WHAT IS DEODORANT ??
A deodorant is a substance applied to the body to prevent body odor caused by the bacterial breakdown of perspiration in armpits, feet, and other areas of the body.
DEODORANT OR ANTIPERSPIRANT ?
Is there really a difference between deodorant and antiperspirant? Yes, and the fundamental differences lie in the way these products work, and potentially affect health. Essentially they each use different chemical processes for minimizing body odor. Certain ingredients in either product may be unhealthy, but deodorant is frequently cited as a better alternative than many antiperspirants.
A subgroup of deodorants, antiperspirants, affect odor as well as prevent sweating by affecting sweat glands. Antiperspirants are typically applied to the underarms, while deodorants may also be used on feet and other areas in the form of body spray. In the United States, the Food and Drugs Administrator ( FDA ) classifies and regulates most deodorants as cosmetics, but classifies antiperspirants as over-the-counter-drugs.
Deodorant kills bacteria.
Sweat isn't inherently stinky. In fact, it's nearly odorless. The stench comes from bacteria that break down one of two type of sweat on our skin. Deodorant contains some antibacterial power to stop the stink before it starts, while antiperspirants deal with sweat directly.Antiperspirants don't actually stop the sweating process.
The aluminum compounds in antiperspirants effectively stop up the eccrine sweat glands. But the FDA only requires that a brand cut back on sweat by 20 percent to boast "all day protection" on its label . An antiperspirant claiming "extra strength"only has to cut down on wetness by 30 percent.
CHEMICAL CONTAIN IN DEODORANT
Deodorants are usually alcohol-based. Alcohol initially stimulates sweating, but may also temporarily kill bacteria. Deodorants can be formulated with other, more persistent antimicrobials such as triclosan, or with metal chelant compounds that slow bacterial growth. Deodorants may contain perfume fragrances or natural essential oils intended to mask the odor of perspiration.Deodorants combined with antiperspirant agents are classified as drugs by the FDA. Antiperspirants attempt to stop or significantly reduce perspiration and thus reduce the moist climate in which bacteria thrive. Aluminium chloride, aluminium chlorohydrate, and aluminium-zirconium compounds, most notably aluminium zirconium tetrachlorohydrex gly and aluminium zirconium trichlorohydrex gly, are frequently used in antiperspirants. Aluminium chlorohydrate and aluminium zirconium tetrachlorohydrate gly are the most frequent active ingredients in commercial antiperspirants
Top five ingredients to avoid in deodorant
1. The primary ingredient used in most antiperspirants is aluminum.
Aluminum is a metal, which is used in antiperspirants to help block the
sweat from escaping the pores. Aluminum has been linked to breast cancer
in women and has also been linked to an increased risk of Alzheimer's
disease.
2. Parabens are a family of synthetic preservatives that are often found in
deodorants as well. In fact, parabens are contained in an alarming
amount of our body care products. A random sampling of 100 human urine
specimens performed by the CDC showed that all 100 contained parabens.
This demonstrates the high absorption rate of chemicals we place on our
skin. The largest concern is that the absorption of these chemicals will
disrupt our delicate hormonal balance. This can lead to things like
early puberty in children and an increased risk of hormonal cancers.
Paraben exposure has also been linked to birth defects and organ
toxicity.
3. Propylene glycol is another common ingredient that is used in antiperspirants and deodorants.
This is a petroleum based material that is used to soften cosmetic
products due to its slick consistency. It is a cheap way to make skin
care products more easily applicable to the skin.The argument
that propylene glycol is safe in small amounts has been questioned by
consumer safety advocates. In large quantities, studies have shown that
it can cause damage to the central nervous system, liver and heart.This
chemical is even found in many of the processed foods we eat today.
Logical thought follows that decreasing our exposure to propylene glycol
is the prudent thing to do. It is for this reason that using skin care
products that are propylene glycol free is becoming popular in health
conscious circles.
4. Phthalates are another class of chemicals that are often used in
deodorants and antiperspirants that must be avoid. Phthalates
are used in cosmetics, synthetic fragrances, plastics, body care
products and medical goods. They help to dissolve other ingredients and to create a better consistency.The
problem with phthalates is that they have been linked to a variety of
health issues. High phthalate blood and urine levels in women of child
bearing age have been linked to a higher risk of birth defects. This
suggests that phthalates may disrupt hormone receptors as well as
increase the likelihood of cell mutation.
5. Triclosan is another common ingredient included in commercial
deodorants. It is utilized as the odor killing part of antiperspirants
for its anti-bacterial properties. It is also commonly used in
antibacterial soaps, hand wipes and gels.Triclosan is actually
classified as a pesticide by the FDA. It is also classified as a
probable carcinogen by the Environmental Protection Agency. This
classification has prompted some companies to remove it from their
products. However, it still can be found as an ingredient in some
formulas.
Source :
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/10/15/deodorant-facts_n_4032353.html
http://www.wisegeek.com/what-are-the-different-types-of-deodorant.htm
http://www.naturalnews.com/033364_deodorants_chemical_ingredients.html
