Charlotte Church recently revealed she has ceased using deodorant and shaving, humorously stating she “generally stinks.”
The 39-year-old singer, hailing from Llandaff, Cardiff, shared this during an appearance on the “Walking The Dog” podcast after host Emily Dean complimented her on her “lovely” scent.
Church, known for her recent appearance on “Celebrity Traitors,” expressed surprise at the compliment and explained that her decision to forgo deodorant stemmed from concerns about the chemicals present in such products.
In response, the Cosmetic, Toiletry and Perfumery Association (CTPA) emphasized that deodorants and antiperspirants sold in the UK adhere to stringent safety standards. However, beauty journalist Anita Bhagwandas suggested Church’s stance reflects a growing trend of individuals embracing natural beauty.
Church recounted her response to Dean’s compliment, saying: “Do I? That’s surprising – I never smell nice.”
“I don’t wear deodorant or anything, so I generally stink,” she added with a laugh.
Church also mentioned that she stopped shaving 18 months ago and encouraged women to “do whatever feels good” with their body hair, stating, “dye it, shave it, whatever – but for me, I’m just like, nah.”
She elaborated that she appreciates the “contradiction” her choices present.
“I love wearing dresses, beautiful dresses, with my really hairy legs and heels and nails. It’s so confusing for people.”
Bhagwandas, 41, from Newport, noted a rise in “micro-movements” where individuals are moving away from traditional beauty products over concerns about chemicals, particularly aluminium.
“We’re simply more aware of what we’re putting on our skin and bodies, and that’s definitely a good thing,” she stated.
She suggested that the lockdown period “solidified” this shift as people went without salon treatments and began simplifying their beauty routines.
Decisions regarding shaving and body hair are now increasingly viewed as “personal” rather than a “social obligation,” she explained.
“Hair is there for a reason – it serves a biological function,” Ms. Bhagwandas said.
“Letting it do its thing is probably the most natural thing you can do and lots of people have really embraced that, which is great.”
Ms. Bhagwandas observed that younger generations face less stigma compared to previous generations, where body hair was often labeled “masculine” or “unfeminine.”
She also mentioned that more celebrities, including Lady Gaga and Miley Cyrus, openly embrace their natural hair.
“We’re in this really great place, that I hope will continue, where we’re getting to pick and choose what we want to do – rather than it being forced or an expectation,” she added.
The CTPA clarified that all UK cosmetics, including deodorants and antiperspirants, must comply with “strict” safety regulations.
Extensive scientific reviews, most recently by the European Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety in May 2024, affirmed that aluminium in antiperspirants is safe and has no link to breast cancer.
They stated that all cosmetic ingredients, whether natural or synthetic, undergo rigorous safety testing.
Products also undergo professional safety assessments and market checks before being sold, they added.
The CTPA concluded: “Years of scientific research and testing goes into making each and every item in our bathroom cabinets and make-up bags.”
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