Every morning that we use deodorant, we are writing a message to those around us. With armpits that don't smell like us, we assure those around us that we are in control of ourselves and are happy to erase any trace of our personality that might bother others.
Facts about the use of aluminum in deodorants and antiperspirants
Consumers can take up aluminium compounds from various sources, including antiperspirants containing aluminium. As stated in the BfR Opinion of 2019 (045/2019) on aluminium intake, the total burden resulting from all sources of exposure is too high in some population groups. This finding is not affected by the current reassessment of the contribution of aluminium chlorohydrate in antiperspirants, a product group that is used daily. Their contribution to the total aluminium burden is significantly lower than previously assumed. This is the result of the current risk assessment by the German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR). BfR President Professor Dr. Dr. Andreas Hensel: “Significantly less aluminium is absorbed through skin than previously calculated on the basis of the limited data available at the time.” BfR assessed absorption via the skin, i.e. dermal absorption, of aluminium salts for the first time in 2014. “At that time, we pointed out the substantial scientific uncertainty surrounding the data and drew attention to the urgent need for research,” continued Hensel. In the meantime, two human studies addressing those data gaps were conducted in 2016 and 2019. Only the latter was able to produce findings to support reassessment. Therefore, reliable data became only available five years after the BfR's request for a scientifically reliable skin absorption study. Hensel: “In this case, our current risk assessment also shows just how dynamic the scientific process can be on certain issues, and that it remains a matter of continuously reducing existing uncertainties by closing data gaps.”
Deodorant and antiperspirants: safe when used correctly.
A few years ago, authorities warned about the most important ingredient in deodorant. Aluminum salts were suspected of causing cancer or Alzheimer's.
the German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment recommended products without aluminum salts due to the uncertain data.
In 2020, the German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment withdrew this risk assessment. New research had shown that far less aluminum enters the body through the skin than previously thought. The American Cancer Society also sees no danger.
Antiperspirant vs. deodorant. What's the difference?
Although both are used in the same way, deodorants and antiperspirants have a completely different effect: deodorants prevent the formation of body odor, but not sweat. Antiperspirants prevent sweating and keep the body dry
WHAT IS A DEODORANT?
Deodorants eliminate the odor in the armpits without preventing the formation of sweat.
Many believe that unpleasant body odor is caused by sweat itself. In reality, sweat itself is almost odorless. Body odor only occurs when sweat is broken down by the bacteria that naturally occur on the skin.
This is where the deodorant comes in: when applied, it affects the skin flora, making it less attractive to bacteria.
WHAT IS AN ANTIPERSPIRANT?
Antiperspirants prevent sweat formation by temporarily closing the sweat pores. They help control the formation of sweat.
This makes it more difficult for sweat to pass through the pores to the surface of the skin for a while.