Short Answer: If you accidentally eat deodorant, you may suffer from stomach upset, poisoning, or organ damage.
Deodorant is a substance applied to the body to prevent or mask body odor due to bacterial breakdown of perspiration, for example in the armpits, groin, or feet.
A subclass of deodorants, called antiperspirants, prevents sweating itself, typically by blocking sweat glands.
If you accidentally eat deodorant, you may experience symptoms such as stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
In severe cases, it can lead to organ damage or even death.
This is because it contains aluminum compounds, alcohol, triclosan, fragrance, and talcum powder.
These ingredients can be mildly irritating to the stomach and intestines, or cause respiratory symptoms if inhaled.
Some of them may also affect the hormone levels or the immune system.
It is quite uncommon to eat deodorant due to its unpleasant taste and smell.
However, some people may have a compulsive disorder or a pica disorder that makes them crave non-food items.
You should seek medical help right away if you eat deodorant.
Do not make yourself throw up unless poison control or a health care provider tells you to.
If possible, take the container of the deodorant with you to the hospital.
To avoid accidental eating of deodorant, you should keep it out of reach of children and pets.
You should also label it clearly and store it separately from food items.
If you have a disorder that makes you crave deodorant, you should seek professional help to treat the underlying cause.
Finally, remember, deodorant is a cosmetic product that is intended to cleanse or beautify, not to be consumed.
If you are concerned about the safety of deodorant ingredients, you can try natural alternatives that use baking soda, coconut oil, or essential oils.