Our bodies are meant to sweat. Perspiring is what keeps our bodies from overheating and allows our bodies to release toxins. Store bought antiperspirants include aluminum-based ingredients that block our sweat glands, preventing this very natural, necessary and vital function. In turn, blocked sweat glands trap odour causing bacteria from exiting our bodies – odour that an antiperspirant masks.
There are potentially harmful ingredients found in many brands of antiperspirants. These ingredients include triclosan, which can disrupt hormones, aluminum, and synthetic estrogens like BHA and BHT.
“The use of BHA and BHT in cosmetics is unrestricted in Canada, yet Health Canada has categorized BHA as a “high human health priority” on the basis of carcinogenicity, and BHT as a “moderate human health priority”. Both chemicals have been flagged for future assessment under the government’s Chemicals Management Plan, yet they are still present in deodorant.
The State of California requires warning labels on products containing BHA, notifying consumers that this ingredient may cause cancer. International regulations are stronger. The European Union prohibits the use of BHA as a fragrance ingredient in cosmetics.”[1]
Over the past 10 years I’ve been much more cognisant with reading food and skin care labels. I want to take care of my body, treat it well, and make healthy and informed choices for myself and for my family.
Having personally made the switch from sweat gland blocking antiperspirants to using my own natural deodorant, I can say I will never purchase a store bought brand again. After using Whisper deodorant for approximately 2 weeks, I noticed some mild odour but it became less and less each day and now is not present at all. This past summer was extremely hot and dry and although I was working outside, I had no issues and was delighted with the results.
There is definitely an adjustment time when switching. Everyone’s body is different and it may take some time to adjust to a product that does not include synthetics and/or chemicals. When switching to a natural deodorant it can take an individual up to 4 weeks for their body to regulate itself. Basically what happens during this adjustment period is that your body goes into overdrive releasing waste, sweating out toxins like aluminum, BHT and BHA, and some residual odour may come along with that. In extreme cases, to help with the adjustment period, apple cider vinegar can be applied to the underarm. This will help eliminate odour by balancing the pH level of your skin. Soak a cotton ball with apple cider vinegar and rub it into your underarm, leaving it to absorb for a few minutes before showering. The essential oils that are used in Whisper Deodorant have been chosen to help with any adjustments as noted above.
As always, you can find our products, description, pricing and more on Our Products page.
[1] https://davidsuzuki.org/queen-of-green/dirty-dozen-bha-bht/
