Natural Health Reviews

Research and the Health Concerns of Aluminum

Aluminum-based compounds are found in most commercial antiperspirants and deodorants on the market today.  Some safety concerns have been raised about the prolonged use of these aluminum-based compounds, and that they may be a linked to certain health problems. Studies have shown that aluminum chlorohydrate is the least irritating of all the aluminum salts from a topical standpoint. However, the real concern for some is that aluminum is a known neurotoxin, and that applying it directly to the body in the form of a daily deodorant/antiperspirant may pose some health risks.  Health officials have tried to link aluminum exposure to an increased risk of Alzheimer’s Disease since some studies have shown a higher than normal concentration of aluminum in the brain cells of Alzheimer patients.  However, some of these studies were inconclusive so the debate will continue.  Another shared concern is that exposure to aluminum based compounds may increase your risk of developing breast cancer.  Since the underarm skin is near the breast, the aluminum compounds in deodorant/antiperspirant are absorbed by the skin.  Once absorbed, studies have shown that these aluminum based compounds have estrogen-like effects on the body.  Since the hormone estrogen is known to promote the growth of breast cancer cells, some feel that the frequent use of aluminum based deodorants/antiperspirants could contribute to the development of breast cancer.  Yet, since there is no conclusive evidence to support this theory, some in the medical profession feel there is no merit to the claim.  However, the medical profession does agree on the fact that exposure to large amounts of aluminum can lead to nerve toxicity.  So, the question becomes, can small amounts of aluminum exposure over time cause harm, or should we be concerned with only large exposure?  Our exposure to aluminum expands well beyond the use of deodorants and antiperspirants.  We are exposed to aluminum on a daily basis from many sources such as antacids, drinking water, toothpaste in aluminum tubes, baking powder, canned foods, and aluminum cookware. 

Limit Your Exposure to Aluminum by Using an Aluminum-free Deodorant

It seems to me that the debate surrounding aluminum exposure and increased health risks will continue for some time.  However, we know these facts for sure- our bodies do not need aluminum and that breast cancer and Alzheimer’s cases continue to climb.  That being the case, one should consider modifying their daily life by limiting their exposure to aluminum, at least until the medical debate is settled.  Some time ago our family chose to reduce our exposure to aluminum by making these easy changes- filtration of drinking water and getting rid of our aluminum cookware.  We have also tried several brands of aluminum-free body deodorants through the years but haven’t been happy with the results.  We were concerned with the potential problems associated with aluminum deodorants/antiperspirants but were equally concerned with people steering clear of us because of body odor.  Lets face it- we have all come in contact with those people that choose to go “all natural” when it comes to body care and the end result is not particularly appealing, especially on a hot, humid day.  There is no denying the fact that aluminum deodorants/antiperspirants are very effective in controlling body odor and perspiration.  Conversely, aluminum-free body deodorants are designed to control odor only and not perspiration.  There are few effective aluminum-free deodorant products on the market today.   The one that we have found to be the most effective is Crystal Body Deodorant.  Unlike many natural deodorants that only mask odor with scents or fragrances, Crystal Body Deodorant is made of natural mineral salts which prevent odor by neutralizing the odor causing bacteria on the skin.   In addition to being aluminum free, Crystal Body Deodorant is:

• Safe for the environment - rated #1 by the Environmental Working Group
• NOT tested on animals
• Recommended by cancer treatment centers nationwide
• Roll-on and spray products are made in the USA
• Hypoallergenic, paraben and alcohol free, and
• Non-sticky, non-staining, and leaves no white residue

We have found Crystal Body Deodorant to be very effective if it is applied to clean skin before odor causing bacteria can take hold.   We now use it every day with a few exceptions.  We will fall back on an aluminum based deodorant/antiperspirant if we have a stressful meeting or important presentation coming up that may lend to increased perspiration due to nervousness.  We figure that any reduction in the daily use of aluminum body products is better than doing nothing at all.  With the unsettled debate surrounding aluminum based deodorants/antiperspirants possibly contributing to the development of breast cancer and Alzheimer’s disease, it may prove wise to reduce your exposure to aluminum based body products until the verdict is in.  You can find Crystal Body Products at their company website, in most health food stores, and in some health food sections of large grocery chains such as Fred Meyer.  You can also purchase Crystal Body Products at Amazon.com by clicking on the product links below. Amazon offers bulk packages which slightly drives the unit price down and may be subject to free shipping. By accessing Amazon with the product links below I will receive a small referral fee from Amazon through their affiliate program. You will not be charged any additional amount by Amazon for this referral fee.