There was a time when deodorants containing aluminum in deodorant were considered harmful: in 2014, the Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) carried out its first health risk assessment of antiperspirants containing aluminum. Neurotoxic developmental disorders and damage to the kidneys, liver and bones cannot be ruled out if the body absorbs too much aluminum through the use of antiperspirants, it was said at the time. The ingredient has also been linked to breast cancer and Alzheimer's.
In 2020, however, the BfR issued a statement and corrected the statement from then. It states, among other things: "Health impairments due to the regular use of antiperspirants containing ACH are therefore unlikely based on current scientific knowledge. However, when assessing the risk of aluminum, it is fundamentally important to consider the total intake via the various entry routes such as food or aluminum-containing products for food contact."
And further: "The contribution of antiperspirants containing aluminum to the overall aluminum load is significantly lower than previously assumed." This was shown by two studies from 2016 and 2019. It is still true that the intake of aluminum can be dangerous, especially through food. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has communicated a maximum value of one milligram of aluminum per kilogram of body weight per week. However, it is now considered unlikely that a higher amount of it enters the body through a deodorant or antiperspirant.
Why is there aluminum in deodorant?
In everyday language, deodorant refers to an antiperspirant containing aluminum as well as a spray deodorant, a deodorant cream, a deodorant stick or a deodorant roll-on without this substance. Actually, an antiperspirant is a product that contains aluminum in deodorant and is primarily used to specifically reduce sweating. A deodorant, on the other hand, usually works primarily against the odor that has already developed and does not necessarily contain aluminum salts. It is important to know that these aluminum salts are needed to reduce sweating. This is because when aluminum salts, such as aluminum chloride, come into contact with the proteins in sweat, deposits are formed. These are intended to close the sweat pores. Plus, the skin contracts, so that the sweat ducts narrow. Antiperspirants therefore always contain aluminum and often also fragrances and antibacterial ingredients that are intended to further inhibit underarm odor.
Deodorant, on the other hand, can also do without aluminum, but then it does not inhibit sweating per se, but only counteracts the smell. In addition to fragrances, it often also contains antibacterial ingredients that can worsen the growth conditions of the bacteria in sweat. These are responsible for the unpleasant smell when sweating. Sweat itself is odorless. Only the bacteria in the armpits, which break down the components of sweat (especially fatty acids), are responsible for the typical smell of sweat.
When should I use a deodorant without aluminum?
If you are concerned about absorbing aluminum, it is advisable to avoid products that contain aluminum in deodorant, or at least to use creams or rollers instead of sprays to avoid inhaling the aluminum. If you have just shaved your armpits, you should also not use a product that contains ACH, as this will make it easier for it to penetrate the skin. Even if you have sensitive skin, natural products are the better choice. If you do not tend to sweat a lot, it is also not necessary to use antiperspirants. Even on cooler days, a deodorant with (natural) fragrances is usually sufficient to combat odors. Organic products are also more sustainable and generally better for the environment.
Which deodorant without aluminum is worth it?
Since a deodorant without aluminum in deodorant is generally not as effective as an antiperspirant or a deodorant with aluminum, the deodorant of choice should contain antibacterial ingredients and fragrances. If sustainability and harmless ingredients are important, it is best to choose an organic deodorant. The following three deodorants do not contain aluminum and are also recommended in other respects:
Basis Sensitiv Natural and Sensitive Deodorant Cream from Lavera
Organic aloe vera and natural minerals reduce in this deodorant cream from Lavera the growth of odor-causing bacteria and thus naturally prevent the development of sweat odor. The effect should last for 48 hours, aluminum in deodorant, according to the manufacturer. Microplastics are avoided, the formula is biodegradable and the lid of the packaging is made of 96 percent recycled material.
Green Fusion Natural Deodorant by Ben&Anna
This deodorant works with 100 percent natural essential oils and purely natural baking soda. This reduces germs and bacteria and thus also the formation of odors. The deodorant from Ben&Annacomes with a practical sliding mechanism. Plus: The packaging is completely recyclable. In addition, by purchasing each deodorant you support social projects that help reduce plastic waste in the oceans and around the world.
24-hour deodorant roll-on from Weleda
The 24h deodorant roll-on from WeledaProtects against body odor in a natural way. Orange and davana as well as notes of vanilla provide a pleasant scent. Without aluminum in deodorant salts, it does not close the pores and the skin's regulating functions are maintained. The effect is said to last for 24 hours.
What should I consider when buying?
When buying deodorant without aluminum, you should make sure that the list of ingredients does not contain any term with "aluminum". Terms such as antiperspirant or often "48-hour protection" usually indicate that the deodorant contains aluminum in deodorant salts. If you value a particularly sustainable and well-tolerated deodorant, you should make sure that it does not contain synthetic fragrances, synthetic dyes or synthetic preservatives. Petroleum products or silicones should be avoided and natural cosmetics made from natural, primarily plant-based raw materials should be used instead.
The natural cosmetics seal can help as a support when buying. You can also make sure that the main ingredient of the deodorant comes from controlled organic farming (kbA). A look at the current Ökotest can also be helpful. In 2021, more than half of the 52 deodorants without added aluminum performed well. Most of them contain alcohol to combat the odor-causing bacteria. In 2023, the majority of the 34 deodorants tested in the Ökotest even received a "very good" rating. However, those with sensitive skin should avoid this and resort to alternatives without alcohol. Interestingly, even inexpensive products performed well in the test. Such tests can provide helpful guidance when buying.
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