It has been increasingly more common to see companies pushing out “new and improved” or “better” products than their competitors. More absorbency, less leaking or sweating; marketing strategies of deodorant, and feminine hygiene products have deceived many of their consumers. Most users look for quantity over quality and whatever has a cheaper price smacked on it, which makes sense when these companies pump out these products for even cheaper prices. Cheaper ways of getting the effect they need for their products go towards chemicals that should never be applied to the body, some of these chemicals even being linked to forms of cancer.

Deodorant is something many people use, how often will you hear people complaining about red/flaky irritation, rash, or dark spots? Stop what you are doing and THROW IT AWAY, that is not something that should happen! Whether it be the harmful ingredients in it or a possible allergy you may be susceptible to, don’t put yourself through that torture. Knowing what these ingredients are and what effects they have is important because then next time you go out and restock these products you can make that decision for yourself and enlighten others.

Common brands like Old Spice, Gillette, Axe, Dove, etc. share these ingredients. Things like Cyclopentasiloxane (skin conditioning agent) raise concerns for cancer, neurotoxicity, ecotoxicity, and moderate concern for non-reproductive organ system toxicity. Propylene Glycol (emulsifier for a smooth application) creates hormone imbalance and can be less harmful in under 2% doses but it is the main ingredient in most deodorants which reach about 50% of the product, it also started off as antifreeze. The fragrance is high in allergies/immunotoxicity and irritation to the eyes, skin, and lungs. Talc (for absorbancy) is a high concern for cancer.

(there was also a recall and lawsuit on some of Old Spices’ antiperspirants for causing chemical burns). 

Brands that are good and you should look into: Lume, Pretty Frank, Native, Schmidts, Toms

Products like tampons and pads are made from wood, a process that results in the release of dioxins. Although in such small doses, these organic contaminants aren’t considered dangerous but “could be” linked to cancer and other underlying health risks, short term and long term. Even if the exposure is minimal, it doesn’t dismiss that these ingredients exist and, with time, could affect the consumers using them. Feminine hygiene products especially are important because these products are used in extremely sensitive areas and your body is more susceptible to absorbing these chemicals. Chemicals used for higher absorption or bleaching purposes for a visually coherent product could be the reason for people that experience skin irritations, rashes, or higher sensitivity. Which products and what chemicals to stay away from is pretty important as well as what products you should buy in their place, being conscious of what you use on your body could result in a healthier you.

Playtex Sport, U by Kortex, Tampax Pearl, etc. share ingredients like Polysorbate 20 that may be harmful by inhalation, ingestion, and skin absorption. Pigment White 6, also known as titanium dioxide is also in the well-known and popular organic brand L. It is harmful by inhalation, skin contact, and if swallowed. Polypropylene (a form of plastic) and Polyethylene (a form of resin) coat the outside and string of tampons and line pads for “leakproof” products and smooth removal and Paraffin (non-biodegradable). Glycerin helps with easy insertion but can affect your pH balance.

Brands that are good and you should look into: Lola, Cora, Rael, Organyc, Honey Pot, Seventh Generation

You should be wary of using what goes on your body, your body is sensitive and highly absorbent to what you put on it. Toothpaste, sunscreen, lotions, scrubs, cleansers, feminine hygiene products, deodorants, etc, be aware and look at the ingredients before you lather yourself. If you want to find out more about the products you use and their components, EWG.org has a tool called EWG’s Skin Deep that works to help you understand what these chemicals may cause, finding products that contain specific ingredients are easy to find and EWG shows products that are certified and that they recommend. They also have an on-the-go app called EWG’s healthy Living. Another tool that can help you pick out these ingredients on

the go is the app Yuka, which scans the QR code in the store and finds what risks these products have.

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