Here’s how your DEODORANT could be harming your health… and what to do about it

NOW that there are so many natural deodorants available, we're left to question what it is that's wrong with our trusty budget bottle.

Dr. Simon Jackson of natural deodorant brand Modern Botany has explained that there are some ingredients in synthetic deodorants that could potentially be damaging to our health.

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He says: "Traditional synthetic deodorants have been around for a while now - and the world of deodorants has developed a lot.

"We now have synthetic deodorants and antiperspirants, which do what they say on the tin. They stop you from smelling AND they stop you from smelling. But are they any good for us?

"This is questionable as many synthetic deodorants use a chemical antibacterial agent, which is normally triclosan, which is a synthetic anti-bacterial ingredient known for it's germ-killing power. In water-based products, like aftershave and make-up, it is a preservative. It also helps to fight odour, which is why it is commonly found in deodorants, hand soaps and body washes, but since 2017, it has been banned in the USA by the FDA."

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Why? "Some early research has suggested that in the long run, using this chemical continuously might affect your hormones, prompt cancer cells (such as breast cancer) to grow and make it easier for antibiotic-resistant bacteria (like MRSA) to grow in your nose and throat." explains Dr. Jackson.

Natural deodorant brands believe in removing the need for synthetic anti-bacterial's like triclosan, and instead, they use all-natural ingredients to deliver the same smell-squashing effect.

According to Cancer Research UK there is "no good evidence" to suggest triclosan causes cancer.

Triclosan was banned in biocidal products, including hand sanitisers, by the European Chemicals Agency at the beginning of 2017.

But it is still allowed in cosmetic products for preservative purposes.

Toothpastes, hand soaps, body washes, shower gels, non-spray deodorants, face powders, concealers and professional nail products are all allowed levels of the chemical of up to 0.3 per cent.

Mouthwashes are allowed to contain 0.2 per cent triclosan.

The chemical is also used in some cleaning products.

A recent study has linked the ingredient to inflammation of the bowel and bowel cancer.

In the Modern Botany formula, there are over 11 natural anti-bacterial compounds from essential oils that help to kill of any unwanted bad smells or body odour. Just a couple of spritzes under each armpit will last all day, and each bottle is said to last up to 3 months.

• Modern Botany Deodorant, £25, from CONTENT Beauty -

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Here are some others that we swear by:

• Dr Hauschka Deodorant Fresh Roll-On, £13.50, from John Lewis -

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• Malin+Goetz Eucalyptus Deodorant, £12, from Malin and Goetz -

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• Dr. Organic Virgin Coconut Oil Deodorant, £5.99, from Holland and Barrett -

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