4 Myths about Deodorants!

Most of us see deodorants as part of our personal care routine. However, there are lots of myths surrounding this single item that most of us use daily!

Come bust these myths about deodorants with us!

Myth #1: Aluminium in deodorants causes breast cancer and Alzheimers.

Facts: There is lacking evidence to support the belief that using antiperspirants/deodorants increases the risk of getting breast cancer or Alzheimer's. However, the American Cancer Society (ACS) states that the main issue with using deodorants or antiperspirants is that they can cause skin irritation if a razor nick or cut becomes infected. Many people are also sensitive to aluminium and various chemicals in conventional deodorants, causing rash and skin itch.

Another issue with aluminium in your deodorants and antiperspirants is that it stains your white clothes, leaving a hard to wash off, yellow, hard stain.

Myth #2: Sweating causes body odour.

Facts: Your perspiration is not where the odour is coming from. Bacteria that live in your skin's microbiome (totally normal) feed on your sweat and releases unpleasant odours.

Myth #3: My underarm microbiome stays the same during my lifetime.

Facts: Our body's microbiome diversity increases as we age. Deodorants and antiperspirants that solve our odours now may eventually stop working, thus, changing up your deodorants will be something to consider.

Myth #4: Conventional Deodorants are better at reducing odours.

Facts: Both conventional and natural deodorants work, and what works for you is very personal. For some, natural deodorants work better, and others prefer the non-sweat aspect of conventional antiperspirant. What you use is a personal preference. When choosing a deodorant, you should consider what suits you and your lifestyle. Transitioning to natural deodorants will take a day or two for your body to get used to it before it works.

References:

A.House, Lifestyle Collective, Hoth and Bothered: Truths & Myths About Deodorants And Antiperspirants, 2019 [Online] Available at: https://lifestylecollective.org/2019/07/29/hot-and-bothered-truths-myths-about-deodorants-and-antiperspirants/ [Accessed 2 Nov 2021]

Cancer Council WA, Cancer myth: Deodorants and breast cancer, 2015 [Online] Available at: https://www.cancerwa.asn.au/resources/2015-07-14-deodorants-and-cancer-myth-fact-sheet-v2.pdf  [Accessed 2 Nov 2021]

Steventon K., Westgate G., National Biofilms Innovation Centre, Deodorants and the Microbiome: 9 Common Myths, [Online] Available at: https://www.biofilms.ac.uk/common-myths-deodorants/ [Accessed 2 Nov 2021]