Nathan Exposed » Do antiperspirants cause cancer?

Do you know what chemicals are in your antiperspirant?

I’ve recently started making an effort to look at the ingredients in everything I use on a daily basis. I believe that I have to take full responsibility for everything I do. I can no longer play the dumb consumer who doesn’t know any better.

Aluminum = cancer?

One thing in particular that’s been on my mind for awhile is antiperspirant. My friend Eddy first enlightened me about the aluminum ingredients. Aluminum is the active ingredient in all antiperspirants because it is a substance that can actually block the sweat glands to prevent anything from coming out.

There are many studies that suggest aluminum may contribute to different types of cancer, but as of right now, the American Cancer Society states that there is no solid evidence to confirm that aluminum has any effect on cancer. Having said that, it’s still being discussed and researched, which bothers me.

There is still a big question mark. I need to know with 100% certainty that aluminum cannot cause harm. So far, nobody has been able to say that.

The talc connection

Another ingredient often found in antiperspirants is talc. Do you remember buying talcum powder? Try finding it in a store now. You probably won’t because talc particles have been found in cancer tumors. How did the talc get there?

Because of concerns, most companies have replaced talc with cornstarch. Read the label of baby powder, and you’ll see it says “100% Talc Free” on the front. But some makers of antiperspirant won’t make the change to cornstarch. So now you have aluminum and talc in the same product.

I don’t want to sound like an extremist here. So far, nobody has been able to fully prove that either substance can be directly linked to cancer. But it has to make you wonder. If companies have stopped using talc, and the American Cancer Society is doing tests on aluminum, should we really use products that may turn out to be harmful?

My suggested alternative

I started out by trying some kind of Goldbond product that was supposed to reduce sweat. Yuck! I smelled awful by the end of the day, and I sit at a computer for a living! I then asked Eddy for his recipe to make my own natural, safe deodorant.

It sounded awesome, but it required a few items that aren’t carried at my local grocery store. Realistically, I probably wouldn’t keep up with making my own if it took too much effort.

So I have found a great product at my local Walgreens and it’s been extremely effective! I do not smell bad at all, and it actually does cut back on sweat using natural ingredients.

It’s from Tom’s of Maine and it’s the Unscented Natural Deodorant Stick. All of the ingredients are clearly stated and explained on the package.

There are mixed reviews on the site. Most people love the product but a few did not have good results. I guess you can’t win them all. But the bottom line is that it worked for me, and so I highly recommend it. I think it’s worth a try. If you like it as well as you like your antiperspirant, you’ll be all set with a product that’s safer, and has ingredients you understand.

Thu, May 24, 2007 @ 9:50 pm | Filed in Life | Permalink

4 Comments

I think aluminium is more so connected with Alzheimers. That’s why it’s not a good idea to cook in an aluminium saucepan.

Posted by enihsnus on Thu, May 24, 2007 @ 10:43 pm

Also, I’m curious, Nathan - what are the ingredients in that stick?

Posted by enihsnus on Thu, May 24, 2007 @ 10:44 pm

I love Tom’sof Maine products. Whenever possible I use their stuff. Their toothpaste is great.
In Az, not to sound gross, the humidity is so low that perspiration evaporates before it can go stale, which is when it starts to smell bad.

Posted by DEL on Fri, May 25, 2007 @ 2:28 am

I use the exact same deodorant - works great, doesn’t stain shirts, plus the health benefit you mentioned.

Posted by Shutternick on Mon, May 28, 2007 @ 8:42 am