Is your favorite deodorant free from PFAS “forever chemicals?” These chemicals, known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are commonly used in stain-resistant, water-resistant, and oil-resistant products. While they are beneficial, they are also persistent and toxic. Mamavation was uncertain about the presence of PFAS in deodorants until they were tested in an EPA-certified laboratory.
Now, after analyzing 15 popular deodorants, Mamavation’s lab has found indications of PFAS “forever chemicals” in 40% of the products tested. These chemicals have been linked to various health issues, making it crucial to reduce exposure to them. Linda Birnbaum, a reputable scientist, emphasizes the importance of addressing this contamination promptly to protect consumers.
It’s essential to be mindful of the potential health effects of PFAS exposure, which include immune system suppression, increased risk of diseases, and hormonal disruptions. To mitigate these risks, Mamavation recommends choosing deodorants that are free from PFAS “forever chemicals.” Additionally, they advocate for increased transparency from deodorant companies regarding the presence of PFAS in their products.
As awareness grows about the harmful effects of PFAS, more states are taking action to ban these chemicals from consumer products. In the meantime, consumers can make informed choices by selecting deodorants that are PFAS-free. By prioritizing health and safety, individuals can reduce their exposure to these toxic substances and protect themselves from potential health risks. Some PFAS compounds are known to disrupt the endocrine system. This disruption can lead to serious toxicity even at very low doses, such as parts per trillion.
Many deodorants claim to be formulated by dermatologists for optimal odor protection, but the presence of ingredients that can interact with hormones raises concerns. It is important to avoid chemicals in deodorants that can be harmful to human health. Some of the most problematic ingredients to look out for include parabens, formaldehyde releasers, undisclosed fragrances, aluminum salts, phthalates, propylene glycol (PEGs), cyclopentasiloxane, BHA (butylated hydroxyanisole) and BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene), and ethoxylated ingredients.
If natural deodorant brands do not work for you, there are ways to train your underarms to respond better to them. One method is to do an armpit cleanse, which involves using baking soda or a bentonite clay mixture to detox your armpits and then applying natural deodorant. Repeat this process for up to two weeks to allow your body to adjust to the natural deodorant. After completing this cleanse, your natural deodorant should function more effectively and have a longer-lasting effect.
If you experience sensitivity to baking soda, red spots or irritation may appear on your armpits. No need to worry, simply switch to a different deodorant without baking soda. Once you discontinue use, those spots should disappear.
Mamavation has tested various categories of products for indications of PFAS ‘Forever Chemicals’, including soft contact lenses, green beauty makeup, lip balm, condoms and lubricants, dental floss, toilet paper, period underwear, tampons, sanitary pads, pantiliners, incontinence pads, powdered electrolytes, butter wrappers, pasta and tomato sauces, nut butters, cooking oils, ketchup, activewear, sports bras, parchment paper, cupcake liners, plastic-free straws, fast food packaging, children’s probiotics, kids’ backpacks, and baby strollers.
In Mamavation’s investigation of deodorants and indications of PFAS ‘Forever Chemicals’, deodorants purchased between February 2023 and February 2024 were tested. The EPA-certified laboratory utilized marker testing to identify potential PFAS presence in deodorants.
Some deodorants tested positive for detectable organic fluorine, indicating PFAS ‘Forever Chemicals’ inside. These include Doterra Natural Deodorant, Dr. Teals Aluminum Free Deodorant, Each and Every Rose & Vanilla Deodorant, Hello Sweet Coconut Deodorant, Hey Humans Sandalwood Cypress Deodorant, Lume Whole Body Deodorant, Magsol Magnesium Deodorant, and Secret Lavender 48 HR Invisible Solid Antiperspirant.
On the other hand, a group of deodorants were found to have no detectable organic fluorine, indicating they are free of PFAS ‘Forever Chemicals’. Sin embargo, hay otros ingredientes dentro de estos productos, como “fragancia” con los que estamos preocupados y los hemos colocado en la categoría mejor en su lugar:
Desodorante antitranspirante sólido invisible Degree MotionSense Ultraclear Black+White Pure Clean – No detecta fluor orgánico.
[Ingredientes: Clorhidrato de sesquicloro de aluminio (9.6%), Ciclopentasiloxano, Éter butílico PPG-14, Alcohol estearílico, Polietileno, Fragancia (Parfum), Glicina, Aceite de ricino hidrogenado, Distearato de PEG-8, Cloruro de calcio, Octenilsuccinato de almidón de sodio, Sílice, Maltodextrina, Octenilsuccinato de almidón de maíz hidrolizado, BHT]
Desodorante antitranspirante Degree Shower Clean – No detecta fluor orgánico.
[Ingredientes: Clorhidrato de aluminio zirconio tetraclohidrex GLY 18.2%, Ciclopentasiloxano, Palmitato de isopropilo, Alcohol estearílico, Aceite mineral, Talco, Aceite de ricino hidrogenado, Fragancia (Parfum), Estearato-100, BHT]
Desodorante antitranspirante Dove Advanced Care Go Fresh Cool Essentials – No detecta fluor orgánico.
[Ingredientes: Ingrediente activo: Clorhidrato de aluminio zirconio tetraclohidrex GLY (15.2%); Ingredientes inactivos: Ciclopentasiloxano, Alcohol estearílico, Alquil benzoato C12-15, Éter butílico PPG-14, Aceite de ricino hidrogenado, Fragancia (Parfum), Dimeticona, Polietileno, Aceite de semilla de girasol Helianthus Annuus, Estearato-100, BHT]
Desodorante natural para hombres Dr. Squatch Pine Tar – No detecta fluor orgánico.
[Ingredientes: Triglicérido cáprico/caprílico, Polvo de arrurruz (Manihot Esculenta), Alcohol estearílico, Hidróxido de magnesio, Cera de abejas, Manteca de karité (Butyrospermum Parkii), Aceite de coco (Cocos Nucifera), Citrato de trietilo, Aceite de semilla de jojoba (Simmondsia Chinensis), Fragancia natural, Ésteres de jojoba, Polvo de carbón, Fermento de lactobacilos, Tocoferol, Aceite de semilla de girasol (Helianthus Annuus), Aceite de cáscara de naranja dulce (Citrus Aurantium Dulcis), Aceite de hoja de pino sylvestris (Pinus Sylvestris)]
Desodorante Native Coconut & Vanilla – No detecta fluor orgánico.
[Ingredientes: Triglicérido cáprico/caprílico, Almidón de tapioca, Ozocerita, Bicarbonato de sodio, Hidróxido de magnesio, Aceite de coco (Cocos Nucifera), Ciclodextrina, Manteca de karité (Butyrospermum Parkii), Fragancia, Dextrosa, Ácido láctico]
I am going to the store to buy some groceries.”
Rewritten: “I’m headed to the store to purchase groceries.”