On this weeks swap of the week, we talked deodorant. It's only natural that now we discuss Aluminum Hydroxide, why you want to avoid it, and how it is linked to deodorant. Aluminum salts, mainly Aluminum Chlorhydrate is widely used in deodorant and antiperspirants to block sweat. Once it is applied to the underarms, it then becomes an insoluble Aluminum Hydroxide. Not only is this ingredient blocking sweat glands and clogging pores, it is defeating the purpose of your sweat glands, which is to cool the body via sweat.
There are studies that have made a connection between Aluminum in deodorants and breast cancer. The Aluminum can increase the migration and properties of the cancer cells following long term exposure of just 32 weeks. How long have you been using your traditional deodorant? This is considered a hot topic and debatable, but I encourage you to do your own research and look more into this connection. Some articles say because Aluminum Hydroxide is insoluble that it doesn't penetrate the epidermis. Deodorants and antiperspirants specifically say to avoid broken skin when applying, yet how many times have you shaved your underarms before applying? Essentially opening those hair follicles and pores with slight abrasions you may not be able to see or feel from shaving, this arguably could allow the Aluminum Hydroxide to penetrate.
Aluminum Hydroxide is also classified as an antacid medication and has also been used in personal care products as a colorant. With prolonged use of this antacid medication, "patients should have monitoring calcium and phosphate plasma concentrations. Kidney function also requires monitoring", according to the National Library of Medicine. The library also states, "Seizures, Osteomalacia, and Encephalopathy are well documented toxic effects of Aluminum Hydroxide.
On top of all the other previous concerns discussed above, Aluminum Hydroxide is considered to be a pro oxidant. This means it can produce oxygen and subsequently cause cell damage. This increase in oxidative skin damage can result in loss of collage and elastin fibers resulting in a much faster aging process. Wrinkles, sagging, and even texture changes can be a result, according to Science Daily. We already start losing collagen at the age of 20, we don't need this ingredient speeding up this process for us by damaging the cells and fibers.
The National Library of Medicine tells us the carcinogenic risks of Aluminum and its compounds haven't been evaluated by the International Agency of Research on Cancer, however the production of Aluminum has an is classified as carcinogenic.
There are several uses for the ingredient in our daily products. I encourage you to take the information I have given you and really consider swapping out some or all of your products that contain this ingredient for safer alternatives. Comment below some of the daily products you use that you found this potentially toxic ingredient in. You and the rest of us maybe surprised about what products it is lurking in!
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