Do you know what’s in your deodorant? There is so much information on the internet about how harmful conventional deodorants are and why making the switch to a natural deodorant is the best option for you. My goal today is to inform you of all of the benefits of switching to a natural deodorant and which ingredient to avoid!

This post was developed in partnership with Tom’s of Maine. All opinions are my own. #WhyISwitched #DeoSwitch

We are all becoming more conscious of what goes in our body and but more importantly… we need to be more aware of what goes on our skin. I think the majority of people see a deodorant as covering up a problem, when sweating is actually good for you! Sweating allows your body to expel all of the toxins and regulate its internal temperature. Sweat is just a mixture of salt and water and does not actually have a smell. The odor is caused by bacteria that reacts to the moisture. Did you know that conventional deodorants actually contain antibacterial ingredients that kill your body’s natural bacteria before it has an opportunity to produce an odor? This is a good thing! Here are several ingredient in conventional deodorants that you should not be putting on your skin:

Aluminum: inhibits perspiration by clogging your sweat glands and trapping the toxins within your body. The toxins are then accumulated in your lymph nodes, which can cause cell mutation over time.

Parabens: known to disrupt hormone function and lead to reproductive toxicity, immunotoxicity and neurotoxicity. Parabens are also estrogenic and can disrupt hormones in your body.

Triclosan: a synthetic antibacterial and odor-killing compound that is found in deodorant. This chemical is known to disrupt normal thyroid and hormone function.

Phthalates: added to deodorants to increase flexibility, dissolve other ingredients and create a smooth consistency. They are probable carcinogens and hormone and endocrine disruptors that act as estrogen in your body.

Years ago when I made the switch to a natural deodorant, I chose Tom’s of Maine because their deodorants did not contain any of the above mentioned ingredients!

Tom’s of Maine is a leading natural personal care brand that makes high quality natural toothpaste, mouthwash, dental floss, deodorant, bar soap and baby care products.  The people creating these products are distinguished dentists, scientists and herbal experts that are leaders in their fields. They are dedicated to developing a wide range of products and choices so that you can decide which products are best for your needs and values.

Tom’s of Maine natural deodorant is also the best-selling natural deodorant and has been for decades, which tells you something (people are loving this product!) I was so thrilled to discover that they now have a deodorant formula with new and improved scents, and as always, is free of aluminum, artificial fragrances and petrochemicals.

What can you expect from making the switch to a safer and natural deodorant from Tom’s of Maine? 24-hour odor protection using odor-fighting hops and the mineral zinc and only natural fragrances. Fully recyclable packaging through local municipalities or the TerraCycle Tom’s of Maine Natural Care Brigade. No animal testing and no animal ingredients! Plus with every purchase you make, Tom’s of Maine gives 10% of profits back to helping people and the planet. Make sure to connect with Tom’s of Maine on Twitter  , Facebook, Instagram and YouTube! 

Here are some things to consider when switching to natural products:

When trying a natural personal care product for the first time it is very important to give your body time to adjust. If your body is used to a conventional product, you might need a little time to adjust to a natural formula free of chemicals and artificial ingredients.  It is recommending that you try the new natural deodorant for at least 7 days, including testing out different scents (or unscented), to help determine the best fit for your body’s unique chemistry. So basically you may have to try out a few before you find one that works for you and that is perfectly normal!

Check out Bev’s story below and why she made the switch!