From the Guidelines
Aluminum zirconium tetrachlorhydrex GLY 20% is generally considered safe for long-term use in antiperspirants for most people, but it's essential to weigh the potential risks and benefits, particularly for individuals with kidney disease or those at risk of aluminum toxicity. The available evidence from studies such as 1 suggests that while aluminum compounds can be toxic in high doses, the amounts typically used in antiperspirants are not associated with significant health risks for the general population. However, certain individuals, such as those with chronic kidney disease, may need to exercise caution due to the potential for aluminum accumulation and toxicity, as highlighted in studies like 1 and 1. Some key points to consider include:
- The FDA has approved aluminum zirconium tetrachlorhydrex GLY 20% for use in over-the-counter antiperspirants, indicating its safety for most people.
- Skin irritation or allergic reactions can occur, particularly in individuals with sensitive skin or certain skin conditions, as noted in general guidelines for antiperspirant use.
- Despite concerns about links to breast cancer or Alzheimer's disease, major health organizations and comprehensive reviews have not found reliable evidence supporting these claims, as indicated by the lack of specific warnings or recommendations against aluminum-based antiperspirants in studies like 1 and 1.
- For those concerned about aluminum, aluminum-free deodorants are available as alternatives, although they may not provide the same antiperspirant effect. It's crucial to follow the recommended usage and to be aware of any changes in health status that might affect the safe use of aluminum-based antiperspirants, considering the guidelines provided in 1 for preventing aluminum toxicity.
From the Research
Aluminum Zirconium Tetrachlorhydrex GLY 20% in Antiperspirants
- The use of aluminum zirconium tetrachlorhydrex GLY 20% in antiperspirants has raised concerns about potential health risks due to aluminum exposure 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- Studies have investigated the dermal absorption of aluminum from antiperspirants, with results indicating that only a small percentage of applied aluminum is absorbed through the skin 3, 4.
- One study found that approximately 0.012% of applied aluminum was absorbed, resulting in about 4 microg of aluminum being absorbed from a single use of antiperspirant on both underarms 3.
- Another study demonstrated that aluminum uptake from antiperspirant formulations was insignificant (≤0.07% of the quantity of Al deposited) and varied according to the formulations 4.
- However, high transdermal aluminum uptake was observed on stripped skin, highlighting the need for caution in antiperspirant use, especially on damaged skin 4.
- Some studies suggest that long-term exposure to aluminum from antiperspirants may be associated with health risks, including breast cancer, due to aluminum's potential to interfere with estrogen receptors and cause genomic instability 5, 6.
- The potential toxicity of aluminum and its suspected involvement in cancerogenic processes have led to calls for reducing the concentration of aluminum in antiperspirants 6.