About 90 percent of Americans use deodorant daily. This personal care product has become a part of everyday living, promising reduced sweat production, amazing scent, and greater self-confidence. Unfortunately, these benefits come at a cost. The ingredients added to most deodorants are highly toxic.

Aluminium has been linked to an increased risk of breast cancer. Parabens cause hormonal imbalances. Propylene glycol may trigger depression, headaches, nausea, and skin rash’s. Additionally, these harmful compounds reduce your body’s ability to eliminate toxins through sweat.

Want to find out more? Here are the top seven toxic ingredients hiding in your deodorant:

Aluminum

This heavy metal has been shown to cause prostate cancer in men and breast cancer in women. According to researchers, aluminum builds up in breast tissue, which increases gene instability. Every time you apply deodorant, about 0.12 percent of its aluminum content is absorbed into your skin.

Parabens

Parabens are chemicals that mimic estrogen in the body, disrupting your hormonal balance. High estrogen levels promote breast cancer cell growth and cause hormone-related cancers. A study conducted in 2004 indicates that 18 out of 20 samples of tissue from breast tumors contained parabens. These compounds have also been linked to organ toxicity.

Propylene Glycol

Most antiperspirants contain at least 50 percent Propylene Glycol. This petroleum-based material causes damage to the heart, liver, and central nervous system. It also worsens skin allergies, digestive disorders, and depression.

Steareths

Steareths are by-products of ethoxylation, a chemical with carcinogenic effects. Even at low doses, they cause skin irritation and increase cancer risk.

Phthalates

These chemicals improve the stability of the scent. They are widely used in deodorants, shampoos, soaps, and body lotions. Over time, phthalates accumulate in your body and disrupt androgen functions, causing hormonal disorders. Studies have found that these compounds affect fetal development, trigger asthma, reduce IQ in children, and cause damage to reproductive glands. Phthalates are also associated with a higher risk of birth defects, diabetes, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, autism, and behavioral problems.

TEA and DEA

Triethanolamine (TEA) and diethanolamine (DEA), two of the most common ingredients in deodorants, have been linked to allergic reactions, liver disease, and kidney damage. These chemicals have been already banned in Europe because of their carcinogenic effects. TEA and DEA have been found to cause kidney tumors and liver cancer in rats, so they may toxic to humans too. Studies indicate that up to 68 percent of DEA in personal care products remain on the skin after exposure.

Talc

This mineral substance may contain asbestos, which is classified as a carcinogen. The amount of asbestiform fibers in talc is not regulated by the FDA. Regular exposure to talc may cause organ system toxicity, skin irritation, severe respiratory distress, mesothelioma, endometrial cancer, lung cancer, and inflammation. Other side effects associated with talc exposure are difficulty breathing, coughing, and oxidative stress.

Giving up deodorant can reduce cancer risk and add years to your life. Fortunately, there are plenty of natural alternatives that pose no health risks. Lemon, lime, apple cider vinegar, baking soda, and tea tree oil kill odor-producing bacteria and moisturize the skin under your arms. You may also use organic deodorants and antiperspirants, which can be found in most stores.