The personal care business has enjoyed enormous growth in the last decade with the introduction of deodorants and antiperspirants into the market. These products keep you fresh, cool, and sweat-free while also imparting a pleasant odour. The basic principle behind deodorants is that they prevent bacteria from growing on the skin and mask the odour through fragrance, whereas an antiperspirant not only masks the bad odour but also reduces the amount of sweat produced by reducing the amount of water available on the skin’s surface with astringents. This makes them ideal for use in hot weather or during physical activity when sweating is more likely to occur.
Perfumes have been used for centuries to provide a pleasant scent. However, in recent years, their use has come under scrutiny due to the harmful effects they can have on human health. Commercials for perfumes often make false promises about the product, leading people to believe that they are safe to use. However, the ingredients in many perfumes are not completely safe and can cause a variety of health problems, including contact dermatitis, contact urticaria, photoallergy, and phototoxicity. Additionally, cosmetics that contain perfume can cause lung disease, damage to reproductive organs, skin allergies, excessive hair problems, headaches, and cancer. It is important to be aware of the potential risks of using perfume before using it and to consult with a healthcare professional if you have any concerns.
Fragrance items, such as deodorants and other cosmetics, emit and generate a complex blend of chemicals, some of which are carcinogenic. Ingredients in scented products come into close contact with the skin, nose, eyes, mouth, and respiratory system, potentially causing major health issues. The problem of scented items is sweeping the globe, causing negative health impacts. Cosmetic fragrance ingredients must meet the same safety standards as other cosmetic ingredients. They must be safe for consumers when used according to the guidelines on the label or as people customarily use them. While more research is needed to determine specific chemicals and mixes that are linked to the impacts, it is known that the products are generating negative effects on a significant (33%) percentage of the population. Furthermore, the consequences might be rapid, severe, and disabling.
To recognize the possible damage that deodorants pose to health and the environment, we must first understand the chemicals that go into their production. The majority of deodorant active components are dissolved in alcohol because it offers an acute cooling sensation and dissipates quickly. The contents and formulas differ depending on the form in which the product must be provided; however, the main ingredients are as follows:
1. Aluminum
There is no denying that aluminium-based chemicals are effective in blocking sweat glands and preventing sweat from reaching the skin’s surface. However, even though studies haven’t found a clear link between aluminium-based compounds and breast cancer, they still pose a great risk.
There are many potential dangers associated with using aluminium-based chemicals, particularly when they are used in products that are applied directly to the skin. These chemicals can be absorbed through the skin and enter the bloodstream, where they can then build up in the body and potentially cause adverse health effects.
There is also the potential for aluminium-based chemicals to leak into the environment, where they can contaminate soil and water supplies. This can have a devastating impact on local ecosystems and the health of those who rely on them for their livelihood.
Given the risks, it is important to be cautious when using any products that contain aluminium-based chemicals. If possible, choose products that are labelled as being aluminium-free, and always follow the instructions on the label carefully.
2. Parabens
Parabens are a type of preservative found in cosmetics and personal care items. They work similarly to estrogen in the body and are known to cause breast cancer. The use of parabens in different forms, like Methylparaben, Propylparaben, Ethylparaben, or Butylparaben, is strongly linked to the rates of breast cancer in women near the underarm area.
3. Propylene Glycol
Propylene glycol is a chemical compound that is often used as a humectant or moisture-keeping agent in a variety of products, including deodorants and antiperspirants. However, propylene glycol is also a neurotoxin that has been linked to contact dermatitis, and kidney and liver damage. When used in products that come into contact with the skin or eyes, propylene glycol can irritate, and when ingested, it can cause nausea, vomiting, and headache. In high concentrations, propylene glycol can also depress the central nervous system. Given the potential risks associated with this chemical, it is important to be aware of its presence in products and to use caution when handling or using products that contain it.
