Studies in recent years have highlighted a possible link between the aluminium and parabens used in antiperspirants and deodorants and breast cancer in women. Some scientists believe this link is significant enough to warrant further research; others completely dismiss it. Confused? Read on and make up your own mind…
Latest opinions…
I always had a gut feeling anti perspirants were bad news. It\'s just logical you don\'t go against nature like that, but used it through…
rosalind, Northampton
Sweating is part of our natural detoxing system, so to stop the sweating process surely can\'t be a smart move? Sanex are now making a n…
Koshka, Bodmin
I suffer from extreme sweating and I\'ve tried every deoderant/anti-perspirant under the sun. The only thing that keeps me dry is Mitchu…
Angie Wilkie, Edinburgh
What are aluminium & parabens?
Aluminium compounds are found in the vast majority of antiperspirants and represent approximately a quarter of the total ingredients of some brands. Aluminium-based complexes bind themselves to the electrolytesElectrolyte: A substance that breaks up into ions (electrically charged particles) when it is dissolved in body fluids or water. Some examples of electrolytes are sodium, potassium, chloride and calcium. in sweat to form a ‘plug’ in the duct of the sweat gland. The plugs block the glands, temporarily reducing sweating.
Parabens have been used in cosmetic and skincare products for many years and function as a low cost preservative. They are essentially added to deodorants and anti-perspirants in order to extend their shelf life. Parabens have also been traditionally favoured for their bactericidal and fungicidal effects. While some parabens are found naturally in plant sources, almost all commercially used parabens are synthetically produced.