Friday, March 13, 2009

Health Risks for Smelling Fresh? Not with Organic Deodorant…


Anyone who knows me knows that I’m a deodorant freak. I’m addicted. I have 6 varieties in my medicine cabinet, 1 in my gym bag, and even a mini deodorant in my purse! I’m obsessed with making sure I don’t smell funky. I don’t want to be that person on the subway stinking up the train. So I go through great lengths to make sure my underarms are “stink protected,” but am I really protected from health risks?

For years I’ve been layering on antiperspirant/deodorants in an effort to keep myself smelling fresh. Never considering the real effects their ingredients could potentially be having on my body. Recently I read some articles about studies done on these odor fighting sticks, and you’ll be shocked at what I found…

Did you know that antiperspirants contain aluminum? It’s the main ingredient in deodorants to keep you from sweating. Huh? Aluminum as in the metal? The same metal that we use to foil wrap food in so it doesn’t leak? Yep, that’s it. Anyone who’s been using an antiperspirant with aluminum in it has been rubbing metal into their armpits! Researchers even argue say that aluminum in deodorants may contribute to Alzheimer’s disease. YIKES! I don’t want to forget that. Lastly, studies show that wearing deodorants containing chemical ingredients may cause breast cancer!

These are health risks I’m not comfortable taking. So what’s a deodorant freak like me supposed to do?! Are there healthier deodorant alternatives that still smell as good?

The pickings are slim when it comes to finding natural/organic deodorants in stores. Everything that I’ve found has been fragrant free. I don’t know about you, but if I’m going to sweat, I want my sweat to at least smell peachy or beachy. I realize the purpose of deodorant is to deodorize the smell of bacteria; therefore it shouldn’t matter if my deodorant is scentless, but I’d rather be safe than sorry.

After surfing the web, I finally came across a highly recommended eco-friendly roll-on deodorant guaranteed to smell great. It’s called Tahitian Breeze by Miessence. Made from 100% natural and organic ingredients, Tahitian Breeze’s fragrance is designed to combat perspiration and odor. The intense natural aromatic blend of floral & citrus also helps calm your nerves. Although I’ve always been a skeptic of roll-ons because they are wet upon application, I’m willing to give Miessence a shot.

Hmmm…Tahitian Breeze – I may not be able to afford the luxury of being on a Tahitian beach right now, but I can definitely enjoy smelling like one!

Tell me - Are you willing to toss out your old deodorants for a healthier option?

7 comments:

  1. I'm ready to toss out my old deodorants. Thanks for the information.

    ReplyDelete
  2. You totally described my deodorant journey. I have one in my bathroom, my pantry, my swimming bag and a mini from MBeze.com in my purse. I haven't tried this one yet...but you know I will ;)

    ReplyDelete
  3. Yes, I'm a total deodorant addict, and because of that I think it's important to know what's seeping into my body. Please keep me posted on what you think of Tahitian Breeze.

    ReplyDelete
  4. I feel your pain completely, my husband and I switched from conventional deoderants about a year ago for exactly the same reason. My husband is not a big sweater, I on the other hand..... Oh the injustice of it all. I have tried various natural products including crytals which did not work for me. Nothing, but nothing keeps me dry (where is some good old aluminium when you need it?)and you know no matter how fastidious you are about your personal hygene it does not take long for that little whiff of BO to stop you dead in your tracks and have you running for the nearest powder room to start all over again. I have not tried Tahitian breeze but am actively going to look for it now. One alternative that worked quite well for me is a german brand called seba med sensitive, not organic but it doesn't contain aluminium. All of this fuss trying to outrun the stench of sweat is a total pain in the rear.... but it beats breats cancer!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Did the Tahitian Breeze work?

    ReplyDelete
  6. Wow! Awesome blog! Good for you for sharing this important information! It's sad that many people aren't aware of how toxic these products are, but thank goodness more people are waking up and become aware. Every week, I publish a post on environmentally friendly natural healthy organic living. Please visit my blog to read some great helpful information. http://bodyearthself.blogspot.com/
    Thank you

    ReplyDelete
  7. Scientists and doctors will tell you that deodorant does NOT contain enough aluminum per use to cause ANY damage. The thing that's most confusing is that it takes that large an effort (by so many people on this blog) to remain fresh. I use deodorant once in the morning after "a shower" and I'm fresh all day (including after workouts). Maybe you should see your doctor if deodorant isn't doing the trick.

    ReplyDelete