Key takeaways:
Some people are switching to natural forms of deodorants and antiperspirants because of concerns about potentially unsafe ingredients. But current evidence hasn’t shown that commonly used ingredients cause health conditions.
Deodorants and antiperspirants sold in the U.S. are generally considered safe when used as directed. But you might prefer natural deodorant if you want to avoid skin irritation, fragrances, or certain chemicals.
“Natural” is mostly a marketing term without a standard definition. So, a product labeled natural isn’t necessarily safer or better for you.
Deodorants and antiperspirants are a part of most people’s daily routines. But some of their common ingredients, especially aluminum and parabens, have raised concerns about possible links to conditions like breast cancer and Alzheimer’s disease. But are these rumors true?
Below we’ll look at the ingredients that have come under scrutiny, review what the research actually shows, and explore whether natural deodorants offer any health benefits.
What’s the difference between deodorant and antiperspirant?
First, it helps to understand the difference between deodorant and antiperspirant. Technically, these are different products that do different things:
Deodorants reduce odor by limiting odor-causing bacteria. They may contain alcohol or other antimicrobial ingredients, along with fragrances or other compounds that mask odors.
Antiperspirants reduce sweating. They commonly contain aluminum compounds, which react with sweat to form temporary plugs inside sweat ducts. This reduces how much sweat reaches your skin.
Combination products do both. They may be labeled as "deodorant and antiperspirant," meaning they contain sweat-blocking ingredients and ingredients that control odor.
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In everyday conversation, people often use the term “deodorant” to refer to all three types of products.
Why is there aluminum in deodorant?
Aluminum is used in antiperspirants because it’s the active ingredient that prevents sweating.
Studies suggest that your skin actually absorbs very little aluminum from deodorants. But antiperspirants aren’t your only source of aluminum. Aluminum is present naturally in certain foods and water. It’s also found in:
Household items, like aluminum foil and cookware
Other cosmetic products, such as toothpaste
Some medications, including certain antacids
Is aluminum deodorant bad for you?
Some people have raised concerns about whether aluminum in antiperspirants could affect their health. Below, we’ll review some common concerns and what the evidence actually shows.
1. Does aluminum in deodorant increase the risk of breast cancer?
Researchers have studied a possible connection between aluminum-containing antiperspirants and breast cancer for many years. One concern is that the aluminum could be absorbed through your skin and build up in breast tissue. Lab research has also suggested that some aluminum compounds may have estrogen-like effects. Because estrogen can influence the growth of some breast cancers, this has raised questions about whether aluminum exposure could affect breast cancer risk.
But so far, most studies in humans haven’t found that using deodorants or antiperspirants increases the risk of breast cancer.
There are certain studies that have found possible associations. For example, one study found a higher breast cancer risk in people who reported starting to use underarm products at a younger age. But studies like this can’t prove that the products caused the higher risk.
At this point, evidence hasn’t established that these products can cause cancer. But more research is needed.
2. Does aluminum in deodorant increase the risk of Alzheimer’s disease?
A systematic review found no clear evidence that aluminum-containing antiperspirants increase the risk of Alzheimer’s disease.
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Research on aluminum exposure from other sources is more mixed. Some studies have linked long-term aluminum exposure, especially from drinking water or the workplace, to a higher risk of Alzheimer’s. A large meta-analysis also found a link between chronic aluminum exposure and Alzheimer’s risk. But other studies haven’t found a clear connection between aluminum exposure in drinking water and Alzheimer’s.
Importantly, these studies weren’t looking at aluminum from antiperspirants.
3. Does aluminum in deodorant impact people with kidney disease?
Current evidence hasn’t shown that using antiperspirants causes kidney disease or aluminum overload. The National Kidney Foundation notes that only a very small amount of aluminum is absorbed through the skin. This makes harmful exposure from antiperspirants very unlikely.
Still, some people have expressed concerns about aluminum exposure in people with kidney disease. People with chronic kidney disease may be more vulnerable to aluminum buildup because their kidneys may have a harder time removing aluminum from the blood. Some medications used to treat complications of kidney disease can also contain aluminum.
Because people with kidney disease may have a harder time clearing aluminum from their body, aluminum-containing antiperspirants carry a warning to check with a healthcare professional before use if you have this condition.
