Underarm Antiperspirants Deemed Safe for 5 Billion Users as Experts Distinguish Them From Deodorants
Updated
Updated · The Guardian · Jul 5
Underarm Antiperspirants Deemed Safe for 5 Billion Users as Experts Distinguish Them From Deodorants
3 articles · Updated · The Guardian · Jul 5
Summary
Routine underarm antiperspirant and deodorant use is unlikely to cause harm, with studies consistently disproving claims that aluminum in antiperspirants causes breast cancer or Alzheimer’s disease.
Aluminum-based antiperspirants temporarily plug sweat ducts and are regulated in the US as over-the-counter drugs, while deodorants fight odor on the skin with fragrance, acids or neutralizers and are regulated as cosmetics.
Armpit sweat blocking does not meaningfully impair cooling because eccrine glands across most of the body handle temperature control, while odor mainly comes from bacteria breaking down thicker apocrine sweat in the armpits and groin.
Whole-body deodorants offer limited biological benefit for most people because sweat on areas like arms and legs usually does not cause odor; sprays are often little more than diluted perfume.
About 5% of Americans have hyperhidrosis, a disabling excess-sweating condition better treated with dermatology care, prescription topicals or Botox than with standard cosmetic deodorants.