Aluminum in Deodorant or Antiperspirant: Is it Harmful?

Deodorants typically do not contain aluminum, but antiperspirants often do. Antiperspirants are underarm products designed to prevent sweat, while deodorants stop the growth of bacteria and mask the smell of body odor. Aluminum in antiperspirants is not harmful for most people. Aluminum salts are the active ingredient in antiperspirants, which block sweat.

There has been some concern over the safety of aluminum in antiperspirants because of its potential links to health issues like breast cancer and hormone disruption. However, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) considers antiperspirants generally safe.

If you’re concerned about aluminum and other chemicals in these products, consider opting for a natural deodorant.

Most antiperspirants contain aluminum salts, which work by blocking your sweat ducts. Without aluminum, these products would not be able to stop you from sweating.

Deodorants do not contain aluminum. They work by masking odor rather than interfering with sweat production. Deodorants usually contain antimicrobial agents that reduce the bacteria in your armpit that are responsible for odors. Most also have added fragrance that covers or masks your body odor.

Because antiperspirants are applied near your breasts, some scientists have thought that the aluminum in these products may increase your risk of breast cancer.

The U.N. Environment Programme has identified aluminum as an endocrine-disrupting chemical. This means it can interfere with the endocrine system, which regulates the body’s hormones, including estrogen, the female sex hormone. The concern is that aluminum will have estrogen-like effects when it’s absorbed into the skin of your breasts. Estrogen can promote the growth of breast cancer cells.

There is no evidence that using antiperspirants directly increases your risk of breast cancer.

Some other health concerns have been linked to aluminum exposure, including:

• Kidney disease: Aluminum in antiperspirants does not harm your kidneys, but people with weakened kidney function may not be able to filter out aluminum fast enough, allowing it to build up. Those with kidney disease may want to use deodorant instead or talk to their healthcare provider first.
• Bone disease: Elevated levels of aluminum in your body can weaken your bones, or lead to a bone disease called osteomalacia. This is likely only a risk if you have kidney disease.
• Alzheimer’s disease: Long-term exposure to aluminum may increase your risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease, but everyday exposure, including through antiperspirants, should not increase your risk.

Only a very small amount of aluminum in antiperspirants is absorbed through your skin. However, you may be exposed to aluminum through other sources, such as certain workplace environments and contaminated water.

You may want to look out for a few potential ingredients in antiperspirants and deodorants. These chemicals can disrupt your hormone system or cause other health issues.

The U.N. Environment Programme has identified aluminum, parabens, triclosan, and phthalates as endocrine-disrupting chemicals. More research is needed to understand how low-dose exposure to deodorant and antiperspirant can affect health.

Parabens

Parabens are chemicals commonly used as preservatives in cosmetic products. They stop bacteria and mold from growing, extending a product’s shelf life. Most deodorants and antiperspirants in the U.S. do not contain parabens, but some may.

Similar to aluminum, parabens also act like estrogen in the body, potentially increasing your risk of fertility issues and breast cancer.

Triclosan

Triclosan is an antimicrobial ingredient in many cosmetic products that slows the growth of bacteria and mold. It’s added to deodorants to prevent the odor caused by excess bacteria.

As an endocrine disruptor, triclosan may affect your hormone production when absorbed through your skin. Triclosan may also contribute to antibiotic resistance, which occurs when bacteria become resistant to antimicrobial agents. This can make these agents ineffective, allowing bacteria to grow.

Phthalates

Phthalates are chemicals added to cosmetic products for various reasons. They are typically added to deodorant to help the product stick to the skin and make its fragrance last.

Phthalates can also interfere with your body’s regulation of hormones, especially estrogen and testosterone, the male sex hormone. These chemicals have been linked to several health issues, such as infertility, asthma, and pregnancy complications.

Fragrance

Fragrance is the combination of chemicals in cosmetic products, like deodorants and antiperspirants, that gives them their scent.

Companies do not have to list the chemicals used to create a product’s fragrance because the formula is protected under trade law. A product with “fragrance” as an ingredient may contain hidden, potentially harmful chemicals, such as phthalates.

Fragrance may cause several negative health effects, including allergic reactions, headaches, asthma, and hormone disruption.

Few—if any—antiperspirants are aluminum-free. These products need to contain aluminum to prevent sweating. The other option is deodorant, which will not stop sweat but prevent bacteria and mask your body odor.

Consider searching for natural, fragrance-free products. Avoid “unscented” products, as some may contain masking fragrances to create the illusion of being unscented. Look for natural ingredients that can absorb moisture from sweat, such as cornstarch, baking soda, and arrowroot. Additionally, essential oils like tea tree oil can kill bacteria and reduce body odor.

Most antiperspirants contain aluminum because it stops you from sweating. Deodorants typically do not have aluminum. Deodorants stop bacterial growth and mask odors. Aluminum in antiperspirants is safe for most people. If you have kidney disease, talk to your healthcare provider before using an aluminum-based product.

Other potentially harmful ingredients may be added to deodorants and antiperspirants, including parabens, triclosan, phthalates, and fragrances. If you’re concerned about these chemicals, consider searching for natural, fragrance-free products.