Look closely at the label of your favourite deodorant now that you’re pregnant. You want to steer clear of parabens, which are preservatives that have been linked to birth defects. And anything containing synthetic fragrance is definitely questionable. Other ingredients to stay away from in your underarm products are PEG 20, propylene glycol, triclosan and sodium benzoate.
Another big issue with deodorant (especially the kind that’s an antiperspirant too) is that the aluminum-based compounds that prevent you from becoming a sweaty mess are believed by some to be potentially cancer-causing. More research needs to be performed on the subject, but that’s pretty scary! The major problem with that? The aluminum really works to keep you from sweating!
Deodorant Ingredients to Avoid
Take a look at the deodorant you’re currently using. Does it contain any of these ingredients?
ALUMINUM
Aluminum salts used in many deodorants clog and plug your underarm pores so sweat doesn’t escape. Hence the term “antiperspirant”.
There are two main issues with this:
1. Aluminum used in deodorant is controversial (and remains inconclusive)to cause cancer.
2. Our bodies are designed to sweat. Yup, even our pits.
TRICLOSAN
Triclosan is a common antibacterial chemical. You’ve probably heard of it being used in hand soaps. That’s because in September 2017, it was BANNED from liquid soaps.
It’s an endocrine disruptor, meaning it can really mess up your hormones (who needs that on top of all the other pregnant hormones?) In addition, it’s linked to breast cancer.
It’s also disruptive to our planet: it doesn’t break down, ends up in our waters and is very toxic to aquatic life.
Although banned from soaps, it’s still allowed in other products, including deodorant. Yuck.
PARABENS
Parabens are basically preservatives. They may be listed as methylparaben, propylparaben, butylparaben, benzyl paraben, isobutyl paraben, methyl 4-hydroxybenzoate and propyl 4-hydroxylbenzoate. These are absorbed through the skin, mimic estrogen (more hormones ugh), and its use is linked to breast cancer. No thanks.
PROPYLENE GLYCOL
Propylene glycol or Polyethylene glycol (listed as PEG or PG) are probably the most common ingredients but you should still avoid them. Why? They actually help other chemicals get deeper into the skin. They’re also considered a moderate health hazard by the Environmental Working Group.
FRAGRANCE
This is a big one. Since companies don’t have to disclose all of their ingredients, the term “fragrance” can contain hundreds of ingredients, including phthalates and other chemicals linked to hormone disruption and cancer.
The fragrance is considered a high health hazard by the Environmental Working Group and has “been associated with allergies, dermatitis, respiratory distress and potential effects on the reproductive system.”7
PHTHALATES
You’ll want to avoid phthalates as much as you want to avoid attempting to pronounce it. This ingredient is used to make other ingredients more flexible.
Safe, natural deodorants may be a little harder to adhere to your skin by not including this ingredient. But my opinion — it’s worth the effort.
What’s wrong with phthalates? It’s another hormone disruptor and it can cross the placental membrane. Phthalates have been shown to impact fetal development in pregnant women, and “phthalate exposure is associated with a shorter duration of pregnancy.”Avoid, avoid, avoid.

What About Crystal Deodorants?
You may have seen or heard about the “all-natural salt sticks” that are trending in the natural deodorant category. They typically contain one ingredient. That’s one of the indicators that they could be considered safer than other options.
However, one ingredient is usually “potassium alum”. Although it’s a naturally occurring mineral salt, don’t use this during pregnancy.
Potassium alum is stated to be unabsorbable by our skin because it’s a larger molecule. A French study proves otherwise. The fact is, natural crystal deodorant stones do contain aluminum, and it has the potential to be absorbed.
Again, we are putting this on our skin, close to our lymph nodes. There must be a better alternative. Ah, yes…
How to Choose a Safe Natural Deodorant
Now that you know the dangers of certain ingredients found in deodorants, it’s time to take action.
If your current deodorant has any of the ingredients listed above, please consider switching. A good start is your local health food store or Whole Foods and peruse the natural section. But it doesn’t stop there.
Many of the “natural” stores will still sell products with these toxic ingredients. So you must read the ingredients. The general rule of thumb: the fewer ingredients, the better.