Aluminum in Antiperspirants

I am often asked my opinion on antiperspirants.  My simple answer is always that I like to be dry and smell good, so I am taking my chances and using Secret Clinical Strength twice a day. I don’t take many other risks with my health, except over ingestion of Diet Pepsi.  But, I’m a professional, so perhaps it’s time to look at what science has to say about the risk of aluminum in antiperspirants.

How does aluminum in antiperspirants work?  Aluminum antiperspirants work by temporary plugging the sweat glands.  See the Diagram below.  Most OTC antiperspirants contain aluminum zirconium, and most RX antiperspirants contain aluminum chloride.

Does the aluminum from my antiperspirant enter the bloodstream?

Even when making small nicks in the skin from shaving, the amount of aluminum available to enter the bloodstream is meniscal.

Will the aluminum in my antiperspirant cause Breast Cancer?

Very unlikely.  Although some basic studies and a large amount of media hype have suggested an increased risk of breast cancer, the National Institute of Health’s National Cancer Institute states that “no scientific evidence links their use to breast cancer.”

Will the aluminum in my antiperspirant cause Alzheimer’s Disease?

Very unlikely.  According to www.Alzheimers.org  “As yet no study or group of studies has been able to confirm that aluminum is involved in the development of Alzheimer’s disease.”

I’m still concerned… Based on the variance of the scientific data, I understand my patients’ concerns.  For many medical and scientific studies, years of population data are needed to prove whether or not they are harmful.  If you have a lingering concern, follow your instincts.

I’m still worried… what about “natural” antiperspirants and deodorants? 

I always like to remind people that “natural” isn’t always better and safer.  Poison ivy is “natural.”  But, I digress.  Natural products are generally labeled deodorants (neutralizing and absorbing odor), not true antiperspirants.  Common ingredients in natural deodorants are aluminum free baking soda, kaolin clay, arrowroot powder, zinc oxide, and cornstarch. I personally cannot attest to these, but this article seemed quite informative.

If you have tried a “natural” aluminum free product that functions well as an antiperspirant and deodorant, we’d love to hear about it.  Let us know on social media!

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