What's The Deal With Clean Deo

Deodorant is something that many of us use and have been using it for years. It has become a staple in our hygiene routine. However, as we are starting to learn more about ingredients and clean beauty, deodorant is another product to be mindful of the ingredients – especially as many of us use it every single day!  

Before diving in further, let’s first discuss the two parts of many common deodorants – the deodorant and the antiperspirant. These two terms are often used interchangeably but actually mean two different things. A deodorant focuses more on the bacteria in the armpit to help prevent odors but does not prevent sweating. An antiperspirant works by helping prevent sweat glands from releasing sweat (1), therefore, help prevent us from sweating or excessive sweating in the armpit area. Many common deodorants on the market today are a “2-in-1” which means they contain both a deodorant and an antiperspirant.

Aluminum-based compounds are found in many deodorants as they are often the active ingredient in the antiperspirant part of the deodorant. Research has suggested that using these types of products on the skin near the breast may have estrogen-like effects (2). Since we know that estrogen can play a role in the promotion of breast cancer cells, there has been some suggestion that these two are related. However, there have not been many studies done specifically looking at this link, and with the studies that have been done, there have not been any to date that can clearly confirm the relationship between the two (2).  However, there was one study that was done in 2003. According to the National Cancer Institute,  it was a “retrospective cohort study examining the frequency of underarm shaving and antiperspirant/deodorant use among 437 breast cancer survivors reported younger age at breast cancer diagnosis for women who used antiperspirants/deodorants frequently or who started using them together with shaving at an earlier age.” (2)  However, the results from this article is not being considered as clear evidence due to the nature of the study was a retrospective study and therefore it cannot be considered conclusive in the medical world. 

But, this is not to discount the potential risks these active ingredients in common deodorants to bring about, just as we do with all other clean beauty ingredients.  Another common ingredient in deodorant is the use of parabens. Parabens are known endocrine disruptors – they can mimic estrogen and cause hormone disruption. They have been shown to impact breast cancer cells and therefore, potentially playing a role in increased risk of breast cancer due to their possible influence in abnormal breast tissue cells (3). However, according to some medical groups, the evidence of the direct link with parabens and cancer may be considered weak (1).

As we’ve read and even seen here just with looking at safe deodorant, finding all medical outlets or studies to agree with health risks is near impossible and that can lead to some confusion. Being afraid of ingredients isn’t necessary, but being mindful and aware of what you are putting in and onto your body is important. Then from there, making the best choices for you and your body is key.  With deodorant being a daily (even multiple times a day) item we use on our bodies, considering its ingredients and how those may impact your body (especially over time) is so important!  That is the beauty of using a clean beauty product or safe deodorant -- we can reap the benefits of preventing the stink while still treating our body well and protecting it from potentially harmful ingredients. 

Meet Beautycounter’s Clean Deo

Good news! Beautycounter just launched The Clean Deo, their clean deodorant that’s been five years in the making! An aluminum-free deodorant that actually works—in a sustainable, refillable case that is so fun! Clean never smelled so good!

This long-lasting, hardworking deodorant neutralizes odor and absorbs sweat to keep you feeling fresh all day, every day. Made without aluminum, it glides on smooth without leaving white residue. Forbes included it in their list of 8 Best Deodorants For Women.

Shop the The Clean Deo HERE.

KEY INGREDIENT BENEFITS:

• Cornstarch and baking soda: Work together to help absorb wetness and keep skin dry, while also helping to neutralize body odor. Important note about baking soda: MANY who have been sensitive to baking soda in all other clean brands are not having any issue with this deodorant and have been using it for months. The amount in the product is extremely low. With that said, you might want to do a patch test on the inside of your wrist if you have been sensitive to baking soda in the past.

• Coconut oil and shea butter: Help skin feel hydrated, nourished, and smooth thanks to natural emollients rich in essential fatty acids and nutrients.

• Candelilla wax and beeswax: Aid in conditioning and hydrating skin.

SCENTS:

• Clean Rose: A modern bouquet of freshly cut roses, with notes of geranium and pepper tree berry.

• Soft Lavendar: Soothing notes of lavender.

• Fresh Coconut: A refreshing blend of tropical coconut, sandalwood, and sweet vanilla. (my favorite, smells like a tropical vacation)

SWEAT IT OUT:

When you go clean, you need to sweat it out. It can take several weeks for your underarms to detox from the toxins that have been trapped in sweat ducts by antiperspirants, and you might experience a (temporary) odor. Trust us—The Clean Deo is worth the wait. 

Fresh Tip: to help speed the process along, use Counter+ Charcoal Facial Mask on underarms once a week, and wash underarms daily with Counter+ Charcoal Cleansing Bar.

It’s even Jennifer Garner approved! “To my incredible girlfriend Gregg Renfrew—congratulations,” she says. “This is the best all-natural deodorant I have ever tried. Way to go Beautycounter!” The 13 Going on 30 star also describes the product as “A natural deodorant that actually works.” - source

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Sources

1. “Is Deodorant Harmful for Your Health? .” Penn Medicine Health and Wellness Blog, Penn Medicine, 6 June 2019, www.pennmedicine.org/updates/blogs/health-and-wellness/2019/june/deodorant.

