What Happens If You Eat Deodorant? Dangers and Health Effects

The Dangers of Ingesting Deodorant

Deodorants and antiperspirants are products that most people use daily without thinking twice. However, have you ever wondered what would happen if you were to eat deodorant? Accidentally swallowing a small amount generally won't cause any serious harm. But ingesting large quantities can lead to dangerous health consequences you should be aware of.

What's in Deodorant that Makes it Unsafe to Eat

Most deodorants and antiperspirants contain ingredients that are meant to be applied topically and not ingested. Here are some of the common ingredients that could cause health problems if eaten:

• Aluminum compounds - Aluminum salts like aluminum zirconium tetrachlorohydrex glycine complex are added to antiperspirants to block sweat glands. Ingesting large amounts may accumulate in the body and affect the nervous system.
• Fragrances - Artificial fragrances contain phthalates and alcohols that can irritate the digestive tract if swallowed.
• Preservatives - Preservatives like parabens and formaldehyde-releasing agents can disrupt hormone function and may be carcinogenic in large doses.
• Propellants - Gases like isobutane and propane propel aerosol deodorants. Inhaling large quantities of these pressurized gases can cause dizziness, breathing issues, and arrhythmias.

What Happens if You Accidentally Swallow Deodorant?

Swallowing a small bit of deodorant isn't likely to make you ill. The ingredients will likely be diluted by your digestive system without causing harm. Symptoms from accidentally ingesting a small amount could include:

• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Abdominal pain or cramping
• Dizziness or headache from inhaling propellants

These symptoms don't require medical treatment and should resolve on their own within a day or two. Drinking plenty of water can help dilute the ingredients and move them through your system faster.

Health Dangers of Eating Deodorant

While accidentally swallowing deodorant likely won't harm your health, intentionally eating deodorant in significant quantities can be extremely dangerous. Here are some of the most serious risks of ingesting deodorant:

• Kidney damage - Ingredients like aluminum salts can accumulate in the kidneys, potentially leading to chronic kidney disease.
• Reproductive issues - Preservatives like parabens can disrupt hormones and impair fertility or fetal development if consumed in high amounts.
• Cancer - Some preservatives and fragrances may be carcinogenic in large doses.
• Neurotoxicity - Aluminum salts could affect the nervous system and contribute to Alzheimer's disease when ingested regularly.
• Gastrointestinal obstruction - Swallowing solid deodorant sticks could obstruct the esophagus or intestines.

Intentionally consuming deodorant may also be a sign of an underlying mental health issue like pica, an eating disorder that involves ingesting non-food items. Prolonged deodorant ingestion could lead to malnutrition or metabolic disorders.

Emergency Treatment for Ingesting Deodorant

If you or someone you know has swallowed a large amount of deodorant, seek immediate medical attention. Call the American Association of Poison Control Centers at 1-800-222-1222 or call emergency services.

Treatment depends on the ingredients ingested and may include:

• Inducing vomiting to remove the deodorant from the stomach
• Endoscopy to view the esophagus and gastrointestinal tract
• Medications to relieve vomiting or diarrhea
• IV fluids and electrolyte replacement
• Treatment for kidney damage or neurotoxicity if aluminum salts were ingested

Hospitals can test blood and urine samples to determine toxin levels and function of the kidneys, liver, and other organs. Psychological evaluation may be recommended for intentional deodorant ingestion.

Dangers of Specific Ingredients in Deodorant

Let's take a more in-depth look at some of the common deodorant ingredients that can be hazardous if eaten in large quantities:

Aluminum Compounds

Aluminum salts like aluminum chloride, aluminum chlorohydrate, and aluminum zirconium tetrachlorohydrex gly are added to antiperspirants to prevent sweat and body odor. These mineral salts can accumulate in the body and have been linked to health issues like:

• Impaired neurological development
• Alzheimer's disease
• Bone disease
• Hormonal effects

Absorbable aluminum from antiperspirants is considered generally safe. But ingesting large amounts could lead to excessive accumulation and toxicity.