Other chemicals of concern in deodorant
Aluminum isn’t the only deodorant ingredient that has raised concerns. Researchers have also studied whether other chemicals in these products could affect health.
Parabens
Parabens are synthetic preservatives. They’re used in some personal care products. They’ve been identified as a type of endocrine-disrupting chemical, meaning they may affect hormones in your body.
Because of this, parabens have been studied for possible links to reproductive health. So far, research in humans is limited and mixed, and the evidence hasn’t shown that parabens in deodorants cause fertility problems, birth defects, or breast cancer.
It’s also worth noting that many common deodorant brands no longer use parabens.
Triclosan
Triclosan is an antimicrobial chemical used to kill or slow the growth of bacteria. Researchers have studied its effects on reproduction, thyroid function, and asthma. But the evidence is still uncertain, especially in humans.
People can be exposed to triclosan through personal care products, including deodorants, toothpaste, hand sanitizers, soaps, and mouthwash. In one U.S. study, triclosan was detected in the urine of about 75% of participants. This suggests that exposure may be widespread.
But finding triclosan in the body doesn’t necessarily mean it’s causing harm. It’s still unclear what levels of exposure may cause health problems, so more research is needed.
Phthalates
Phthalates are another group of chemicals used in many personal care products. They’re often used in fragrances. Like parabens, phthalates can act as endocrine-disrupting chemicals.
Studies have shown that deodorant use is associated with higher levels of phthalates in the urine of both men and women. But these studies don’t prove that deodorant is causing health problems. Researchers also don’t know exactly what levels of exposure may be harmful.
If you want to limit your exposure to phthalates, you might decide to use an unscented deodorant or antiperspirant. This is because phthalates are often used in fragrance mixtures and may not always be listed on the label.
Should you use natural deodorant?
From a safety perspective, switching to natural deodorant usually isn’t necessary. Conventional deodorants are generally considered safe when used as directed. And studies haven’t shown that typical use causes the major health problems that have raised concern.
The FDA regulates deodorants as cosmetic products and antiperspirants as over-the-counter (OTC) drugs. Still, some people may prefer to switch to natural deodorants for other reasons, such as:
Reducing exposure to a certain chemical ingredient
Avoiding ingredients that irritate their skin
Feeling more comfortable with the products they use
Still, it’s important to keep in mind that the term “natural” is largely a marketing term and doesn’t have an official FDA definition. A natural product can still contain ingredients that irritate your skin or that you may prefer to avoid. Just because a product is marketed as natural doesn’t mean it’s safer or better for your health.
Frequently asked questions
There’s no single “best natural deodorant” for everyone. The best choice for you depends on your specific needs. Look for absorbent ingredients, like baking soda or arrowroot. Essential oils, like tea tree oil, and fragrance and may also have antimicrobial activity. As with traditional deodorants and antiperspirants, you may need to try different natural products before finding one that works for you.
Yes. Aluminum sesquichlorohydrate, a common type of aluminum used in antiperspirants, is generally considered safe when used as directed. There’s no clear evidence that normal use causes conditions like breast cancer or Alzheimer’s disease. The FDA allows aluminum sesquicholorohydrate in antiperspirants at concentrations of up to 25%. But like other ingredients in deodorants and antiperspirants, it can sometimes irritate your skin.
There’s no single “best natural deodorant” for everyone. The best choice for you depends on your specific needs. Look for absorbent ingredients, like baking soda or arrowroot. Essential oils, like tea tree oil, and fragrance and may also have antimicrobial activity. As with traditional deodorants and antiperspirants, you may need to try different natural products before finding one that works for you.
Yes. Aluminum sesquichlorohydrate, a common type of aluminum used in antiperspirants, is generally considered safe when used as directed. There’s no clear evidence that normal use causes conditions like breast cancer or Alzheimer’s disease. The FDA allows aluminum sesquicholorohydrate in antiperspirants at concentrations of up to 25%. But like other ingredients in deodorants and antiperspirants, it can sometimes irritate your skin.
The bottom line
You don’t need to ditch your deodorant because of aluminum or other common ingredients. Current evidence hasn’t shown that normal use causes major health problems like breast cancer or Alzheimer’s disease. Natural products can be a good option if you prefer them or if certain ingredients irritate your skin. But natural doesn’t automatically mean safer. The best choice is the one that works for you and your skin.
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References
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