4. TES and DEA
The European Union has banned the use of triethanolamine (TEA) and diethanolamine (DEA) in personal care products due to their carcinogenic qualities. Both TEA and DEA are used to modify the pH of deodorants and antiperspirants, but they can cause allergic reactions and damage to the liver and kidneys. Although the EU has banned their use, these chemicals are still used in many personal care products sold in the United States. If you are concerned about your health, it is best to avoid products that contain TEA or DEA.
5. Triclosan
The Medical Association has suggested that triclosan and other antimicrobial agents be avoided in the home. They state that increasing microbial resistance to antibiotics may allow new resistant strains of germs to thrive. They also say that these agents may be harmful to human health and the environment.
6. FD & C Colors
The use of FD & C colours in food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals has been approved by the FDA. However, some of these colours are produced from coal tar, which is a known carcinogen. Additionally, these colours can cause skin allergies in some people. If you are concerned about the potential risks of using these colours, you should speak with your doctor or qualified healthcare professional.
7. Talc
Talc is a soft mineral that is used as an absorbent and colour additive. It is also known as hydrous magnesium silicate. The number of asbestiform fibres in cosmetic grade talc is unregulated, so there is no way to know whether the talc mentioned on the label contains or does not contain asbestiform fibres. Asbestiform fibres are a type of asbestos, and asbestos exposure can cause serious health problems. If you are concerned about your asbestos exposure, you should talk to your doctor.
Almost everyone uses an antiperspirant or deodorant. Products like deodorants, body sprays, gels, sticks, roll-ons, and powders are available in the market. However, many of these products contain aluminium, parabens, and other harmful chemicals, which might cause cancer and other health problems. Deodorants and antiperspirants are damaging to our health and the environment; our bodies become immune to them, and they eventually fail to produce the desired outcomes. As a result, going natural is the best option. There are several plant oils and extracts that have antimicrobial activity and sweat absorbing power (such as coconut oil, Bergamot (bergaptene-free) essential oil, cornstarch, or arrowroot powder), so anyone can make their odour-concealing deodorant and feel completely confident and safe.
Even though there are many perfumes on the market, the majority of them are synthetic fragrances created from synthetic chemicals and thus have some detrimental effects on people who have toxic sensitivities. When wearing synthetic scents, those with asthma and allergies are more likely to develop health problems. Natural perfumes, on the other hand, are safe for all sorts of people, as well as other animals and the environment. Furthermore, natural scents have powerful healing effects that can assist to improve a person’s whole health, including the body, mind, and soul.
Wearing natural perfume is a customary luxury that has been practised since ancient times. Originally, fragrances were manufactured entirely of natural components, and physicians used natural fragrance oils to prepare various types of medications. However, the benefits of natural perfumes are numerous. Natural fragrances are non-toxic. Natural fragrances do not contain harmful toxic substances like parabens, petrochemicals, and phthalates, which can cause a variety of serious health problems. They are free of allergens. As natural fragrance oils are often hypo-allergenic, natural perfume mixes are mild on your skin, and natural scent sprays are gentle on your lungs as well. You don’t have to worry about adverse reactions like skin rashes when you use natural scents.
Synthetic perfumes typically conceal the skin and smell strange when mixed with body odour, but natural fragrances smell more distinct and pleasant to the body. As no toxic chemicals such as petroleum derivatives and phthalates are used in the preparation of natural scents, natural perfumes are gentle on the environment, including water, soil, and air. They are completely eco-friendly.
Hasan Oud is a leading provider of natural fragrances extracted from the elements of nature like flowers, mini, herbs, and trees. We use the purest of natural ingredients and follow the ancient principles of the Attar Ayurveda and Puranas to create our range of perfumes. Our perfumes are safe for the skin and the environment, as they are free from artificial chemicals or other poisonous ingredients. They are entirely natural, with no synthetic additives. The best thing about our perfumes is that they are not tested on animals. There is no risk of skin irritation or other health problems, unlike the use of other chemical-based deodorants or perfumes. Hasan Oud has gained a commendable reputation in the world of perfumery across India. You can check out our luxurious collection from our online store. So, immerse yourself in the goodness of mother nature with Hasan Oud’s Attar perfume!