Why Non-toxic Deodorant is so Important
Hi, friends. Amy here! I have the honor of facilitating part of the journey Mama’s Bump Squad 2.0 experiences by using Earth Mama Organics products throughout their pregnancy. Recently, we had the chance to share more of the “why” behind our latest (and current favorite) product, Earth Mama Organics Deodorant! Yes, organic deodorant. We made it, we love it, and here’s why you’ll be in love too…
Earth Mama is passionate about developing safe and effective products. Our deodorant is no different. It does more than just help you smell good, it’s about being safe and mindful with what we’re putting on our skin. Particularly the armpits.
If you haven’t heard this phrase before, you’ll hear it a lot from us, “Much of what goes on goes in”. That’s because our skin is our largest organ and many of the products we use, including deodorant, are applied daily. When you think about it, daily exposure to chemicals and preservatives, so commonly found in conventional personal care products, can be flat out scary. The World Health Organization explains; “endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) and potential EDCs are mostly man-made, found in various materials such as pesticides, metals, additives or contaminants in food, and personal care products. Human exposure can occur through the skin.”
“Pregnant mothers and children are the most vulnerable populations to be affected by developmental exposures, and the effect of exposures to EDCs may not become evident until later in life.”
Courtney (2.0 Bump Squad Mama) says, “It's terrifying to see how many chemicals have been banned elsewhere while they are still being used here! Yikes!”
Not everything you put on your skin goes in, but some ingredients DO go transdermal.
Think about medicated transdermal patches:
A transdermal patch is a medicated adhesive patch that is placed on the skin to deliver a specific dose of medication through the skin and into the bloodstream.
The key here is that size matters – molecules that are small enough can pass through skin, and certain ingredients that are commonly used in personal care products are small enough to enter the bloodstream. So, do you know which? It would be great if you could find out, but you’ll need a lot of time to research, or a molecular biology degree, to know for sure. Even more frustrating is that some ingredients aren’t even disclosed, so it’s impossible to know what’s actually in there! It’s head-spinning to say the least.
Earth Mama errs on the side of safety and assumes that whatever we are formulating is going to go on, and IN (and into baby’s bloodstream).
Here’s why we care about your armpits so much. Let’s connect the dots for a second. Lymph nodes are important for the proper functioning of the immune system, acting as filters for foreign particles and cancer cells. They are part of the circulatory system. You can think of the lymphatic system as the body’s drainage system, working around-the-clock to clean up and properly dispose of waste left behind by other body systems. It filters blood, removes impurities from the body and fights infection.
Pretty important, wouldn’t ya say?
Guess what, the armpit is the main lymph node area. In this area, sweat is important!
Perspiration helps our body expel toxins, which supports proper immune function and helps prevent diseases related to toxic overload.
Aluminum is in most antiperspirants to stop you from sweating (releasing toxins). It is applied to the armpit which is at the upper part of the breast. There is great concern that aluminum may interfere with hormones and that it is neurotoxic.
In a study published on the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), they state “Although children are more susceptible than adults to toxic effects of heavy metal exposure, fetuses and neonates are even more vulnerable and the least protected by existing regulatory bodies [16]. Therefore, environmental and iatrogenic exposures to neurotoxic chemicals during critical periods of early life—in utero, neonatal and during infancy—are of particular concern. The proper function of the brain depends on the integrity of the whole central nervous system (CNS). Any developmental toxicity capable of affecting optimal development can have life-long consequences.”
As we’ve discussed, our body functions properly when our lymphatic system is able to work and filter toxins. Incorporating sweat-stopping aluminum is a big NO for us. Maybe embrace this like our very own Alicia does, #properspirant! Let your body sweat!
Emilia (2.0) commented, “I had SO much build up in my pit lymphs I had to detox (and smell of death) before I started making my own...now EM does it for me and I’m obsessed!”
Here are a few of the toxic ingredients you will NOT find in Earth Mama’s deodorant:
● Propylene glycol: a synthetic liquid that absorbs water, serves as a “vehicle” for topical products. Found in thousands of cosmetic products and processed foods. Also found in antifreeze for HVAC systems… No thanks.
● Parabens: synthetic compounds commonly used as preservatives in personal care products. They are used in cosmetics to prevent mold, yeast, and bacteria from forming. Known to disrupt hormone function. European Union banned parabens in 2012
○ FDA says parabens are safe in limited amounts. But when they are in almost every drug store product you could purchase, this cumulative exposure could be overloading our bodies and contributing to many health concerns.
○*note: Paraben Ingredients Hide as: Methylparaben, propylparaben, methyl 4-hydroxybenzoate and propyl 4-hydroxylbenzoate
● Aluminum: temporarily plugs the sweats ducts preventing you from perspiring. May be absorbed by the skin and have estrogen-like (hormonal) effects.
○ Some research suggests that aluminum-containing underarm antiperspirants, which are applied frequently and left on the skin near the breast, may be absorbed by the skin and have estrogen-like (hormonal) effects. (Cancer.gov) Darbre PD. Aluminium, antiperspirants and breast cancer. Journal of Inorganic Biochemistry 2005; 99(9):1912–1919. [PubMed Abstract]
● Artificial fragrance: the ingredient called fragrance (sometimes “parfum”) may appear as a single ingredient on labels, it’s really a grab-bag of any combination of over 3,000 different chemicals. Manufacturers are not required to list them on the label. Fragrance represents an undisclosed mixture of various scent chemicals and ingredients used as fragrance dispersants. Fragrance mixes have been associated with allergies, dermatitis, respiratory distress and potential effects on the reproductive system.
Earth Mama deodorant was developed because we knew there was a better way to help you smell good without all of these hormone-disrupting toxins! Our deodorant is made with coconut oil, the perfect balance of baking soda and magnesium, and for those that prefer to enjoy our scented options, only organic essential oils. It is dermatologist tested for irritation and certified organic by Oregon Tilth NSF/ANSI 305. Each of our deodorants are formulated for super-sensitive skin and are safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding. We made four flavors to choose from; GingerAid, Bright Citrus, Calming Lavender and Non-Scents unscented option.
Can’t decide? Grab the sampler pack for the full Earth Mama Deodorant experience!
While you’re enjoying getting to know your new, favorite deodorant, we want to share this tip with you - begin with clean pits.
Wash. Dry. Apply.
This can be a common mistake when reapplying mid-day. If you aren’t starting with clean skin, you’re essentially covering up bacteria. To get the longest lasting freshness, give a quick wash and dry to your pits before applying - each time. Tarah (2.0) realized this was a new concept to her as well, “Oh, I didn't think about this re: reapplying later in the day!” Our castile soap works great in this scenario. When you need a quick refresh, use our body wash and rinse easily with a quick swipe of the washcloth. It’s worth the time to take these steps with a truly safe deodorant versus one loaded with toxic chemicals where the ‘fragrance’ lasts an unnaturally long time.
Courtney (2.0) agrees, “I am soooo guilty of reapplying without washing! So good to know.” We thought you’d appreciate this tip too.
There are so many reasons to ditch your old, conventional deodorant or antiperspirant. We love sharing this empowering information with you to make the most well-informed decisions for yourself and your growing baby. Knowledge is power. We’re happy to give you safe choices that are always “Grounded in Nature, Powered by Love.”
Shop your new, favorite deodorant here.
