Aluminum Free Beauty & Deodorant

Frequently Asked Questions about Aluminum Free products

What is aluminum?

Aluminum is a chemical element and light metal found in the periodic table. You're probably familiar with aluminum from everyday items you find in your home, such as pans, pots, furniture and foil. It's also known for the metal used to store canned drinks.

What is aluminum-free deodorant?

Aluminum-free is exactly what it sounds, deodorant that doesn't contain aluminum. The reasons why it's omitted are where it gets slightly more complex. Aluminum in deodorants has been known to cause two huge health risks: Alzheimer's disease and breast cancer.

The majority of breast cancers are formed in the upper-outer quadrant, the area close to your armpit. Because aluminum blocks the sweat ducts, it's suggested that the body can't banish potentially dangerous cancerous substances.

It's important to note that there isn't conclusive evidence about aluminium's risk to the body.

What are the benefits of using aluminum-free deodorants?

As mentioned in the previous answer, aluminum has been linked to the cause of breast cancer. Whilst this remains inconclusive, there is an undeniable incentive to avoid aluminum to negate any potential risk.

Alongside the aforementioned health risks, aluminum blocks the sweat glands, which is an unnatural bodily function. Aluminum-free deodorants encourage healthy sweating and allow your pores to breathe. Clogged pores can lead to irritated skin.

More aluminum-free deodorants are incorporating natural odors that complement your natural pheromones, producing a more naturally refreshing scent.

Do aluminum-free deodorants really work?

To put it simply, yes they do. When detailed in its simplest form, it's apparent that there are no reasons why aluminum-free deodorants wouldn't work. The primary function of a deodorant is to scent the body with a fresh odor, something that natural deodorants can do equally well, and sometimes better than aluminum deodorants.

They're also much healthier for the body. They allow your pores to breathe, and they often come in the form of a balm which smoothens the area underneath the arm.

Are natural deodorants free from aluminum?

Pretty much all natural deodorants are free from aluminum. The potential damage of aluminum was one of the reasons that prompted the natural deodorant movement, so it's always banished from the formula.

Natural deodorants use ingredients which are kinder to the skin, such as aloe vera, coconut oil and beeswax. They often have a dual-purpose: to omit a fresh scent and to keep the skin protected.

Are there any side effects to using aluminum-free deodorants?

There are no side effects to using aluminum-free deodorants. If you're allergic to certain ingredients that may be found commonly in natural deodorants, such as coconut oil or aloe vera, then they can obviously have an adverse effect on the skin. Make sure to check the ingredients of each aluminum-free deodorant to make sure it's fine to use.

How is aluminum normally used in beauty products?

In relation to health and beauty, it's oftentimes used in anti-perspirants to prevent sweating. However, there are other, lesser-known uses for aluminum. Aluminum is not a water-soluble ingredient, which means it's unaffected by sweat or rain. Therefore, it's often incorporated into colored formulas, such as eyeshadow palettes, to maintain the vividness of the color and prevent it from fading.

It is also often found in lipsticks as a thickening agent and to prevent bleeding. This creates a creamier texture and the look of the lipstick is more defined, so it doesn't smudge or run down your face.

In some cases, albeit fairy rarely, aluminum is found in body care lotions. Once again, it's used as a thickening agent to add a creamier texture.

Written by Luke Chapman, Beauty Editor