Does antiperspirant cause breast cancer?

Large epidemiological studies and reviews by health authorities including the FDA have not found a causal link between antiperspirant use and breast cancer, despite the long-running claim connecting them.

Can aluminum deodorant cause Alzheimer disease?

Regulatory safety reviews have not found credible evidence linking the cosmetic use of aluminum in antiperspirants to Alzheimer disease. The small amount of aluminum absorbed through intact skin is well below levels of concern.

Is aluminum-chlorohydrate in antiperspirants safe?

Aluminum chlorohydrate is the active ingredient in antiperspirants and has been reviewed extensively by safety authorities. It is graded low concern in published assessments and considered safe for cosmetic use at regulated levels.

active

Aluminum Chlorohydrate

Commonly feared, low concern·Strong evidence

An aluminum salt used in antiperspirants to temporarily plug sweat ducts and reduce underarm wetness. Regulatory safety reviews have not found credible evidence linking its cosmetic use to breast cancer or Alzheimer disease.

The myth vs the evidence

A long-running claim holds that aluminum in antiperspirants causes breast cancer or Alzheimer disease. Large epidemiological studies and reviews by health authorities have not found a causal link between antiperspirant use and either condition, and the small amount of aluminum absorbed through intact skin is well below levels of concern.

Questions

Does antiperspirant cause breast cancer?: Large epidemiological studies and reviews by health authorities including the FDA have not found a causal link between antiperspirant use and breast cancer, despite the long-running claim connecting them.
Can aluminum deodorant cause Alzheimer disease?: Regulatory safety reviews have not found credible evidence linking the cosmetic use of aluminum in antiperspirants to Alzheimer disease. The small amount of aluminum absorbed through intact skin is well below levels of concern.
Is aluminum-chlorohydrate in antiperspirants safe?: Aluminum chlorohydrate is the active ingredient in antiperspirants and has been reviewed extensively by safety authorities. It is graded low concern in published assessments and considered safe for cosmetic use at regulated levels.

Products with Aluminum Chlorohydrate

References

Cosmetic information for general education, not medical advice. A verdict is a reading of the published evidence, never a guarantee for your skin: any ingredient can irritate someone, so patch test new products and see a professional if you react. Concern is graded on cited evidence, never on hazard-score lists. See how we score.