Aluminum in deodorants is generally considered bad or concerning primarily because it is an active ingredient in antiperspirants that blocks sweat by forming a plug in sweat ducts. The main concerns about aluminum in these products include potential links to breast cancer, genetic and cellular changes that may increase cancer risk, and other health issues in vulnerable populations like those with kidney disease.
Key Concerns About Aluminum in Deodorant/Antiperspirant
- Aluminum salts in antiperspirants block sweat by plugging sweat ducts to reduce sweating and odor.
- There is worry that aluminum absorbed through the skin near the breasts could travel there and cause changes to estrogen receptors, potentially promoting breast cancer cell growth.
- Some evidence suggests aluminum inside the body may cause gene and cell changes related to cancer risk, but how much aluminum actually absorbs through the skin is uncertain and likely very minimal.
- Aluminum exposure is also linked in some research to kidney issues, bone disease, and possibly Alzheimer's disease, but these risks primarily relate to high exposure levels, often in people with kidney problems.
- The FDA requires a kidney disease warning on antiperspirants containing aluminum due to concerns for people with severely impaired kidney function.
- Research overall has not established a clear causal link between aluminum in antiperspirants and breast cancer or other diseases in the general population.
- People with kidney disease or other health concerns may be advised to avoid aluminum-containing antiperspirants.
Summary
Aluminum in antiperspirants (not deodorants) can cause skin irritation in some people and raises concerns mainly about cancer risk due to its interactions with estrogen and potential cellular effects. However, science has not confirmed significant absorption through skin or a direct link to breast cancer, and regulatory agencies consider these products generally safe for most people except those with kidney disease. Deodorants without aluminum do not pose these risks. This cautious perspective acknowledges aluminum's role in blocking sweat but also highlights the current lack of conclusive evidence for major health harms from typical use in healthy individuals.
