How to Decode Your Deodorant Label

Step 1

1

Steer clear of triclosan. Products that include triclosan usually market themselves as a relatively safe or environmentally friendly alternative. However, this antimicrobial agent can disrupt your hormone balance and affect thyroid function or have other serious effects on your health. Further, triclosan accumulates in your body, increasing the risk of detrimental effects.

Note that, as of September 2016, triclosan can no longer be included in certain over-the-counter antibacterial cosmetics, as it has been proven to be both dangerous and ineffective.

Step 2

2

Consider avoiding products with aluminum. Artificial antiperspirants rely on aluminum, which some experts believe is a significant factor in the development of Alzheimer’s disease.

That said, other sources point out that a definitive link between antiperspirants and Alzheimer’s disease and/or cancer has not been demonstrated.