2. “Antiperspirants/Deodorants and Breast Cancer.” National Cancer Institute, National Cancer Institute at the National Institutes of Health, 9 Aug. 2016, www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/myths/antiperspirants-fact-sheet.

3. “Parabens.” Breast Cancer Prevention Partners (BCPP), BCPP, 2019, www.bcpp.org/resource/parabens/.

4. “Deodorant & Toxic Ingredients of Concern.” Made Safe - Deodorant, Made Safe, 10 Mar. 2020, www.madesafe.org/education/whats-in-that/deodorant/.

Gifts That Give Back - Do Good For People & Planet

I think we could all agree that most of us do not need any more “stuff” this holiday season. There may be a few necessities or wants, but otherwise, we are good! So what do you buy for the person that doesn’t NEED anything?

My top pick is you buy them an experience. Something that they will have lasting memories of. For others, give them time with you. Be the present and be present! My second pick, is a gift from brands that are doing good by giving back to people and the planet. Below are a few of my favorite brands that are making a positive impact in this world!

1. ONEHOPE Wine was founded by eight friends with a lofty vision: to create exceptional products that inspire people to indulge while doing good. They are a caused - focused winery that gives back to charitable partners with every bottle of wine they make. Their commitment to quality in wine is as important as their commitment to the causes they support. To date they have made more than $4 million in donations.

2. Beautycounter is a brand focused on bringing the safest skincare and makeup to the marketplace while simultaneously fighting in Washington for more health protective laws in the personal care industry. When you shop with Beautycounter, they are able to give back to trusted non-profits, charitable organizations and research groups that help push the better beauty movement forward! No one should have to sacrifice their health in the name of beauty! This is my favorite clean and safe brand!!

3. SOKO Beautiful, fun ethical fast fashion jewelry made by artisan entrepreneurs in Kenya. The artisans use locally-sourced and eco-friendly materials. SOKO is giving back in so many ways including to their charity: water. They are committed to providing clean water and helping to create meaningful work opportunities for vulnerable communities around the World.

4. WE Charity carries the power of WE globally, empowering communities to lift themselves out of poverty through a holistic, sustainable international development model, WE Villages. WE Villages supports community development in areas where there is a high incidence of child labor, exploitation of children and minimal opportunities for the girl child. Currently, they work in Kenya, India, Ecuador, Nicaragua, Haiti, Sierra Leone, rural China and Ethiopia.

5. Live Large Love Loud My most favorite of them all. This is my non-profit that I created in honor of my late love Tom Alexander. He unexpectedly passed away last April and has left such an important message on my heart to share with the world. This life is so very short, so turn up the volume on your life…Live Large and Love Loud! This huge selection of hats shares that message in his honor and ALL proceeds are donated to Roundup River Ranch. A camp experience for children with serious illnesses and their families at their beautiful Colorado ranch.

6. Reformation Sustainable women’s clothing and accessories. “We make our pieces from super sustainable materials, rescued deadstock fabrics, and repurposed vintage clothing. As we grow, our goal is to push harder to create more sustainable fabric options.” Fast fashion is an industry causing so much harm to people and the planet! Think twice about the brands you wear!! Nordstrom is carrying some Reformation now!!

7. Allbirds Better shoes in a better way. An entirely new category of shoes inspired by natural materials, and an ongoing mantra to create better things in a better way. Their materials include wool, trees and sugarcane. I have a pair of their flips (hopefully they return in the summer) and love them!!

8. Apolis Global Ethically produced goods including their well known customizable market bag. These market bags help provide Fair Trade wages, annual profit dividends, and a retirement fund for the 106 women who work at Saidpur Enterprises.  I love their T-shirts too!!

9. Patagonia “The quality of Patagonia depends, to a large degree, on whether we can reduce our impact on the environment. This means auditing the materials and methods we use to make our products, taking responsibility for the entire lifecycle of our products and examining how we use resources at our buildings and facilities.” 1% of sales supports environmental organizations around the world, funding at the grassroots level in countries and communities where they have people on the ground. That’a a brand I will support all day long!!

10. Away “We believe in leaving the world better than we found it, and we want to help make a difference through the things we make, the platform we have, and community we create. That’s why before we sold a single suitcase, we partnered with Peace Direct, a nonprofit building peace in areas of conflict around the world. If you’ve bought anything from Away, you’ve also contributed to their work. Because we’re all in this together.” I have owned 4 pieces of their luggage for almost 2 years and highly recommend it!!

11. Simply Fido because your furry baby deserves safe, eco-friendly toys too!! Simply Fido is a family owned business that has a special responsibility to protect our environment for future generations. My doggie has quite a few toys from them. She loves to try to get to the squeaker and these are holding up well!

12. Sudara “GREAT GIFTS THAT DO GOOD” Every purchase supports job creation and skills training for women in India who are at risk or survivors of sex trafficking. Their punjammie lounge pants are cute and comfy!

