Devastatingly, Breast Cancer has officially become the world’s most prevalent cancer, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

As of the end of 2020, there were 7.8 million women living with a breast cancer diagnosis. As the author of this post, my mother lives with a breast cancer diagnosis and as her daughter, I’d be ignorant and irresponsible to not consider myself high risk, and look into any ways in which I could avoid a diagnosis myself.

The decades-old debate over whether antiperspirant deodorants can lead to breast cancer has been reignited in the last few years, more specifically in the scientific community, with the publication of two new studies.

To be clear: Deodorant itself isn’t the problem, but the ingredients in your deodorant could be.

One of the main culprits in question: Synthetic Aluminium Salts.

The primary objective of deodorant use is to tackle body odour, although for some, it’s about combating sweat. However, sweating is a crucial physiological process that plays a vital role in thermoregulation, detoxification, hydration, and many other bodily functions. Therefore, rather than inhibiting sweat, we should seek to control the bacteria responsible for unpleasant body odour.

The two new studies suggest that synthetic aluminium salts such as aluminium chloride have carcinogenic potential on breast cells. They also show that synthetic aluminium salts cause genomic instability in mammary cells (the cells found in our mammary breast tissue), which is a key indicator of malignant transformation, confirming their carcinogenic potential.

The studies suggest that synthetic aluminium salts may be contributing to the increase in breast cancer incidence, highlighting a new potential risk factor. This research points out that these aluminium salts are not only found in antiperspirant deodorants but also in other cosmetic products, such as sunscreens, which could also contribute to breast cancer risk.

While the evidence on the link between antiperspirants and cancer isn’t entirely conclusive and more research is always needed, we believe it’s worth being cautious. Why take unnecessary risks when there are effective, well-formulated alternative options easily available? Staying informed and making mindful choices can help you prioritise your health and well-being.

We love natural deodorants. Encouragingly, we are not the only ones who feel this way. Thousands of you agree. Pure Beginnings’ range of 7 natural, safe and synthetic-aluminium-salt-free deodorants, including 5 certified organic roll-on deodorants, have risen to the top of our bestsellers in our Organic Care range, year on year.

Switching to natural deodorants is a simple yet powerful step towards protecting your health. There is a natural alternative suited for everyone. By choosing products free from synthetic chemicals, you’re not just making a safer choice for yourself but you’re taking an active stand for your wellbeing.

While the science continues to evolve, embracing natural alternatives helps you feel more confident about your health and supports a significantly safer, gentler approach to personal care.

Natural Potassium Alum vs Synthetic Aluminium Salts: What You Should Know

It is important for us to share a clear distinction between Potassium Alum and Synthetic Aluminium Salts such as Aluminium Chloride, Aluminium Chlorohydrate or Aluminium Zirconium.

Potassium Alum, a naturally occurring mineral salt, contains aluminium, which is an abundant element in Earth’s crust. The aluminium in Potassium Alum is safely bound to a larger molecule, preventing it from being absorbed through the skin. It works by inhibiting the growth of bacteria on the skin’s surface, which causes underarm odour.

Synthetic Aluminium Salts are man-made compounds. They work by blocking sweat ducts with a gel-like substance, called aluminium-protein precipitates, which prevents sweat from reaching the skin’s surface. While effective in reducing sweat, these compounds are not naturally occurring and can be absorbed through the skin.

If you are still unsure, look out for widely recognised and credited certifications on your deodorant bottle such as Ecocert COSMOS ORGANIC logo. Ecocert independently verify that all ingredients are safe and healthy to use in personal care products.

Blog Disclaimer

The purpose of the Pure Beginnings blog is to educate and provide awareness of our products, ingredients and a more natural and healthier lifestyle. Although every effort is made to provide information that is true, factually correct and beneficial to our customers and followers, the content on the blog is not a substitute for professional medical or healthcare advice, diagnosis, treatment, dietary, or safety advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified experts with any questions you may have regarding a medical question, condition, or safety concern. Reliance on information presented on this blog is at your own risk.