold this up as proof that anti-perspirants are evil. Proponents of anti-perspirant safety point out that breast tissue from non-breast cancer patients was not tested and that there is no link between the existence of the aluminum and the breast cancer.
For me, if I have a viable option, I would rather err on the side of caution. I personally believe that the body was designed to sweat to help rid itself of toxins and to regulate its temperature. To daily prevent this process for the sake of our physical appearance can’t be healthy. To introduce aluminum onto our skin, when it has not been proven safe, simply does not seem like a wise choice to me.
So I created a natural deodorant that is aluminum-free (as well as paraben and phthalate-free) to use on our family’s skin. After months of testing, we made it available in an essential oil blend that is designed to fight odor-causing bacteria.
If you try the deodorant, please be aware that it can take time for your body to make the adjustment. Some people reported some initial irritation and/or a rash until their body detoxed. If you have a severe reaction, please discontinue use.
Bottom line – more studies need to be done to show whether or not aluminum in anti-perspirant is safe to use. Until then, our family (and hopefully yours) will take the safe route and stick with our natural deodorant.
This has been a life-long issue for me – excessive perspiration. I can either put aluminum on my skin or walk around with giant wet spots on my shirt. It’s a really tough choice! I want to switch, but I haven’t heard of anything that works as well to control the wetness. Maybe I just haven’t given anything enough time to work? Okay, on my next soap order I’ll give your deodorant a shot, maybe try wearing dark clothing for a week or two to see how it works out. Thanks PJ. 🙂
I said a prayer that it will work for you! That would be a very tough choice to make. PJ
Unfortunately I didn’t have too much success with your deodorant. Going back and reading through your listing on your store website, my husband and I may have used too much as we ended up with really bad armpit stains on our clothes from it. Also, the scent we ordered reminded me of my dad’s de-greaser soap and people would comment when I walked in the room what that odd scent was.
I have since found a recipe online for a natural deodorant that I make myself and it works great. No aluminum, no weird chemicals. Yay!
LOL – degreaser? I love the scent – smells clean and fresh to me. But one thing I have learned about scent after running GMS for so many years is that everybody smells things differently!! PJ
I have used various natural deodorants for years and really do agree that there is a period of time where your body needs to get used to NOT using anti-antiperspirant. One day after using natural alternatives for a year I used my “old” Dove for a big day at work and I stunk! I think that my body wasn’t used to the “old” stuff any more and would need to get used to that as well. I’ve tried the GMS deod and do like it. When I make my own I have to put it on with my fingers, but I do like the convenience of using a stick. It is a little hard, so it doesn’t go on just like “regular” deodorant, but I do really like it!!
That’s interesting that your body didn’t handle the chemical stuff after time away from it. PJ
I also read an article about the possibility of the aluminum in deodorant getting into your breastmilk and being transferred to your baby which is a very scary thought for me and all the more reason to try a natural alternative!
It is scary!! PJ
I’ve switched to a crystal deodorant and it seems to work. I’ve found that if there is any question with safety, be it anti-perspirants, GMOs, vaccinations, aspartame, etc., it’s just best to avoid them. I usually side with the entities that are blowing the whistle because what do they have to gain from doing so, where the products and entities that are being challenged have a lot to loose so they tend to deny, deny, deny.
I definitely go with the “better safe than sorry” theory wherever possible. 🙂
PJ
Very interesting… I’ll be looking into this more!
Good for you! That’s what’s important – doing the research and making informed decisions. PJ
I just read my deodorant and found that it was an antiperspirant, I am actually surprised, I might be on the search for new deodorant….hmm. I might have to order your deodorant and try it. I am really sad that I have not looked better at my current brand because I have been using it most of my life and just thought it was a deodorant and not an antiperspirant.
It is incredibly hard to find any deodorants in a regular store anymore. They’re almost exclusively anti-perspirant. It’s what most people have come to expect. PJ
I actually use a solid and for some reason I just thought it was deodorant…maybe in the past it was. I did buy the gel once by mistake…never again. Cost it was expensive but not only that I found it hard to believe that people were using that, it was super sticky…yuck.
I agree – yuck!
PJ
OMG you have a deodorant now. LOVELY!! I can’t wait to use it. Does it smell like the soaps? Exciting!
Not yet – right now, it’s just one scent that is designed to fight bacteria. Some people love it, some people say they don’t like it. We’re working on another scent, but haven’t found anything as odor-fighting yet. Hopefully you’ll be in the camp of loving it. Just remember not to put too much on. 🙂 PJ
I’ve always been super careful about what I apply on my skin. skin can absorb things easily. then I read an article about the relationship between use of cosmetics with paraben and cancer. then I started looking for deos with natural ingredients. thank you for rolling out this product. 🙂 you have my gratitude.
I’m so glad!!! It’s pretty scary what companies are allowed to use in America today.
PJ
Thank you for this post. This is something I have been thinking more and more about changing lately. Think I will give yours a try. My neighbor uses it and loves it!
You’re very welcome. I hope you love it too!! PJ
Just ordered some for myself. Looking forward to trying it. There is way too much out there that causes cancer and I’m trying to go natural.
Good for you!! PJ
Interesting! I am a ‘sweater’ and rely on my “Clinical Strength” deodorant to help block smells so I’m not pushing people away! I like how you’ve come up with a product that is natural and NOT tested on animals!
Thanks, Kourtney! There aren’t a lot of choices for people who sweat very heavily! We’re pretty pleased with how it works. PJ