13. glassybaby Votives with a motive. Founded by three time cancer survivor Lee Rhodes. during chemotherapy, lee met many patients who could not afford their basic needs during treatment. when lee founded glassybaby, it was with the core mission of helping to alleviate these struggles. to date, glassybaby has donated over $9 million dollars to non-profit organizations that provide hope and healing.

14. Love Your Melon it all started with hats to give back to children fighting cancer. To date, they have given over 4.7 million dollars to the fight against pediatric cancer and over 149,000 hats to children battling cancer. Their product offering has grown far beyond hats and 50& of proceeds are donated.

15. Paper Culture eco-friendly custom cards and stationary. Instead of cutting down forests to fill your order, they use post-consumer waste and wood alternatives. To off-set their carbon footprint, they plant a tree with every order. You even get to specify who the tree is planted in honor of! I ordered my holiday cards form them and some thank you notes! I love their modern look! It’s not too late to order holiday cards!!

16. Rothy’s began as an idea to turn recycled, single-use plastics into something both beautiful and useful. Three years in, and they have taken almost 21 million plastic bottles destined for landfills and repurposed them into timeless, durable flats. I LOVE these shoes and have a slight addiction!! I don’t feel guilty buying them when I know they are saving the world from plastic!! Want $20 off? Make sure you use this discount code link on each pair!

17. Sand Cloud beach towels crafted with the purpose to save marine life. 10% of profits are donated back to non-profits that support their mission. Some of their towels are made from recycled plastic and they are all sand resistant!

Many of these brands (Beautycounter, SOKO, Apolis, Allbirds, Patagonia, and Sudara) are B Corps.

Certified B Corporations are a new kind of business that balances purpose and profit. They are legally required to consider the impact of their decisions on their workers, customers, suppliers, community, and the environment. This is a community of leaders, driving a global movement of people using business as a force for good.

Those are the brands I want to support this holiday and everyday!! I hope you choose to do the same!! Happy Holidays and cheers to a New Year!

Health Conscience Gift Guide

Give the gift of Health!  Almost all of these ideas are under $50 and make great stocking stuffers too!!

1. Tranquil Roll on from Young Living.  I use this every night on the bottom of my feet.  Lavendar, cedarwood and roman chamomile help you relax and can help with sleep.  I love the smell of these oils and know how important a good night of sleep is!  The roll on is so convenient and easy to travel with!

2. Primal Palate Spice Blends are my favorite!!  I love that they are organic and they make it so easy to spice up meat, fish or vegetables!  You can find them on Amazon and they qualify for Prime!!

3. Alitura Clay Mask is one of my must have face products!  I love the powerful, yet safe ingredients in this mask.  It is a blend of 9 nutrient dense ingredients that exfoliate dead skin, reduce pore openings, stimulates blood flow and encourages growth of new skin cells.  I honestly can tell a difference after ever use, it makes your skin glow!

4. Naughty to Nice Charcoal gift set from Beautycounter makes a great gift for men!  It's for everyone though!  These lumps of "coal" are the best thing you could give your skin this season!!  Charcoal absorbs impurities and excess oil. It works fantastic on breakout and acne prone skin.  It detoxes the skin while leaving it smoother, brighter and younger looking.  This set includes the Charcoal Cleansing Bar and Charcoal Mask inside a beautiful red gift box.   Beautycounter is my favorite safe skincare and makeup brand!

5. Himalayan Salt Lamps are essentially large pieces of himalayan pink salt with a bulb inside of it. They have numerous benefits such as improving air quality, soothing allergies, light therapy for increased mood and more!  The darker the lamp, the higher the quality.  You can buy these on Amazon or at your local health food store.

6. Charcoal Eye Mask from Restoration Hardware. Charcoal is all the buzz right now and rightfully so!  It has amazing benefits including waking up refreshed with this padded eye mask!  It is infused with Binchotan charcoal from Japan. Naturally purifying and detoxifying, the ultrafine charcoal neutralizes negative ions and soothes the skin around the eyes, minimizing the visible effects of stress while you rest.  

7. Cote Nail Polish is non-toxic (traditional nail polish is full of toxic ingredients), cruelty free and made with the highest quality of vegan ingredients.  They have over 100 colors to choose from!  I love getting a pedicure, but don't love all the harmful ingredients in the products, so I take my own polish when I go!

8. FasciaBlaster is so much more effective than foam rolling!!  I use this on all my tight muscles to loosen the fascia.  There is so much I could go into here, but basically this torture stick improves sports performance, reduces pain, accelerates muscle recovery, reduces cellulite and can break down fat cells.  This is a must for those athletes on your list! 

9. Woodlot Candles are non toxic candles scented with essential oils!  These candles are eco-friendly made with cotton core wicks and renewable coconut wax. I stopped burning candles as they can be very toxic due to the fragrance, the wax and the wick traditional candles are made with.  It's so nice to have the warm glow of a candle in the winter and know it's safe!  I love supporting this small business!

10. Swanwick Blue Blocking Glasses to block the blue light at night from lights and electronics.  I have worn these for over 3 years now and can completely tell a difference...plus the research doesn't lie!  Blue Light is making us sick!   You can watch this quick video that explains why this matters!  Avoiding blue light and quality sleep should be just as much a priority as eating healthy!.  

Happy Holidays!