Embracing Natural Deodorants During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Pregnancy and breastfeeding are transformative journeys filled with joy, challenges, and endless decisions about what’s best for you and your baby. One choice that many mums-to-be and new mothers reconsider is their deodorant.
Traditional deodorants often contain chemicals like aluminum, parabens, phthalates, and synthetic fragrances. While the research is still ongoing, these ingredients can raise concerns during pregnancy and breastfeeding:
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Aluminum compounds block sweat glands, potentially interfering with your body’s natural detox process and possibly disrupting hormones. |
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Parabens can mimic estrogen in the body, which may affect hormonal balance during pregnancy. |
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Phthalates, commonly found in synthetic fragrances, have been linked to developmental and reproductive concerns. |
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Synthetic fragrances may include undisclosed chemicals that can irritate sensitive skin or release harmful substances into the air. |
Sources available at the end of the blog post.
Why Natural Deodorants Are Better for Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Natural deodorants are made with safe, plant-based ingredients designed to neutralise odour without blocking sweat glands. Sweating is essential to help regulate body temperature and eliminate toxins.
For breastfeeding mums, natural deodorants are even more beneficial. Babies spend so much time close to your underarms and breasts, and using a deodorant free from harmful chemicals ensures their delicate skin isn’t exposed to anything potentially unsafe and nasty.
Me formulating skincare in the 1990s.
From One Mum to Another
As a busy mum of small children, I (Henrietta, founder of Elsa’s Organic Skinfoods) created our natural deodorants during my own parenting journey. I couldn’t find safe, effective options I felt good about using during pregnancy and while breastfeeding, and ultimately I decided to make my own. Our products are free from aluminum, parabens, and synthetic fragrances, offering peace of mind to mums who want to stay fresh and worry-free.
Tips for Transitioning
Switching to a natural deodorant might require a brief adjustment period as your body rebalances. To make the transition easier:
- Stay hydrated to support your body’s natural detox process.
- Gently exfoliate your underarms to remove buildup from traditional products, try Elsa's Armpit Detox Mask.
- Choose a soothing, gentle deodorant formula that works well for sensitive skin.
A Fresh Start for You and Your Baby
Our best recommendation for pregnant and breast feeding mums is the Sensitive Deodorant, this is fragrance free and contains soothing Aloe Vera and Green Tea extracts.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding are about nurturing yourself and your little one. By choosing a natural deodorant, you’re making a simple yet meaningful choice for your health and your baby’s well-being.
Elsa’s Organic Skinfoods, we’re proud to offer gentle, effective deodorants that mums can trust. From one mum to another, you’ve got this!
1. Aluminum
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Claim: Aluminum in antiperspirants blocks sweat glands and may interfere with the body’s natural detox process. Some studies suggest potential links to hormonal disruption.
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Source: Darbre, P. D. (2005). "Aluminium, antiperspirants and breast cancer." Journal of Inorganic Biochemistry, 99(9), 1912-1919.
- Summary: This study explores the possible estrogenic effects of aluminum and its accumulation in breast tissue.
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Source: Exley, C. (2014). "What is the risk of aluminium as a neurotoxin?" Expert Review of Neurotherapeutics, 14(6), 589-591.
- Summary: Discusses the potential toxicity of aluminum and its effects on human health.
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Source: Darbre, P. D. (2005). "Aluminium, antiperspirants and breast cancer." Journal of Inorganic Biochemistry, 99(9), 1912-1919.
2. Parabens
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Claim: Parabens can mimic estrogen and potentially disrupt hormonal balance.
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Source: Byford, J. R., et al. (2002). "Oestrogenic activity of parabens in MCF7 human breast cancer cells." The Journal of Steroid Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 80(1), 49-60.
- Summary: Demonstrates that parabens exhibit estrogenic activity and may contribute to hormonal imbalances.
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Source: Darbre, P. D., & Harvey, P. W. (2008). "Paraben esters: review of recent studies of endocrine toxicity, absorption, esterase and human exposure, and discussion of potential human health risks." Journal of Applied Toxicology, 28(5), 561-578.
- Summary: Reviews evidence of parabens acting as endocrine disruptors and their potential impact on health.
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Source: Byford, J. R., et al. (2002). "Oestrogenic activity of parabens in MCF7 human breast cancer cells." The Journal of Steroid Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 80(1), 49-60.
3. Phthalates
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Claim: Phthalates are linked to developmental and reproductive concerns.
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Source: Swan, S. H., et al. (2005). "Decrease in anogenital distance among male infants with prenatal phthalate exposure." Environmental Health Perspectives, 113(8), 1056-1061.
- Summary: This study highlights how prenatal exposure to phthalates may impact male reproductive development.
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Source: Meeker, J. D., Sathyanarayana, S., & Swan, S. H. (2009). "Phthalates and other additives in plastics: human exposure and associated health outcomes." Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences, 364(1526), 2097-2113.
- Summary: Discusses widespread human exposure to phthalates and their reproductive health risks.
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Source: Swan, S. H., et al. (2005). "Decrease in anogenital distance among male infants with prenatal phthalate exposure." Environmental Health Perspectives, 113(8), 1056-1061.
4. Synthetic Fragrances
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Claim: Synthetic fragrances can contain undisclosed chemicals that may cause irritation or release harmful substances.
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Source: Steinemann, A. (2016). "Fragranced consumer products: exposures and health risks." Air Quality, Atmosphere & Health, 9(3), 273-281.
- Summary: Explores the potential adverse health effects of synthetic fragrances, including respiratory issues and skin irritation.
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Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). "Volatile Organic Compounds' Impact on Indoor Air Quality."
- Link: EPA - VOCs
- Summary: Discusses how synthetic fragrances can release VOCs (volatile organic compounds) that may pose health risks.
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Source: Steinemann, A. (2016). "Fragranced consumer products: exposures and health risks." Air Quality, Atmosphere & Health, 9(3), 273-281.
Additional Resources
- The Environmental Working Group (EWG): Provides research and ratings on the safety of personal care products.
- Campaign for Safe Cosmetics: Offers information on chemicals in cosmetics and their health impacts.
These sources should help validate the claims made about the potential risks of these ingredients. Let me know if you'd like further assistance!