5 Toxic Ingredients to Avoid in Your Personal Care Products
A no-fluff guide to reading your labels — and why it matters for your skin and your health.
Flip over almost any conventional deodorant, body lotion, or face wash — and you'll find a list of ingredients most people can't pronounce. Some of those long words are perfectly harmless. Others are toxic ingredients in personal care products that you really should know about.
At AporeNaturals, we believe you deserve to know exactly what you're putting on your body. Your skin is your largest organ — it absorbs what you put on it. That's why we've put together this guide to the five most concerning toxic ingredients in personal care products, and what to look for instead. (Already curious about what's lurking in your deodorant specifically? We break it down in detail in our article on what's really in your deodorant).
Bookmark this. Share it with a friend. And next time you're at the store, flip the bottle over.
❌ 1. Aluminum Compounds
Found in: Antiperspirants, and even some deodorants
What it does: Aluminum salts (like aluminum chlorohydrate and aluminum zirconium) are the active ingredient in most antiperspirants. They work by physically blocking sweat glands to prevent perspiration.
Why it's a concern: Aluminum is absorbed through the skin, particularly in the underarm area where the skin is thin. Some research has raised questions about its potential link to hormonal disruption and its accumulation in breast tissue. While studies are ongoing, many people prefer to avoid it altogether — especially with daily, long-term use.
What to look for on labels: Aluminum chlorohydrate, Aluminum zirconium tetrachlorohydrex, Alum
✅ Better choice: Our aluminum-free deodorants use magnesium instead of aluminum to neutralise odour naturally — no pore-blocking needed.
❌ 2. Parabens
Found in: Lotions, shampoos, deodorants, makeup
What it does: Parabens are synthetic preservatives used to extend the shelf life of personal care products and prevent the growth of mold and bacteria.
Why it's a concern: Parabens are known endocrine disruptors — meaning they can mimic estrogen in the body. They've been detected in human breast tissue and urine samples, raising concerns about their role in hormonal imbalances, reproductive health, and potentially cancer risk. The European Union has banned certain parabens in cosmetics; the US has not.
Research has also highlighted their possible connection to breast health — something worth considering when choosing products used daily on or near breast tissue, like deodorant.
What to look for on labels: Methylparaben, Propylparaben, Butylparaben, Ethylparaben — anything ending in "-paraben"
❌ 3. Artificial Fragrances
Found in: Virtually every conventional personal care product
What it does: "Fragrance" is a catch-all term that can legally represent hundreds of undisclosed chemical compounds. Companies are not required to list individual fragrance ingredients — they're considered proprietary trade secrets.
Why it's a concern: Artificial fragrance blends can contain phthalates (hormone disruptors), synthetic musks, and known allergens. This single ingredient is one of the leading causes of contact dermatitis and skin sensitivity. If you've ever had an unexplained rash or irritation after using a personal care product, fragrance may be the culprit.
What to look for on labels: "Fragrance", "Parfum", "Perfume" — all red flags unless the source is specified as natural
✅ Better choice: Every scent in our products comes from natural essential oils. See our full ingredients page to see exactly what we use — and why.
❌ 4. Triclosan
Found in: Antibacterial soaps, some deodorants, toothpastes
What it does: Triclosan is an antimicrobial agent added to products to kill or inhibit the growth of bacteria.
Why it's a concern: The FDA banned triclosan from hand soaps in 2016 due to evidence that it may contribute to antibiotic resistance and disrupt thyroid hormones. Despite this, it still appears in some personal care products. It's also one of the many everyday toxic ingredients affecting hormonal wellness that many people don't realise they're exposed to daily.
What to look for on labels: Triclosan, Microban, Biofresh
❌ 5. PEGs (Polyethylene Glycols)
Found in: Creams, lotions, cleansers, deodorants
What it does: PEGs are petroleum-derived compounds used as thickeners, softeners, and moisture carriers. They also act as penetration enhancers — helping other ingredients absorb more deeply into skin.
Why it's a concern: The problem with PEGs isn't just what they are — it's what they do. As penetration enhancers, they help other potentially harmful ingredients absorb deeper into your skin. PEGs can also be contaminated with ethylene oxide and 1,4-dioxane, both classified as possible human carcinogens.
What to look for on labels: PEG followed by a number (e.g. PEG-40, PEG-100), Polyethylene glycol, Ceteareth, Oleth
So What Should You Use?
The good news: you don't have to choose between products that work and products that are safe for you.
Avoiding toxic ingredients in personal care doesn't mean giving up freshness or effectiveness. At AporeNaturals, our paraben-free natural deodorants are formulated without any of the ingredients above. We use clean, plant-based actives that keep you fresh without compromising your health or the environment.
Ready to make the switch? Read our guide on how to switch to natural deodorant without the stinky transition phase — then explore our full range and find your scent.
