From the Research
Aluminum in Antiperspirants and Medical Problems
- The use of aluminum (Al) in antiperspirants has raised concerns regarding its safety in humans, as it may constitute a key exposure route to the human body and a potential source of damage 1.
- Studies have shown that Al from antiperspirants can be absorbed through viable human stripped skin, and its potential toxicity has been clearly demonstrated 1, 2.
- Research suggests that Al could be involved in cancerogenic processes, and it is suspected of being involved in breast cancer, as it may accumulate in the mammary gland and selectively interfere with the biological properties of breast epithelial cells 1, 3, 2, 4.
Breast Cancer Risk
- The potential association between aluminum-containing deodorants/antiperspirants and breast cancer has been investigated, and some studies suggest that Al may play a role in the development of breast cancer, particularly in the upper outer quadrant of the breast 3, 2, 4.
- Al has been shown to have a genotoxic profile, capable of causing DNA alterations and epigenetic effects, and it may interfere with the function of estrogen receptors in breast cancer cells, adding to the list of metals capable of interfering with estrogen action 2, 4.
Toxicity and Exposure
- The toxicity of Al has been widely recognized, and it is not a physiological component in human tissues, suggesting that reducing the concentration of this metal in antiperspirants is a matter of urgency 1.
- The internal aluminum load can be measured in terms of the concentration of aluminum in urine and blood, and keeping these concentrations below the tolerance values can prevent the development of manifest and subclinical signs of aluminum toxicity 5.
- Consumers are advised to limit their exposure to Al by making a conscious choice to minimize exposure to this compound, particularly in antiperspirants 4.