Deodorant Science

There are many websites that say that links between Aluminium Anti-Perspirants are a myth. These includes Government websites. This is despite the fact that when we looked through the science journals there were many studies that show possible links between Aluminium Anti-Perspirant and breast cancer.

Below are a couple of studies we found. These are in contrast to a number of cancer group websites which state that there are "no studies linking anti-perspirant to breast cancer." We contacted a number of cancer groups and provided these studies and asked them to update their advice, but their advice remains unchanged.

1.  A large study looked at the location in the breast that cancer is normally first diagnosed, and how that has changed over time. The theory was that if more cancer is found closer to the armpit now than it was 80 years ago, that might show some links to anti-perspirant use. The study found that in the 1930’s only 31% of cancers were first diagnosed in the part of the breast closest to the armpit. In the 1990’s, 61% of breast cancer is first diagnosed close to the armpit near where underarm cosmetics are applied. (Source here)

2. Another study looked at whether Aluminium can build up in breast tissue. The major player in the anti-perspirant industry claims that aluminium does not build up in breast tissue. A study published in the Journal of Inorganic Chemistry found: "We have confirmed the presence of aluminium in breast tissue and its possible regional distribution within the breast. Higher content of aluminium in the outer breast might be explained by this region's closer proximity to the underarm where the highest density of application of anti-perspirant could be assumed. There is evidence that skin is permeable to aluminium when applied as anti-perspirant.” (Source Here)

3. A hypothesis published in the European Journal of Cancer Prevention about the possible mechanism by which anti-perspirant may cause breast cancer. This is in contrast to websites sponsored by the major manufacturers which state that the aluminium simply covers the outside of the skin. Source Here (Caution: Some technical reading.)

These studies are not enough to yet prove a link between Aluminium anti-perspirant and breast cancer nor do they show it to be the only possible cause, but they did concern us when we used aluminium anti-perspirant. Breast cancer is the leading cause of premature death for women in Australia and more studies should be done. (Source Here). Japan has a rate of breast cancer almost 1/3 that of Australia, New Zealand and most other developed countries. Although this could be due to a number of reasons, most travellers to Japan will notice that aluminium anti-perspirant can be hard to find there. This is anecdotal evidence, but it does warrant further study in our opinion. Breast Cancer rates are generally highest in developed countries.  (Source here).

The following information shows the contrast between the advice given by anti-perspirant manufacturers and many cancer groups, and what scientists have found:

Who to Believe?

The data from this study are consistent with the hypothesis that the degree of antiperspirant/deodorant usage and auxillary shaving is associated with an earlier age of breast cancer diagnosis.

McGrath, K G.
An Earlier Age of Breast Cancer Diagnosis Related to More Frequent Use of Antiperspirants/Deodorants and Underarm Shaving.
European Journal of Cancer Prevention 12 (2003): 479-485. 24 Jan. 2008

"Too much information?". Scroll to the bottom if you only want to order.

Clinical studies dating back decades report a disproportionately high number of female breast cancers originating in the upper outer quadrant of the breast and although this is attributed to a greater amount of epithelial tissue in that region, it is also the area to which underarm cosmetic products are applied. Early studies reported 31% of cancers in the upper outer quadrant, but later studies in the 1990s report up to 61%. Although individual chemicals will have been tested by current safety guidelines, the effects of long-term usage of mixtures of these chemicals over an entire lifetime by people of all ages across the whole world warrants retrospective
investigation.

Philippa D Darbre.
Underarm antiperspirants/deodorants and breast cancer
Breast Cancer Res. 2009; 11 (Suppl. 3): S5.
Published online 2009 December 18. doi: 10.1186/bcr2424

The suggestion that ingredients such as aluminium and zirconium salts might damage cell DNA is sometimes raised in newspaper articles, but there is no evidence that they accumulate in the breast tissue, or that they can affect human DNA.

UniLever (Dove and Lynx)

Convinced?

