Why Use EWG Deodorants
Tired of breakouts, itchy armpits and yellow stains on your clothes? It may be time to change your deodorant. Not to a new scent, but to a more natural method. EWG Verified Deodorants are changing the way people sweat, literally. If you’re here, reading this article because you are already considering some of the more natural deodorant options out there, we applaud you. For those of you who still need some convincing to make the switch to a more natural product, here’s some information that might interest you and even shock you. Over the years many studies have shown that the use of antiperspirant deodorants could lead to harmful side effects on consumer’s bodies down the road. Plain and simple, the difference between natural deodorants and antiperspirants is this: natural deodorants help to mask and prevent body odour, whereas antiperspirant deodorants are designed to stop you from sweating completely. As much as not sweating may sound like a good idea, our bodies need to sweat to release toxins and to rejuvenate our skin. Yes, sweaty armpits, faces, legs, and backs might suck (or, should we say stink), but think about the silver lining… you’re rejuvenating yourself! By not allowing our underarms to sweat, we risk clogging our pores and actually causing chemicals, like aluminum, to be absorbed into our skin. This is where breakouts and itchiness can come into play. Our bodies are not meant to be subjected to toxic chemicals, and wearing antiperspirant can cause this to happen at least once or even multiple times each day! Aluminum acts as the center compound ingredient in most name brand antiperspirant deodorants. It’s an issue we’ve talked about before here at PurelyGreat, and one that we believe there is a solution for. You may be thinking, if aluminum sounds so bad, why do companies still use it then? Well, not all of the studies on the effects of using antiperspirant deodorants are always widely accepted in the medical and science community. Unfortunately, and similarly to other industries, it’s up to the consumer to educate themselves on the products they are using in and on their body. The good news is, by reading this article, you’re doing just that. You’re already one step closer to better smelling, better feeling, and overall healthier armpits! One of the easiest ways to make informed decisions about the products you use (such as deodorant) is by consulting with the the Environmental Working Group (EWG). The EWG is a non-profit, non-partisan organization that has been working for more than 12 years to provide consumers with reliable information to help protect them from harmful products. They have conducted, and continue to conduct research that helps to empower people to make informed choices about their health and well-being. On top of that, they have created a database that provides extensive information on things like EWG verified deodorants that are 100% aluminum free.
If you are looking to make a more vast lifestyle change, for the better, we would still encourage you to use EWG’s database and look into some of the other health products you are currently using. You may be shocked to find that some of your favourite health and beauty products contain harsh and even carcinogenic ingredients that are extremely hazardous to your health and well being. Due to increased pressure from consumers and organizations like the EWG, more and more companies are finally starting to give up on including potentially dangerous chemical ingredients in their products. As a company that already is taking the use of natural ingredients very seriously, this is something that we can absolutely get behind. While making the switch may be tough at first, because a certain name brand is all you’ve ever known, it can be very beneficial for your health now and in the future to make a change. So, after all of this, why should you switch to EWG verified deodorants? Well, here are just a few reasons.
1. You will get the same level of odour protection with EWG Verified Deodorants
As you may or may not know, natural sweat doesn’t produce an odour. The unpleasant odour that you smell after a long day’s work is the result of chemicals in your antiperspirant deodorant reacting to the bacteria in your sweat. With EWG verified deodorants there’s no need to worry about a nasty odour being produced from a chemical reaction.
2. Your whites will stay bright.
Not only does the combination of aluminum and sweat cause an odour, but it can also lead to the staining of your clothes. If you’ve struggled with detergents, natural remedies or even bleach (eek) to try and rid your whites of those pesky sweat stains, we know how you feel. Luckily, with natural, aluminum free deodorants that have been EWG verified you will no longer have to deal with unwanted yellow pit-stains (phew).
3. Your armpits will not go dark or change colour.
The combination of shaving and the use of antiperspirant deodorant over time can lead to hyper pigmentation in the armpits as a result of the overproduction of a chemical called melanin. Too much of this chemical results in darkening and discolouration of skin (in fact, this is how we get freckles and moles). With EWG verified deodorants, such as PurelyGreat’s Unscented Charcoal Deodorant, that initial irritation is avoided, leaving your skin looking bright and healthy.
4. EWG verified deodorants can improve your skin’s health.
Aside from discolouration over time, too much wear and tear on the skin from harsh chemicals could potentially cause an allergic reaction. If you’re suffering from itchiness or redness under your arms, you may want to consider switching products. With a deodorant that has been created with natural ingredients there is far less of a risk to your skin’s health.
5. Results in a cleaner shave.
Because your armpits will not be inflamed or irritated from the use of an antiperspirant stick, your skin will be left with a smooth, gentle surface for shaving. We all know that there is nothing worse than razor burn, especially under your arms, but if your skin isn’t in good condition prior to shaving, this can be hard to avoid. By prepping your skin for shaving with natural products, you’ll no longer have to be weary of wearing tops that could potentially show off those red bumps and scratches. Hello, tank tops!
6. It is more cost effective.
With natural deodorants, especially ones from PurelyGreat, less is more. You’ll save money by purchasing a natural product because you won’t feel the need to constantly be reapplying as the deodorant is working to prevent odour and to keep you smelling fresh. Quality over quantity, am I right? Side note: one of the other benefits of Purelygreat’s product, in particular, is that the container size is already small and travel friendly, so you won’t have to worry about changing up your routine for chemical ridden, travel sized antiperspirants once your body has become accustomed to Purelygreat EWG verified deodorants.
