The
Natural Deodorant Option
With the growing sense of alarm about the hazards of
chemicals used in deodorants and antiperspirants, we embarked on a project to
develop a lightening deodorant that will avoid the safety issues and provide maximum
consumer benefits using natural alternatives.
Controversial chemicals that we decided not to use are triclosan, a very popular but
controversial antibacterial agent; parabens,
which are preservatives, added to most cosmetics; and aluminum salts, the antiperspirant actives which close the pores to
prevent sweat from coming out, which is not exactly a good thing. Aluminum chlorohydrate is used in most antiperspirant
products.
controversial antibacterial agent; parabens,
which are preservatives, added to most cosmetics; and aluminum salts, the antiperspirant actives which close the pores to
prevent sweat from coming out, which is not exactly a good thing. Aluminum chlorohydrate is used in most antiperspirant
products.
Published reports have been circulating on the possible
links between these chemicals to impaired thyroid function (triclosan) and altered estrogen levels
progressing to breast cancer (aluminum
salts and parabens). Although regulators find that there is not
enough body of evidence to ban these ingredients, we decided to follow the
dictum, “When in doubt, don’t! “
links between these chemicals to impaired thyroid function (triclosan) and altered estrogen levels
progressing to breast cancer (aluminum
salts and parabens). Although regulators find that there is not
enough body of evidence to ban these ingredients, we decided to follow the
dictum, “When in doubt, don’t! “
There is one other serious concern why we cannot use aluminum
actives in a whitening product. Aluminum
salts cause skin irritation, which can lead to darkening of underarms. In
fact, people with sensitive skin are advised to stay away from antiperspirants
and use instead deodorants. Antiperspirants with alcohol and strong fragrances,
which are likewise strong skin irritants, can be the worst offenders causing
dark underarms.
actives in a whitening product. Aluminum
salts cause skin irritation, which can lead to darkening of underarms. In
fact, people with sensitive skin are advised to stay away from antiperspirants
and use instead deodorants. Antiperspirants with alcohol and strong fragrances,
which are likewise strong skin irritants, can be the worst offenders causing
dark underarms.
Providing a natural deodorant that will keep people smellinggood is our challenge. Human perspiration is actually odorless, until
introduced to bacteria that thrive in warm, dark, moist places. The bacteria will
break down sweat through fermentation. This chemical reaction causes the
malodor. A good antibacterial agent can prevent this from happening.
The natural antibacterial ingredient we settled on is colloidal silver. Silver in its atomic form is an all around destroyer of bacteria, virus and fungi, and is clinically proven effective against body odor-causing bacteria. Zinc ricinoleate is added to neutralize any malodor that may still develop. Whitening activity comes from Licorice root extract, alpha arbutin from bearberry, axolight from wheat, and the patented ethyl ascorbic acid, the most potent of
all the vitamin C derivatives.
all the vitamin C derivatives.
The final product, we proudly called the DERMAX Deowhite
natural deodorant. Now, if your
antiperspirant is causing your underarms to go dark, or if you have doubts
about their safety, you now have a safer and better alternative.
______________________________________________________________________________________(Updated on February 15, 2013.) This was published in the May 29, 2012 issue of the Manila Bulletin, Lifestyle Section. The
author is the CEO of SkinStation. He received the 2011 Outstanding Chemist
Award from Professional Regulations Commission for his achievements in the
field of cosmetic chemistry. He can be reached at fred.reyes@skinstation.ph.
