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Antiperspirants and Aluminum Chloride- is it safe to use?


Antiperspirants are widely used to control sweating and body odor. One of the active ingredients in many antiperspirants is aluminum chloride, which works by blocking sweat glands to reduce sweat production.

The safety of aluminum chloride has been a subject of debate for many years, with concerns raised about its potential to cause harm to the skin, as well as its absorption into the bloodstream and potential link to various health conditions such as Alzheimer's disease, breast cancer, and kidney problems.

However, numerous studies and reviews of the scientific literature have concluded that aluminum chloride in antiperspirants is safe for use. The European Union's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and the World Health Organization (WHO) have all declared that aluminum chloride is safe for topical use in antiperspirants.

In a review published in the Journal of Applied Toxicology (2004), the authors concluded that "there is no credible evidence to support the claims that aluminum-based antiperspirants are toxic, pose a health risk to consumers, or cause breast cancer."

Another review published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology (2017) stated that "the available evidence does not support the hypothesis that aluminum-containing antiperspirants cause breast cancer, Alzheimer's disease, or any other adverse health effects."

In conclusion, based on the current evidence, it is safe to use antiperspirants containing aluminum chloride as directed. If you have concerns about using antiperspirants or any other personal care products, it is best to speak to your doctor or a dermatologist for personalized advice.

References:

  • Journal of Applied Toxicology. 2004 Mar;24(2):91-8.
  • Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. 2017 Sep;77(3):531-539.e1
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