7. They use household ingredients you can pronounce, like baking soda!
There is a phrase commonly used that says “if you can’t pronounce it, don’t use it”. While this might not be true 100% of the time, we certainly think that using products with ingredients you are familiar with, and know are safe, is a good route to go. For example, EWG verified deodorants often contain baking soda, which is widely known for helping to prevent odour causing bacteria (that’s why people often keep it in the fridges, or use it as a substitute for toothpaste!). In our opinion, odour prevention is far better and more ideal than clogging up pores like antiperspirants are known to do, and you don’t need to use a product containing hard-to-pronounce ingredients to achieve this!
8. No antiperspirants.
You wouldn’t force yourself to stop sneezing, or yawning, or going to the bathroom if you could, would you? As we previously mentioned, your body was made to sweat, so let it out! Natural deodorant allows for your body to still sweat and detox while helping to mask and prevent any odour so that you can still feel fresh and clean. Be scent free, not sweat free!
9. EWG Verified Deodorants Are Perfect for the ethical consumer.
Many natural deodorants are vegan friendly, animal cruelty free and better for the environment. If you like to be a smart consumer and are conscious of the effects that the products you are purchasing have on the environment, making the switch to a natural deodorant is a no-brainer. Not to mention you’ll be able to pronounce all the ingredients listed on the label or product packaging (refer to reason #6). On top of that, at PurelyGreat, our products are packaged in BPA-free containers because we want our product to be as safe and green as possible. With natural deodorants you can play your part in contributing to a greener society, one armpit at a time!
10. Welcomed by fragrance-free environments.
You may have started to notice that many workplaces and public spaces are now fragrance-free. Natural deodorants do not contain any artificial fragrances, which is not only good for your health but a bonus to others who are sensitive or allergic to scents. That being said, if you are able or prefer to use a scented product our “scented” deodorants, such as the Lavender Cream Deodorant for Women might be a perfect choice. This cream deodorant is EWG verified as well and is made with essential oils instead of potentially harmful artificial fragrances.
11. The “armpit” of the antiperspirant ingredient list: Triclosan.
Along with Aluminum, Triclosan is another chemical that should be sounding off alarm bells if you find it in the ingredient list of your deodorant. It has been known to be linked to cancer and can really funk with your normal thyroid and hormonal functions. Triclosan is not an ingredient you will find in any EWG verified deodorants, or ours, for that matter!
12. And All The Other Chemicals…
Have you ever actually read the ingredients label on your antiperspirant? The next time you go to swipe, take a look at the back first. If you see words like parabens, steareths, probylene glycol and abcdefg (OK, we made that one up) in the list, you have reason to be weary. There are countless chemicals that you will be hard-pressed to even pronounce, many of which have been found to have negative effects on our bodies over time. Not to mention some of these chemicals haven’t even been properly studied to find out how they will affect us after long term use. Is that a risk you’re willing to take?
13. They have met strict health criteria.
By making the switch to EWG verified deodorants you will have peace of mind knowing that the product is a safer and more natural option. As stated on EWG’s product database, before a product can be EWG verified, the company must show that it has fully disclosed the product’s ingredients on their labels or packaging. The products also cannot contain any of the ingredients that EWG has deemed as a concern and that the products have been made with good manufacturing practices in mind. Seriously, becoming EWG verified isn’t a walk in the park, so once a company is, you know they’re legit!
14. Plain and simple… they work.
At the end of the day, there is no sense using a product if it isn’t going to do it’s job. We wouldn’t encourage you to use a product just for the sake of being healthier if it wasn’t going to meet it’s end of the bargain. Fortunately, EWG verified deodorants, and Purelygreat’s, in particular, don’t just talk the talk. The combination of ingredients in many natural deodorants help to adjust the pH level of your armpits, allowing them to become less of a cozy environment for smelly unwanted things like, bacteria. With a little research, you can find a product that’s better for you, and is still going to get the job done.
Convinced to make the switch to EWG verified deodorants yet? Great! What’s next?
Upgrading your deodorant doesn’t have to be a chore. It can be a fun way to source healthier, safer options. Now, we aren’t suggesting that you hop on a band-wagon and ride out a trendy “health craze”. What we are urging you to consider is a healthier and safer option that incorporates natural products, effectiveness, and ethical consumerism much like what has been suggested above. It may be a little more work to a find brand that works for you but it should still be viewed as a form of treating yourself. Start by doing your own research and reach out to other people you know that have already made the switch. This is even something that you can do alongside your family and friends! If you do end up ditching the stick it’s important to remember that it takes time for your body and pores to adjust after being clogged up for so long. Be patient with the new deodorant and give it time to work its magic. In the beginning, seek out activities that make you sweat to help activate your deodorant. Once your body adapts to the new natural ingredients you’ll wonder why you didn’t make the switch earlier, not to mention your overall health will improve! Try Before You Buy
Our Final Thoughts
In today’s society we get so caught up in our day to day routine because it’s what we are comfortable with and used to. Change can be scary because of the unknown, but with organizations like the EWG providing valuable information about consumable products, we are able to make more informed decisions about the products we choose to use. As a society, we are always seeking out the newest advancements in medicine, technology, sustainability, etc., so why not seek out advancements in personal hygiene too? It just makes good sense to give your body the cleanest, safest, healthiest options available doesn’t it? From brushing our teeth, washing our hair, soothing our skin, brushing on makeup to even blowing our nose, there are many products that come in contact with our bodies daily. Yet we never think twice about if these products are good or bad for us. Most of us simply use them, empty them and replace them without a second thought. But what if after all of your research and contemplating you decide to make the switch to EWG verified deodorants? We certainly would agree with that choice. All it takes is for you to make a decision that you want to start bettering your body today. If big things can really happen from just one small change - why not let it be your deodorant? Try Before You Buy