Aluminium is one of the most widely available metals on earth and it is often used in cookware, food packaging and beauty products. Cosmetics and hygiene products containing aluminium can include lipsticks, eye shadows, whitening toothpaste, suncreams and antiperspirants.
You can be exposed to aluminium through food, cosmetics and antacid medication.
Food can be contaminated when it’s grown in soil rich in aluminium, or when it comes into contact with aluminium packaging or cookware, such as cans, foil, trays and baking tins. Some food additives and colouring may also contain aluminium.
Cosmetics and hygiene products can also be a significant source of aluminium for people who use them regularly.
Figure. Sources of aluminium for a highly exposed adult. Data from reference 3.
The terms “antiperspirant” and “deodorant” are often used interchangeably, but they are not the same product. Many antiperspirants contain aluminium, whilst deodorants do not.
They also have different uses. Antiperspirants prevent sweating by depositing aluminium particles to block the sweat ducts. Deodorants do not block sweat but contain preservatives to stop the growth of microorganisms and fragrances to mask bad odour.
Yes, aluminium can be absorbed through the skin, especially when antiperspirants are applied after shaving. Shaving can create small cuts or abrasions, some of which might not be visible, that can facilitate aluminium absorption. For this reason, it is recommended to avoid applying antiperspirants shortly after shaving.
A few studies have measured the presence of aluminium in breast cancer tissue and compared this with healthy breast tissue. Some have found higher levels of aluminium in cancer samples, whilst others have found no difference between healthy and cancer tissues.
Laboratory studies in cells suggest that aluminium may act as an Endocrine Disrupting Chemical (EDC) by interfering with the hormone oestrogen.
Some human studies have considered whether using antiperspirants may increase breast cancer risk, but the results are so far inconclusive. A couple of studies found a possible link between frequent antiperspirant use and breast cancer, but three other studies found no link. However, it must be noted that these studies asked participants about their use of antiperspirants, but did not verify the presence of aluminium in the products.
Instead of looking at antiperspirant use, other researchers have considered aluminium levels in urine. Aluminium can enter our body from different sources, and it’s then eliminated in the urine. Therefore, urinary levels of aluminium can be measured to give a better estimate of the overall exposure to this metal, which sources may include food as well as cosmetics. Currently, there is no conclusive evidence that having high levels of aluminium is linked to breast cancer.
The European authorities consider aluminium in cosmetics to be safe but also acknowledge that in some individuals the overall exposure to aluminium (from a combination of different sources) may exceed what is safe. Therefore, it would be beneficial to reduce exposure where possible.
Please see our Aluminium salts as antiperspirants science review for more details and references.
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