Fragrances

Most deodorants contain synthetic fragrances to provide a pleasant scent. Fragrances are usually a mix of several dozen chemicals like:

• Phthalates - Added to fragrances as solvents and fixatives. Linked to hormone disruption.
• Synthetic musks - Used to replicate natural musk aromas. Accumulate in fat tissue and breast milk.
• Essential oils - Can irritate the skin, eyes, lungs, and digestive system in large doses.
• Aldehydes - Used for their strong, pungent odors. Can induce headaches, nausea, and asthma symptoms.

Fragrance formulations are proprietary, so all chemicals used may not be disclosed. Ingesting large unknown amounts could lead to unpredictable toxicity.

Preservatives

Preservatives in deodorant prevent bacterial or fungal overgrowth. Some types used include:

• Parabens - Absorbed through skin and may disrupt hormone function.
• Formaldehyde-releasers - Slowly degrade to release traces of the carcinogen formaldehyde.
• Imidazolidinyl urea - Can release formaldehyde. May cause contact dermatitis.

Studies on absorption and toxicity of preservatives mostly look at topical application. But ingesting deodorant with these chemicals could lead to much higher levels in the body.

Propellants

Aerosol deodorants use propellants like butane, isobutane, and propane to push out the product. Inhaling large amounts of these pressurized gases can lead to:

• Coughing, breathing issues
• Throat irritation
• Nausea, headache
• Dizziness
• Heart arrhythmias

The propellants themselves are generally non-toxic. But they can displace oxygen if inhaled in excessive concentrations. Most ingestion effects would be temporary.

Alternatives to Conventional Deodorants

If you're concerned about the ingredients in conventional deodorants, consider switching to more natural alternatives. Here are some options to explore:

Aluminum-Free Deodorants

Look for deodorant products labeled aluminum-free if you want to avoid this controversial ingredient. Common substitutes for aluminum salts include:

• Baking soda - Absorbs odors and helps neutralize sweat.
• Magnesium hydroxide - Reduces bacterial growth.
• Arrowroot powder - Absorbs moisture.
• Sodium bicarbonate - Reduces body odor.

Natural Fragrances

Naturally derived fragrances like essential oils can provide scent without synthetics. Some all-natural options include:

• Lavender oil - Soothing, fresh aroma with antibacterial properties.
• Tea tree oil - Pungent, medicinal scent that inhibits odor-causing bacteria.
• Peppermint oil - Cooling menthol aroma from natural mint extract.
• Ylang ylang - Sweet, floral scent that calms and uplifts mood.

Plant-Derived Ingredients

Many botanical extracts have natural deodorizing abilities without harsh chemicals. Look for deodorants with ingredients like:

• Aloe vera - Soothes and hydrates skin while fighting bacteria.
• Witch hazel - Astringent properties help minimize sweat and odor.
• Activated charcoal - Absorbs moisture and traps odor-causing compounds.
• Arrowroot powder - Reduces moisture to discourage bacterial growth.

Probiotic Deodorants

Probiotics work by balancing your skin microbiome to reduce underarm odor naturally. This new class of deodorant uses beneficial bacteria like:

• Bacillus coagulans - Produces lactic acid to inhibit odor-causing bacteria.
• Saccharomyces ferment - Fermented vegan protein that destroys odors.
• Lactobacillus acidophilus - Common probiotic that kills odor-forming microbes.

Probiotic deodorants don't stop sweating but create a microbiome that results in less odor.

When to See Your Doctor

See your doctor or poison control if you experience concerning symptoms after swallowing deodorant like:

• Severe vomiting or diarrhea lasting over 24 hours
• Abdominal swelling or intense stomach pain
• Muscle spasms, tremors, or seizures
• Altered mental status or sudden behavioral changes
• Difficulty breathing
• Chest pain or irregular heart rate

Unintentional weight loss, malnutrition, or metabolic imbalances could occur with chronic deodorant ingestion. Seek help for eating disorders like pica that involve ingesting non-food substances.

The Takeaway

Accidentally swallowing a small amount of deodorant is unlikely to cause harm for most people. But intentionally eating deodorant, especially in large quantities, could lead to dangerous toxicity from ingredients like aluminum salts, synthetic fragrances, and preservatives. Seek immediate medical help if you ingest a concerning amount of deodorant.

To avoid these risks entirely, choose natural deodorants with non-toxic plant-derived and mineral ingredients. And keep all deodorants out of reach of children to prevent accidental ingestion.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.