May 4, 2024, 12:02 pm | Read time: 4 minutes
Whether it’s roll-on, stick, cream, or spray–deodorants come in many forms. However, the spray form has its pitfalls. FITBOOK spoke with pharmacist and health expert Steffen Kuhnert about this.
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How Harmful Are Propellants in Deodorants?
Volatile Organic Compounds, or VOCs, are the volatile organic compounds added to personal care products for atomization, as preservatives, or to release fragrances. These are substances considered precursors to harmful fine dust and are also involved in ozone formation. Is this a reason to avoid deodorant sprays?
Deodorant and hair sprays belong to the group of aerosols–they release fine liquid droplets that disperse in the air. “This spray mist can be inhaled through the mouth and nose. Particularly small particles (under 5 micrometers) can penetrate deep into the respiratory tract and cause damage,” explains expert Kuhnert in an interview with FITBOOK.
Symptoms can include hypersensitivity reactions, respiratory irritation, and respiratory issues, as well as headaches, fatigue, and sleep disturbances. However, a final assessment of the propellants is still pending, according to the expert: “Propellants based on hydrocarbons like propane, butane, and isobutane are considered health concerns. Propellants such as dimethyl ether, on the other hand, are rated better,” says the expert.
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Higher Consumption
Another disadvantage of sprays is that consumption is generally higher than with a deodorant stick or roll-on. When sprayed, a significant amount ends up in the air rather than directly on the sweat pores. The consequence: Spray cans are quickly used up, leading to increased costs and more (plastic) waste. However, one advantage should not be overlooked: Because deodorant sprays do not come into direct contact with the skin, they are generally considered more hygienic than their solid counterparts.
Cautious All-Clear for Mineral Oil in Deodorant Sprays
The BfR concluded in its February 2018 statement that highly refined mineral oils used in cosmetics do not pose health risks when applied to the skin, according to current scientific knowledge.
Even for lip care products, where some may be ingested, the BfR sees no risk as long as the mineral oils used comply with Cosmetics Europe recommendations and are medium to high viscosity. The potentially ingested amount remains well below the acceptable daily intake (ADI).1
Are Long-Term Damages from VOCs to Be Feared?
Steffen Kuhnert expresses caution to FITBOOK: “Long-term damages from VOCs are known, but it should be noted that these do not only originate from cosmetic sprays but also from countless sources, including natural ones.”
He continues: “The issue with cosmetic products, including cleaning agents, lies in indoor emissions.” However, he is not aware of any direct health damage from using deodorant or hair sprays: “Ultimately, it is the sum of all emissions we come into contact with daily,” says Kuhnert.
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How Can the Risk of Deodorant Sprays Be Minimized?
In general, it is advisable to ventilate the room well where products like sprays or pump sprays are used. When selecting sprays, one should try to avoid those with health-hazardous propellants. Opt for better-rated products, advises the expert. Kuhnert also offers a practical tip: Apps like ‘CodeCheck’ allow consumers to examine the ingredients closely via a scanning process. For cleaning products, he recommends looking for the ‘Blue Angel’ environmental label.
Expert’s Conclusion
For deodorant sprays, the expert recommends alternatives like roll-ons or deodorant creams. He does not necessarily advise against hair sprays, but suggests being cautious when purchasing and carefully reviewing the list of additives.
However, Kuhnert views the noticeable trend of using significantly more spray products in households critically. He recommends a more restrained use.