We have confirmed the presence of aluminium in breast tissue and its possible regional distribution within the breast. Higher content of aluminium in the outer breast might be explained by this region's closer proximity to the underarm where the highest density of application of antiperspirant could be assumed. There is evidence that skin is permeable to aluminium when applied as antiperspirant. However, we have no direct evidence that the aluminium measured in these breast biopsies originated from antiperspirant ... we should not neglect the possibility that aluminium in breast tissue might contribute towards breast cancer.

Exley, Christopher, Lisa M. Charles, Lester Barr, Claire Martin, Anthony Polwart, and Philippa D. Darbre.
Aluminium in Human Breast Tissue.
Journal of Inorganic Biochemistry 101 (2007): 1344-1346. 24 Jan. 2008.

Pure Milk!

Aluminium as a risk factor for Alzheimer's disease.

(Note: Aluminium can be ingested from many sources other than deodorant)

While we understand why you might be concerned about the myth that aluminium — which is found in small amounts in many common, everyday items such as pots and pans, antiperspirants and even potatoes — can cause Alzheimer's disease, there is no credible scientific evidence that supports this urban myth. In fact, the Alzheimer's Association addresses this topic on the 'Alzheimer Myths' page of its Web site. This myth first surfaced when a study conducted in 1965 showed small concentrations of aluminum in the brains of some Alzheimer's patients. Scientists, however, have never been able to replicate the findings of this study despite several decades of research.

UniLever

Sounds like...

The purpose of the study was to condense existing scientific evidence about the relation between Aluminium exposure and risk for the development of Alzheimer's Disease, evaluating its long-term effects on the population's health. A systematic literature review was carried out in two databases, MEDLINE and LILACS, between 1990 and 2005... Results showed that aluminium is associated to several neurophysiologic processes that are responsible for the characteristic degeneration of AD. In spite of existing polemics all over the world about the role of aluminium as a risk factor for Alzheimer's Disease, scientific evidence has demonstrated that aluminium is associated with the development of Alzheimer's Disease.

Rev. Latino-Am. Enfermagem vol.16 no.1 Ribeirão Preto Jan./Feb. 2008

Getting in the road of a good marketing story

So is the dermatologist correct in saying the aluminium ions enter the body’s cells, or Unilever in saying the salts simply form a gel on the outside?

Conclusion

At best, it would seem the scientific jury is still very much out on whether Aluminium deodorant may cause health problems. Our deodorant is for people who don't want to take the chance.

How Our Deodorant Works

We use healthy ingredients that have all been used in food supplements. It works by creating an alkaline local skin environment that prevents odour causing bacteria. It will not stop you perspiring as we were designed.

Ingredients: Purified Water, Witch Hazel, Magnesium Hydroxide (Magnesium Mineral Supplement), Xantham Gum, Lemon Myrtle Essential Oil. Preservative free.

Directions

Roll on sufficient deodorant to thoroughly dampen the skin. Everyone is different but for most people, one application a day is usually enough unless going to the gym or doing other strenuous activities. Can be reapplied if required. Enjoy!

Some feedback - I decided to try your deodorant I've only used the supermarket al-free deodorants which I found terrible and so never made the switch. I'm so glad I tried yours ... It has shocked me it is so effective! Thank you for another quality product!

Rachel, Vic

Well as promised here is my feedback on the Deodorant Cream.
Pluses: It smells great and it works efficiently. I've had no bad reaction to it (I have multiple skin problems) and I'm going to keep on using it for as long as you make it.
Minus: Although I like the Lemon Myrtle scent I know a lot of your customers prefer fragrance free so it might pay to see if you can lower the scent concentration a little bit and (just being picky) my husband was confused by the name, he thought that it was an actual cream that you had to rub on, so the name 'Deodorant Cream' is a little deceptive. (Our Note: It does have the consistency of a cream in the bottle, but the applicator spreads a thin film like normal deodorant).
All in all, I'd give it a 9 out of 10.

Hope this helps
Regards, Jeannine