Many people might not realize that substances applied topically can enter the skin. Many medications are delivered through the skin, most often in the form of patches or gels. You can rest assured that all PUHCHI products are 100% free of all chemicals. These are a few dangerous chemicals to keep in mind when ordering personal care products, such as skin care and cosmetics. 

ARTIFICIAL FRAGRANCE OR PARFUM

One of the most toxic ingredients you’ll find, even on “natural deodorant” labels, is artificial fragrance. These engineered scents can contain any combination of 3,000+ chemical ingredients and are linked to numerous health issues including hormone disruption, respiratory problems, allergies, skin sensitivities, kidney damage, birth defects and disease. With your underarms and scalp being the most sensitive parts of your body, it’s important to be cautious of using artificial scented or fragrance products in these areas. PUHCHI products do not contain artificial fragrance or parfum. 

ALUMINUM

There are two main health issues usually cited when talking about aluminum in deodorant/antiperspirants: Alzheimer’s disease and breast cancer. Over 50% of breast cancers start in the upper outer quadrant of the breast local to the underarm region. Applying a product containing aluminum to broken skin (especially after shaving) allows a lot of aluminum to enter our bodies. PUHCHI products do not contain aluminum. 

BAKING SODA

To understand why baking soda is bad for you. First, let's understand the science behind it. The pH scale ranges from zero to fourteen, with seven being the neutral point (for example water). Anything below seven is an acid, while anything above is a base. Our skin usually falls between 4.5-6.5 on the scale- meaning more acidic. This is because the skin has a protective oily layer known as the acid mantle. 

On the other hand, baking soda has a pH of around 9, making it extremely basic. To put it into perspective, the pH scale increasing by one point means that the substance is ten times more alkaline than the point below it. This means that baking soda is 350 times more alkaline than the pH of average skin. 

So, what happens after applying deodorant containing baking soda on your pits? Well, putting something this alkaline on your skin will throw off your acid mantle and kill any good bacteria. This leaves skin prone to side effects such as breakouts, irritation, and even infections. Ouch. 

In fact, it can also cause: discoloration, skin aging, increased sensitivity, rashes, redness, dryness and cracking. Now imagine the long term effects of applying a deodorant with baking soda every single day. PUHCHI products do not contain baking soda. 

PARABENS

Parabens are ingredients used primarily as preservatives and are often used in combination with one another in products. Paraben preservatives in personal care products have the capability to be absorbed through the skin. Parabens are hormone impersonators, mimicking estrogen in the body. Exposure to parabens has been linked to breast cancer. PUHCHI products do not contain parabens. 

PHTHALATES

Phthalates are included in many cosmetics, fragrances and skincare products because they help to dissolve ingredients. Unfortunately, they’re also possibly linked to pre-term births in pregnant women as well as asthma. One type was found to be associated with male genital birth defects and reproductive issues in adult men. PUHCHI products do not contain phthalates. 

TRICLOSAN

Triclosan is incorporated in cosmetics mainly as a preservative, to stop bacteria from growing on the product and spoiling it. Triclosan is an endocrine disruptor, meaning it can mimic hormones or interfere with hormonal signaling. The chemical’s endocrine disrupting abilities are supported by numerous scientific studies. The chemical is also associated with an increased risk of breast cancer. The abundance of health concerns associated with triclosan, both to people and aquatic life, has led FDA to ban its use in hand soaps. However, the chemical is still permitted for use in other products, like deodorant. Look out for triclosan in your deodorant. PUHCHI products do not contain triclosan.