advice: reader ponders risks of antiperspirant
have you heard that antiperspirants cause cancer? or kidney disease? or they trap toxins in our bodies? nope, nope and nope.
2 minute read
what's the bottom line on the health risks of anti-perspirant? stock/getty
dear asking for a friend,
i am wondering if you can help me make sense of deodorant. now that i am working from home more, i am not using as much deodorant, and i most definitely am not battling the stress sweat as much. however, i don’t want to completely forgo nice-smelling armpits. i am looking for the bottom line: is anti-perspirant bad for me? is natural better?
signed, lonely pits
dear lonely pits,
with physical distance measures in place and less people socializing than ever before, self-care has become somewhat of an afterthought. it’s not surprising then, that in lockdown, the demand for personal care items has declined. when it comes to minimizing sweat and body odour, conventional antiperspirants and deodorants are still a popular choice, but more people are exploring non-toxic, organic options when it comes to sweetening their pits.
the bottom line is that antiperspirants and deodorants can significantly reduce body odour. deodorants, which are typically alcohol-based, increase skin acidity and reduce bacteria, whereas aluminum-based antiperspirants work by temporarily blocking our sweat pores. both products effectively minimize sweat and body odour, but there is ongoing debate about whether they are safe for our health.
advertisement
some have suggested that aluminum-based compounds found in antiperspirants may contribute to breast cancer, but multiple studies to date have found no possible link or increased risk.
“there is no evidence that aluminum-containing antiperspirants cause breast cancer, less aluminum is thought to be absorbed through antiperspirants than food,” says dr. nowell solish, a cosmetic dermatologist in toronto.
it has also been suggested that because an antiperspirant is applied near the lymph nodes and stops sweat, it somehow compromises our body’s ability to rid itself of toxins, but the canadian cancer society debunks these claims, and instead suggests that our liver and kidneys eliminate more toxins than perspiration.
and what about those warning labels we see on deodorants and antiperspirants for people with advanced kidney disease? solish suggests that “most kidney experts feel that it is almost impossible to absorb enough through normal application of antiperspirants to cause risk to the kidneys.” he adds that over-the-counter anti-sweat toiletries –— typically for those with excessive sweating or hyperhidrosis are also safe. excessive sweating is usually nothing to worry about, but in some cases, it could point to diabetes, infection or thyroid problems.
advertisement
women were first shamed about body odour back in early 1900s when a new york advertising agency launched a campaign urging them to use an antiperspirant to avoid being rejected by society and their love interests. preying on women and their insecurities proved lucrative as antiperspirant sales increased 112 per cent soon after.
as consumers, we can choose conventional products at affordable price points or explore options with “clean” ingredients. the only caveat is that “natural” toiletries have a higher price point, and because of their formulation, you might have to try a few different brands before you find one that’s right for you.
is there something about health that you (or a friend, wink, wink) have always wondered about, but are too embarrassed to ask? send a note to info@healthing.ca. we promise your ‘friend’s’ secret – and identity – is safe with us.
don’t miss the latest on covid-19, reopening and life. subscribe to healthing’s daily newsletter coming out of covid.
share story
