Is the aluminium in your deodorant dangerous?

Summary

The potential harm of aluminium in deodorants is a topic of ongoing debate and research. While some studies suggest possible health risks, definitive evidence is lacking.

Aluminium can be absorbed through the skin, but the extent of absorption is generally minimal under normal conditions. Studies have shown that while aluminium is present in many personal care products, including antiperspirants, the skin acts as a significant barrier to its absorption.

Potential Health Concerns

• Breast Cancer Risk: Some research has explored a potential link between aluminium-containing deodorants and breast cancer, focusing on aluminium's absorption, oxidative stress induction, estrogenic activity, and hormonal disruption. However, no direct causal connection has been established, and further research is needed to clarify these findings.

• General Toxicity: Aluminum is considered potentially toxic, with concerns about its role in cancer and other health issues. However, its penetration through the skin is thought to be low, which may mitigate some risks.

• Radiation Therapy: A study found no adverse effects on skin reactions during radiation therapy for breast cancer from using aluminium-containing deodorants. These deodorants reduce sweating without increasing skin toxicity.

Key Findings on Aluminum Absorption Through Skin

• Minimal Absorption in Humans: Research indicates that only a very small fraction (0.012% to 0.00052%) of aluminium from antiperspirants is absorbed through human skin. This absorption rate is significantly lower than the amount typically absorbed through the gut from dietary sources.

• Increased Absorption in Altered Skin Conditions: In vitro studies have shown that aluminium absorption can increase significantly when applied to stripped or damaged skin, suggesting that the skin's integrity plays a crucial role in limiting aluminium uptake.

• Animal Studies: In mice, prolonged exposure to aluminium chloride resulted in increased aluminium levels in the brain, indicating that under certain conditions, aluminium can penetrate the skin and accumulate in the body. (Caveat - YOU ARE NOT A MOUSE)

• Health Implications: While the absorption of aluminium through intact skin is minimal, concerns remain about its potential health effects, particularly concerning neurological diseases and cancer. However, the evidence linking aluminium exposure from skin absorption to these health issues is not conclusive and requires further investigation.

Conclusion

Overall, while aluminium can be absorbed through the skin, the amount is generally negligible under normal conditions, such as the use of antiperspirants on healthy skin. However, increased absorption can occur if the skin barrier is compromised. The potential health risks associated with aluminium absorption through the skin remain a topic of ongoing research.

Sources:

1. T. Hangan et al. "Exploring the Potential Link between Aluminum-Containing Deodorants/Antiperspirants and Breast Cancer: A Comprehensive Review.." Current medicinal chemistry (2024). https://doi.org/10.2174/0109298673269343231025070053.

2. Lucy Lewis et al. "Evaluating the effects of aluminum-containing and non-aluminum containing deodorants on axillary skin toxicity during radiation therapy for breast cancer: a 3-armed randomized controlled trial.." International journal of radiation oncology, biology, physics, 90 4 (2014): 765-71 . https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijrobp.2014.06.054.

3. Sofia Ödborn et al. "The Science of Deodorants." (2020).

4. Fitri Anjani et al. "Analisis Kadar Aluminium Klorohidrat pada Produk Deodoran-Antiperspiran dengan Berbagai Metode Penelitian." Bandung Conference Series: Pharmacy (2024). https://doi.org/10.29313/bcsp.v4i2.14833.

5. A. Pineau et al. "If exposure to aluminium in antiperspirants presents health risks, its content should be reduced.." Journal of trace elements in medicine and biology : organ of the Society for Minerals and Trace Elements, 28 2 (2014): 147-50 . https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jtemb.2013.12.002.

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