Should you be worried aboutantiperspirant side effects? Yes and no. Much controversy surroundsantiperspirant — it’s been loosely linked to some scary diseases. But thesweat-stopping product is not necessarily badfor you. Let's dive into the details of potential harmful effects of deodorant.
Over the last two decades, studies have linked antiperspirantto serious health problems like breast cancer, Alzheimer’s and dementia. Butmost of these studies are inconclusive at best.
Phony Antiperspirant Side Effects
Don't buy into the misinformation surrounding antiperspirant and deodorant.
Breast Cancer
A few studies from the early 2000s conclude that aluminum inantiperspirant might increase the risk of breast cancer. They suggest aluminum compounds found in cancerousbreast cells near the armpit are theresult of antiperspirant use.
Scientists today counter that it’s unlikely antiperspiranttoxins migrate to the breast tissue and cause cancer. Your pores aren’tbottomless pits; they’re closed at the bottom. They also protect your body from outside chemicals.
Yes, in large quantities aluminum is dangerous. Butantiperspirants contain only a small concentration and have been deemed safe bythe FDA.
In the past, antiperspirants have come under fire forcontaining steareths and formaldehyde, “probable human carcinogens”according to the International Agency for Research on Cancer. But the FDAactively monitors their use, and theCosmetic Ingredient Review deems lowconcentrations harmless when used in personal care products.
Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia
Alzheimer’s is definitelynot an antiperspirant side effect, but dementia could be.
Oneoutdated study discovered that Alzheimer’s patients hadmore aluminum in their brains than people without the disease. But scientiststested this theory in2002 and2014 and concluded there is “no clear evidence”that antiperspirant causes Alzheimer’s.
Antiperspirant use could lead to dementia if yourkidney function is below 30 percent. But the FDA requires antiperspirant brands toinclude a warning on every product.
Prevents Carcinogens From Exiting The Body
Don’t be fooled by this misinformation circulating online. Youdon’t “sweat-out” carcinogens from your sweat glands. They’reexpelled by your kidneys and liver.
Real Antiperspirant Side Effects
Antiperspirant isn’t life-threatening, but there are someside effects that might persuade you to choose a natural option.
Hormone Disruption
Many antiperspirant brands have discontinued the use ofhormone disrupters like BHTs, parabens and triclosan because they interferewith your thyroid and gene functions. But you should always check the label forthese questionable ingredients.
Allergic Reactions
This is the most common antiperspirant side effect. If youexperience irritation, redness or itching from antiperspirant, stay away fromformulas with artificial ingredients and dyes! Words like “Yellow Number 1” and“Fragrance” aren’t a good sign.
Changes The Armpit Microbiome
New research has found that antiperspirant does affect thetype of bacteria that lives in your pits. What does this mean? We don’t knowyet, scientists say more research is needed.
Conclusion: Antiperspirants Are Safe
For the general population, antiperspirants are safe for daily use. However, if you experience adverse antiperspirant side effects, there is an alternative solution.
The Thompson Tee is a sweat proof undershirt guaranteed to block underarm sweat — or your money back. The built-in sweat proof underarm barrier absorbs sweat and helps it evaporate — keeping you sweat mark-free all day long.
With a variety of sizes, necklines and colors formen andwomen, you’re sure to find a Thompson Tee that fits your style. Try it risk-free!
FAQs
In general, deodorants and antiperspirants are safe products for most people in good health to use. However, if you have an allergy or other health condition that could be affected by the ingredients in deodorant, it's best to discuss this with your doctor.
Is antiperspirant or deodorant bad for you? ›
Antiperspirants: Should You Worry? In short: No. There is no real scientific evidence that aluminum or any of the other ingredients in these products pose any threat to human health.
What are the long term effects of antiperspirant? ›
Are There Harmful Effects of Using Deodorant? Over the last two decades, studies have linked antiperspirant to serious health problems like breast cancer, Alzheimer's and dementia. But most of these studies are inconclusive at best.
