Several years ago we began to see email messages linking antiperspirants to breast cancer. Our initial reaction was to dismiss them out of hand without even checking. It seemed like such an outlandish scare tactic that it was hardly worth our time or energy.
But readers of our syndicated newspaper column kept asking us whether the aluminum in their antiperspirant might be increasing their risk of breast cancer or Alzheimer’s disease. Visitors to the PeoplesPharmacy.com website were equally concerned. At that time there seemed to be no clear association. An article in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute (Oct 16, 2002) concluded that there was no connection between use of antiperspirants and the risk of breast cancer.
More recent research, however, has raised some disturbing doubts about the safety of ingredients in antiperspirants. A new study just out from the Journal of Applied Toxicology has found that women with breast cancer have high levels of paraben preservatives in their tissues. Parabens are commonly found in cosmetics and other personal care products. Parabens have some estrogenic activity and concerns have been raised about their ability to encourage abnormal cell growth in the breast (Alternative Medicine Review, Sept, 2010).
As long ago as 2004 scientists were beginning to debate whether parabens in underarm cosmetics might have estrogenic activity and might be contributing to the risk of breast cancer (Journal of Applied Toxicology, May-June, 2004). They called for further research, which now appears to be suggesting a potential problem.
In addition to the paraben problem in antiperspirants, there is another troublesome chemical to contend with. Virtually all antiperspirants contain aluminum compounds such as aluminum chloride or aluminum chlorohydrate. These chemicals reduce perspiration. A new study suggests, however, that aluminum compounds can change the way breast cells divide, even at low concentrations (Journal of Applied Toxicology, online, Jan. 6, 2012). The authors of this research conclude: “Our observations do not formally identify aluminium as a breast carcinogen, but challenge the safety ascribed to its widespread use in underarm cosmetics.” There is also research to suggest that aluminum concentrates in breast tissue, possibly from exposure to aluminum-containing antiperspirants (Journal of Applied Toxicology, April, 2011).
Doubtless, the FDA and other public health officials will say there is nothing to worry about. At best, they will call for more research. We think more research is crucial, but we are also growing quite concerned about the data that already exist.
Some women may wish to avoid both aluminum and parabens in their antiperspirants. One way to do that is to use an alternative approach. For years, readers of our newspaper column have been singing the praises of milk of magnesia (MoM) as a deodorant. Many people find it can be applied straight from the blue bottle. Others have found our People’s Pharmacy Roll-On Milk of Magnesia Deodorant is convenient, gentle and effective. It is also free of aluminum chlorohydrate and parabens.
Here is just one of many testimonials:
“I have been using deodorant rather than antiperspirant for years due to the aluminum worry. I recently tried milk of magnesia based on the People’s Pharmacy comments. It works great! Better than deodorant!”
More information about The People’s Pharmacy MoM roll-on deodorant here and here.
