OCTOBER 2022 | 5 Minute Read
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“Does aluminum in deodorant cause cancer?” is probably a question that has crossed your mind at some point. The topic of antiperspirant, aluminum, and breast cancer is very controversial. Although it has not been scientifically proven yet that aluminum chloride in antiperspirant causes breast cancer, there are more medical studies and research indicating that there are possible links between the two.
Using antiperspirant exposes you to several ‘chemicals of concern’ 365 days a year. The armpit area is so close to your lymph nodes, that receiving a dose of highly suspicious chemicals every day is worth thinking about and considering why aluminum in deodorant could be a bad idea.
Estrogen is the primary female sex hormone and plays an important role in the development and regulation of the female reproductive system, including the breasts. Researchers from the University of Thessaly, Greece, found that aluminum chloride found in antiperspirants could increase estrogen receptors (ER) and estrogen gene expression in breast tissue.
“Some metals, known as metalloestrogens, are also known to elicit estrogen-like activity. Among them, aluminum.”
Why does that matter? Several studies have shown that estrogen plays “a crucial role in mammary gland morphogenesis and breast cancer progression.” In other words, high levels of estrogen have been linked to breast cancer cell growth. Estrogen has been shown to stimulate cancer growth in estrogen receptor (ER) positive breast cancer. Approximately 67-80% of breast cancer patients have ER positive breast cancer.
The University of Geneva, Faculty of Medicine, conducted a research study where they exposed the skin cells of mice to the same amount of aluminum chloride found in antiperspirants.
The skin cells of mice were extracted and then cultured with aluminum chloride for 6 months. They then injected 10 mice with the aluminum cultured skin cells and after 5 weeks, they found 8 of the 10 mice had developed tumors and the tumors had metastasized into their lungs.
Not only did prolonged exposure to aluminum turn skin cells into tumor cells, but they can also bypass the body’s immune cells which work to protect the body against tumors.
Breast cancer that metastasizes (ability to spread to other parts of the body) is a lot more serious, more likely to reoccur later on, and harder to treat than localized breast cancer.
There is a large concentration of lymph nodes near the breast tissue and underarm (axillary lymph nodes). If the cancer spreads to the lymph nodes, it can easily spread to the rest of the body through the bloodstream. The more lymph nodes that are affected by cancer, the more likely the cancer will reoccur.
Though the verdict on whether aluminum in antiperspirants causes breast cancer, I always advise to use a precautionary approach. This means that since this ingredient is suspicious and deodorant/antiperspirant is something you apply every single day for years and years, it’s best to avoid.
The simplest way to avoid aluminum is by using aluminum-free natural deodorant.
Many people hesitate to switch to natural deodorant as they are worried about smelling throughout the day, and I was the same before I switched. Thankfully, natural deodorants have come a very long way and understanding of what happens when you switch is also widely available.
I call the transition phase The Stages of Detox – studies show that you can expect a 2 to 4 week period where you will experience an increased level of odor-causing bacteria when you stop using antiperspirant. The good news is it does subside after the detox period, and I developed a system to help you with this transition, because no one wants to worry about smelling.
the takesumi detox 2-step system is a method to help manage that excess odor-causing bacteria while you transition, and continue to make your deodorant perform throughout the day. You start in the shower with the underarm bar to kill odor-causing bacteria and remove pore-clogging buildup. Follow with the charcoal deodorant to neutralize odor and draw out impurities throughout the day – it’s that simple!
Avoiding a suspicious ingredient like aluminum in antiperspirant, that would be applied every single day is the best approach. Using the takesumi detox 2-step system to help you transition will ensure you can do so without the fear of smelling.
All content found on this website is created for informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this Website.
Clean beauty industry maven and product developer Madame Sweat (Mary Futher) founded kaia naturals after spending 20 years working for global beauty companies. She now shares advice on modern hygiene etiquette for grooming, hosting, home and travel on Instagram, TikTok and her popular blog called The House of Hygiene.
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