Is it okay to use antiperspirant every day? ›
But one of the most surprising revelations is that we shouldn't be putting on antiperspirant every day. According to Harper, if you apply it well enough, you shouldn't need to re-apply it often. "Apply two strokes up and two strokes down to each armpit.
What is the safest deodorant to use? ›
Safe for Sensitive Skin:
Primally Pure's deodorants are known for being gentle on sensitive skin, making them a go-to choice for those with skin sensitivities. Its soothing ingredients like shea butter and coconut oil provide relief to sensitive underarms, reducing the risk of skin irritation and rashes.
Is aluminum-free deodorant better? ›
While there is no “direct link” between aluminum and cancer, according to the American Cancer Society, using an aluminum-free deodorant is better as you're not putting unnecessary chemicals in your body. Aluminum-free deodorants usually contain natural ingredients that are gentler on the skin.
Is blocking sweat glands bad? ›
Long-term antiperspirant use can increase the risk of cysts due to the continual blocking of the sweat glands. To help reduce the risk of cyst formation, people should wash and exfoliate the area of skin regularly. People with hidradenitis suppurativa should avoid using antiperspirants that contain aluminum salts.
Why stop using antiperspirant? ›
In reality, an antiperspirant only blocks sweat from developing, and it does not address the bacteria that causes body odor. In fact, higher concentrations of chemicals or bacteria that are created when your body does not detox through sweat could make your body odor worse.
Can deodorant cause hormonal imbalance? ›
Both aluminum and parabens are potential endocrine disruptors, which means they have potential to mimic estrogen and interfere with the body's hormone levels at least in laboratory (non-human) studies.
What are the side effects of too much deodorant? ›
Symptoms of deodorant poisoning include: Abdominal pain. Blurred vision. Breathing difficulty.
The majority of Europeans regard the use of a deodorant or antiperspirant as a necessary part of their personal hygiene routine, leaving manufacturers little room to drive volume growth in this mature market.
Why do some cultures not wear deodorant? ›
Many factors--including genetic makeup, temperature, and social norms--contribute to whether people in different cultures choose to use deodorant. While deodorant is available around the world, it's more commonly used in some places than others.
Do you really need deodorant? ›
“If you stop wearing deodorant or antiperspirant, you can develop a stronger odor over time,” Doyle said. “When you stop using (such products) and sweat more, this creates a breeding ground for bacterial and fungal overgrowth, which can cause odor to become stronger.”
Is there any risk of deodorant to health? ›
In general, deodorants and antiperspirants are safe products for most people in good health to use. However, if you have an allergy or other health condition that could be affected by the ingredients in deodorant, it's best to discuss this with your doctor. Do you have questions about deodorant's impact on your health?
What is safer deodorant or antiperspirant? ›
Contrary to popular belief, one isn't better for you than the other. If you don't like the feeling of underarm wetness or you sweat through clothes, then an antiperspirant may be your best bet. If sweat doesn't bother you as much, but body odor is out of the question, try an aluminum free deodorant.
Which is more safe deodorant or antiperspirant? ›
Contrary to popular belief, one isn't better for you than the other. If you don't like the feeling of underarm wetness or you sweat through clothes, then an antiperspirant may be your best bet. If sweat doesn't bother you as much, but body odor is out of the question, try an aluminum free deodorant.
Is it better to use deodorant or antiperspirant after shower? ›
It's important to apply our deodorant to clean, dry skin. If you apply it to wet or damp skin, the deodorant may not adhere properly, which can reduce its effectiveness. For best results, apply deodorant after you've dried off completely from your shower.
Does antiperspirant make body odor worse? ›
Research has found that the salts in antiperspirants can cause an imbalance of bacteria. The aluminum compounds kill off the less smelly bacteria, giving the smellier bacteria more opportunity to thrive, causing more body odour.
What does antiperspirant do to your armpits? ›
Antiperspirants reduce sweat release from the eccrine sweat glands, thereby limiting the amount of secretion in the armpit area. Aluminum salts and other metal salts, such as zirconium, are known to reduce sweating by causing mechanical obstruction of glandular ducts.
