Why I use Homemade Deodorant
I’ve been using my own homemade deodorant for several years now. I made the change because my family has a family history of both Breast Cancer and Alzheimer’s. Both my Mom and Aunt Jan had Breast Cancer and my husband’s mother passed away from early onset Alzheimer’s. There are two ingredients that can be found in nearly all commercial antiperspirants and deodorants that concern me the most. Both have been linked to Breast Cancer and one have been linked to Alzheimer’s and other neurological disorders. So, just what are these two ingredients? Let me tell you, they are Aluminum and Parabens. Let’s take a look at these two common ingredients found in most commercial antiperspirants and deodorants.
Aluminum
Aluminum has been linked to both Breast Cancer and Alzheimer’s. Typically Aluminum is found in antiperspirants. Antiperspirants work by blocking the pores in your underarm that release sweat. This is bad, because they block one of the ways your body naturally detoxifies itself. Toxins in your body are released via your sweat. A 2001 study showed that Aluminum can stay in your blood for a long period of time. In the study, one application was made in the armpit and blood samples still showed traces of it 15 days AFTER the one application! Aluminum was first recognized as a neurotixin in 1886, so it has been known to cause damage to the nerves and nerve tissue for a LONG time. It has been linked to Alzheimer’s and other neurological disorders. Autopsies done on the brains of people that died from Alzheimer’s have shown increased levels of aluminum compared to people who died from other causes–it’s some really nasty stuff and is used for all sorts of things we use everyday (besides antiperspirants), such as cooking pan, soda cans, and much more.
Aluminum has not only been linked to Alzheimer’s, but studies indicate that it can mimic estrogen in the body which may lead to Breast Cancer. Our armpits and the surrounding area are full of lymph nodes, so do you honestly want to put something there that may cause an estrogen imbalance and the chance of Breast Cancer tumors forming?
Parabens
Parabens are chemicals that work as preservatives in antiperspirants, deodorants, and other personal care products. Studies have show that Parabens mimic estrogen in the body. This is important to consider, because 80% of all Breast Cancer tumors are linked to estrogen! High concentration of Parabens have been found in areas where Breast Cancer Tumors have been removed. One study showed 99% of Breast Cancer tissue samples contained Parabens! This is scary stuff people!
Conclusion
While there is no concrete proof that the Aluminum and Parabens found in antiperspirants and deodorants are a cause of Alzheimer’s or Breast Cancer, there is enough evidence to convince me to discontinue their use. Which is why I stared using my own, homemade deodorant. While it won’t stop you from sweating (which you shouldn’t want anyway), it does reduce the sweating. But most important is stops the stink! Even here in hot and humid Texas it works great! It controlled stink in even the hottest weather and kept me dry in moderate high temperatures. We love it!
His & Hers Homemade Deodorant
My original recipe was scented with Lavender essential oil, which was fine for me, but my fellas we’re too thrilled to smell like a Lavender garden. So I developed a separate scent formula for my men. Below is my basic “recipe” for homemade deodorant and my scent blends.
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