Aluminum-based antiperspirants are a common product that reduces sweating and controls body odor. However, there has been a lot of debate in recent years about whether or not these products are safe. Some people believe that aluminum in antiperspirants is dangerous, while others believe that the product’s benefits outweigh the potential risks. This article will explore the evidence and arguments on both sides of the debate to determine if aluminum-based antiperspirants are dangerous. We will look at the research and evidence on the safety of aluminum, as well as the potential risks associated with using antiperspirants.
These days, most people have heard the rumor that aluminum-based antiperspirants can harm everyone’s health.
But how true is this assumption?
It turns out that the dangers of aluminum in antiperspirants that seemed so real at one time are largely unfounded. That is, science doesn’t back them up.
What was the antiperspirant scare even about?
Let’s first explain what people were afraid of in the first place.
Several years ago, the hundreds of articles and blog posts published explained how much of a risk you’re putting yourself at by using antiperspirants. Emails circulated stating the same thing.
Most of the articles and emails explained that aluminum — which is the active ingredient in most antiperspirants — was causing women to get breast cancer.
Another claim was that the aluminum in antiperspirants caused kidney disease. Because people with kidney disease have trouble filtering aluminum from their bodies, and it can build up in unhealthy amounts, people widely held this belief. However, nephrologists agree that you would need to practically eat part of your antiperspirant stick daily to ingest enough aluminum to make it a problem.
Finally, researchers conducted a wealth of research on the link between Alzheimer’s disease and aluminum. Numerous people questioned aluminum products, such as aluminum food cans, antiperspirants, and antacids. However, in the end, they found no link between aluminum and Alzheimer’s.
Instead of absorbing, it simply reacts with your sweat and creates a plug. This blocks the sweat ducts from producing sweat and a foul smell. We have written earlier about things known to cause cancer. Antiperspirants are not one of those, according to recent scientific data.
What are the Benefits of Aluminum-Based Antiperspirants?
Aluminum-based antiperspirants are a common and effective method for reducing excessive sweating. About 70% of people in the United States use antiperspirants regularly. While many worries that aluminum-based antiperspirants may be dangerous, it is important to note that these products have been studied extensively and are considered safe for most people. Aluminum-based antiperspirants have been shown to reduce sweating for up to 24 hours after application effectively. Studies show that antiperspirants containing aluminum chloride were particularly effective at reducing sweating.
So is it definitively safe to use aluminum-based antiperspirants?
Most doctors and health professionals agree that it is perfectly safe to continue using your aluminum-based antiperspirants. If the thought of a health scare still puts you off from these products. There are all-natural deodorant alternatives on the market. Remember that these are not usually as effective as aluminum-based antiperspirants. You may need to apply them more often to keep your body odor at bay.
Rick Kaselj MS, is a leading kinesiologist and injury specialist as well as co-creator of the best-selling Unlock Your Hip Flexors program. Rick creates exercise programs that help people heal injuries and eliminate pain, so they can go back to living a full, active, healthy life.
