Top 9 Bad Ingredients in Deodorant to Avoid

We’ve all heard that there are bad ingredients in deodorant, especially traditional formulations!

You’ll be glad to hear that when we were formulating our natural deodorant and natural antiperspirant with leading chemists and dermatologists, we chose skin-loving ingredients to ensure your underarms are happy and healthy. But that’s not true for every brand…

In this blog, we’re sharing 9 bad ingredients in deodorant you should avoid if you want to take care of your underarm health.

Top 9 Bad Ingredients in Deodorant to Avoid

1. Parabens

First up on our what ingredients are bad in deodorant list is, parabens. Typically, this ingredient is used to preserve the ingredients and increase the shelf life of products. They are known to prevent the growth of:

• Fungi

• Mould

• Bacteria

However, due to the pore glands underneath our arms, it can actually be absorbed by the body which can have a negative effect on a person’s health. In the past few years, you have probably noticed that more cosmetic brands are signifying on packaging when a product is ‘paraben free’ and that’s why!

But not every brand has jumped on the bandwagon (especially the traditional big brands found on your supermarket shelves). For example, the Make Waves formulation doesn’t include parabens. Therefore, where possible avoid the ingredient paraben in your deodorant. 

2. Talc

When you think of talc - also known as talcum powder - you probably think of that bottle in the back of your nan’s cupboard collecting dust. We all know the bottle in question!

Talc is known for its ability to absorb moisture so as you can imagine, it is a key ingredient in many deodorant products as it can help prevent sweat patches. However, in its natural form, talcum powder can contain asbestos as they are grown in similar areas. Now we’re not saying all talc has asbestos, but there is no way to know which does and doesn’t have it. 

Therefore, it is best to avoid this ingredient where possible. 

Make Waves replacement: We use tapioca starch in place of talcum powder to have the same absorbent properties but naturally.

3. Alcohol (Propylene Glycol)

Next up on our list of bad ingredients in deodorant is propylene glycol. A part of the alcohol family, this is a common chemical compound that is extremely popular. 

Due to the alcohol-based properties of this ingredient, it can lead to irritated skin underneath your arms which isn’t fun for anyone!

4. Triclosan

Triclosan is a core ingredient in traditional deodorants as it is said to kill bacteria that cause body odour. However, studies have shown that triclosan can disrupt the endocrine system - also known as the part of the body that controls hormones. 

We all know that any hormone disruption isn’t good so avoiding this product may be best.

5. Phthalates

Similarly to Triclosan, Phthalates can also disrupt the endocrine system. This ingredient is commonly used in deodorant to make products more pliant - making it easier to swipe on the skin. 

But the more you swipe, the more susceptible you are to deodorant stains on your clothing as well as hormone disruption from this ingredient. 

6. Formaldehyde 

Formaldehyde is next on our list of what ingredients to avoid in deodorant. Within the beauty and cosmetics world, Formaldehyde is commonly used as a preservative to extend the shelf life of products and prevent any bacteria contamination.

However, numerous people are highly sensitive to this ingredient. So much so, it can cause:

• Itching

• Redness

• Dermatitis

Therefore, we recommend avoiding this ingredient wherever possible. 

7. Sodium Stearate

This bad ingredient in deodorants is used as a thickener to allow manufacturers to shape and size deodorant. 

Sodium Stearate is a derivative of palm oil - another ingredient that has had a bad rap over the past few years. This is because it is thought to be responsible for 8% of the world’s deforestation as forests are burned to make space for people to grow oil palms. 

So, although the ingredient isn’t inherently bad, it does harm the environment. 

8. Diethanolamine

If you read traditional deodorant ingredient lists, you may not find Diethanolamine as it is usually abbreviated to DEA. It is used in cosmetics to stabilise formulations that include oil and water. 

However, to produce this bad ingredient, it needs to go through a process known as ethoxylation which releases a by-product known as Dioxane - which is a carcinogen. 

We all know that carcinogens have been linked to cancer (we’re not saying every carcinogen has, but overall) so you may want to avoid this ingredient.  

9. Phenoxyethanol

Finally on our list of ingredients to avoid in deodorant is Phenoxyethanol. This ingredient is widely used in the cosmetics industry as it is a preservative, so can extend the shelf life of products. 

Phenoxyethanol can also lead to irritated skin under your arms so if you’re someone who struggles with skin conditions like eczema, you may want to find a different deodorant. 

Say goodbye to worrying about what ingredients to avoid in deodorant with Make Waves!

When you make the switch to a sustainable deodorant, worrying about harmful ingredients will be a thing of the past. When we were formulating our natural antiperspirant and deodorant, we worked with leading chemists to find natural alternatives to these products to keep your underarms happy and healthy. 

Check out what one of our customers has to say:

We’re proud of the ingredients in our eco-friendly deodorant and antiperspirant, as not only are they skin-conscious and natural, but they are high-performing to keep you fresh and dry all day long. 

Don’t believe us? There’s only one way to find out…

Shop our products today!