It’s important to know what goes in and on your body. Many products we use every day contain chemicals and other ingredients that simply don’t align with a natural, organic lifestyle. One such ingredient is aluminum. While aluminum does exist naturally in the earth’s crust, that doesn’t mean it needs to be part of your deodorant or antiperspirant. Is aluminum in deodorant harmful for your health? Why is it there in the first place? Find out more with our guide to how aluminum works and how it might affect your health.
Why Do Deodorants Contain Aluminum?
The aluminum compounds in cosmetic products work to help reduce sweat. Aluminum salts dissolve and plug sweat ducts, blocking sweat from gathering on your skin. This is why aluminum is such an important ingredient in antiperspirants. However, all-natural crystal deodorants use aluminum as well. The earth’s crust contains deposits of aluminum, which means it can technically be called a natural ingredient. Unfortunately, this doesn’t necessarily mean it’s something you want in your beauty products.
Is Aluminum in Deodorant Harmful for Your Health?
Some research suggests that, when these aluminum salts dissolve, the skin absorbs them. From there, the aluminum might cause hormonal effects on the tissue. Studies have linked aluminum-based deodorants and antiperspirants to an increased chance of developing breast cancer. It also has a potential connection to the development of Alzheimer's. Additionally, aluminum ingredients can prove harmful to individuals with weakened kidneys, as their bodies have a harder time filtering out the aluminum.
Many theories and studies about the health risks of aluminum ingredients are still ongoing. However, the fact remains that aluminum-based deodorants can potentially have negative effects on your body. There’s no real need to use them—especially not when there are plenty of healthy organic alternatives on the market. In fact, you can even buy organic deodorant online at Island Deodorant. We’ll help you discover the benefits of natural, aluminum-free products that work for you and your body.