These products have a simple goal: prevent body odor. Fakri S, Al-Azzawi A, Al-Tawil N. Antiperspirant use as a risk factor for breast cancer in Iraq. The truth behind the aluminum-based products. A few studies suggest that chemicals from antiperspirants and deodorants, such as aluminum, are absorbed into the skin in the underarm during shaving. Women concerned about breast cancer can learn about risk factors for breast cancer and possible ways to reduce breast cancer risk inBreast Cancer Risk and Prevention. Surendran A. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. McGrath KG. Accessed at https://www.cdc.gov/biomonitoring/Parabens_BiomonitoringSummary.html on October 10, 2022. Is there a link between antiperspirants or deodorants and breast cancer? Until recently, we never really questioned what was in our personal care products. Parabens in Cosmetics. There's no link between aluminum and cancer or most other health conditions, but those with severe kidney ailments shouldn't use. Antiperspirants and Breast Cancer Risk. East Mediterr Health J. 2002;94:1578-1580. All Rights Reserved. Antiperspirant use and the risk of breast cancer. They claim. But fear not, my friends; the David Wolfe team is on your side! The study surmised that a relationship may exist between those personal hygiene behaviors and a breast cancer diagnosis early in life. Studies Link Hormone Disrupting Chemicals in Axe Deodorants and Body Hormones also play a role. An older 2005 study suggests that because a persons skin absorbs aluminum, it may play a role in breast cancer development. The American Cancer Society offers programs and services to help you during and after cancer treatment. Some people worry that certain chemicals in antiperspirants can be absorbed through the skin, especially after shaving. There have been claims that regular deodorants and antiperspirants can disrupt or kill off the "good" bacteria living in your armpits, leading to skin irritation, redness, bumps and overall . So they take a little blue pill and get exposed to even more chemicals and the cycle continues. Dense tissue is more likely to develop cancer, and it makes it harder to detect unusual growths during exams and mammograms.. But men, that should be the least of our concerns with this product line. Read on to find out. 2001 Feb;39(2):163-168. A study by Gann in 1984 showed that BHT was capable of promoting chemically-induced fore stomach and bladder cancer in male rats. What is the link between aluminum and cancer? Thats not all it does, though. A Warner Bros. MNT is the registered trade mark of Healthline Media. Dieterich M, Stubert J, Reimer T, Erickson N, Berling A. Baby taking a bite of food from a spoon with jar of baby food in foreground - stock photo, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The breast quadrants are not actually all the same size. However, no scientific evidence links the use of these products to the development of breast cancer. July 5, 2016 5:50 PM EDT. 2023 Dotdash Media, Inc. All rights reserved. Use of underarm cosmetic products in relation to risk of breast cancer: A case-control study. According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), these assertions are largely untrue, and there are no strong epidemiological studies or scientific evidence to support them. Not just through deodorants, but everything in life together causing us to become sick with many things. Read on to learn more about the specific toxic ingredients in Axe products. Namer M, Luporsi E, Gligorov J, Lokiec F, Spielmann M. The use of deodorants/antiperspirants does not constitute a risk factor for breast cancer [article in French]. At equimolar concentrations BHT was more cytotoxic than BHA. According to the federal regulatory body, it does not have any say over these products and their ingredients are not subject to FDA premarket approval. It further openly admits that cosmetic companies may use almost any ingredient they choose, and the agency lacks the authority to recall products, even if they are deemed unsafe (1). There is growing evidence that long-term use is linked to a number of neurological diseases, including dementia, autism, and Parkinsons disease. 2005;99:1912-1919. The problem is, your body breaks down and absorbs BHT quite easily. Your effort and contribution in providing this feedback is much Some are bad for you. According to the United States National Toxicology Program and the International Agency for Research on Cancer, these chemicals are powerful carcinogens and are linked to leukemia when inhaled, ingested or absorbed through your skin (18). Does deodorant cause cancer? - Cancer Treatment Centers of America The amount . No action should be taken solely on the contents of this website. Any medical information published on this website is not intended as a substitute for informed medical advice and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional. It is estimated that natural estrogen in a womans body is thousands of times stronger than the weak properties of parabens. But it is unlikely that this is a major source of carcinogens (cancer-causing substances) that get into the body and reach the breast cells. Concentrations of parabens in human breast tumours. Accessed at https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/myths/antiperspirants-fact-sheet on October 10, 2022. can. EWG studies show 34 Axe products contain formaldehyde releasers (19). Why should people avoid deodorant before having a mammogram? Cleveland Clinic 1995-2023. Although parabens have weak estrogenic activity, the estrogen produced in the body is hundreds to thousands of times stronger. Other studies suggest this chemical, which is restricted by the European Union (EU), Canada, Japan, and Germany, may be neurotoxic. It is believed that the chemicals in antiperspirants can enter the body through tiny razor cuts from shaving. Still, most case-control studies looking at antiperspirant use and breast cancer risk have not found a link between them. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. This page adheres to our medical and editorial policy and guidelines. Discovery Company. Do antiperspirants keep a person from sweating cancer-causing toxins out through their underarm lymph nodes? Antiperspirants are some of the most popular personal care items. Breaking a Sweat: Why You Sweat and What It Says About Your Health. We can also help you find other free or low-cost resources available. This chemical is linked to biochemical or cellular level changes, according to the EWG, which categorizes it as a 9 on the health hazard scale. The good news is they are getting sophisticated, smell good, and actually work (provided you do the armpit detox to get the gunk out of your pits first!) These conclusions were based on interviews with 813 women with breast cancer and 793 women with no history of breast cancer. Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. Aluminum-based compounds are used as the active ingredient in antiperspirants. Parabens are chemicals that are used as preservatives in food and products. However, if you have compromised kidney health, ask your healthcare provider if you should avoid aluminum-containing products. There have been a number of studies done to specifically look at whether deodorants and antiperspirants increase breast cancer risk and Alzheimer's disease, but unfortunately the findings are mixed. Cancer.org is provided courtesy of the Leo and Gloria Rosen family. People who are concerned about their breast cancer risk are encouraged to talk with their doctor. You can opt-out at any time. The majority of chemicals are linked to such things as Alzheimers disease, estrogen dominance, endocrine system disruption, reproductive issues, and a multitude of cancers -just to name a few. Its a paraben which, if youve read some of our other cosmetic articles, you know can be found in 99% of all breast cancer tissue. Last medically reviewed on February 18, 2022, Several health problems can cause pain in the armpits, and most of them are not serious. Theyre often used in skin and beauty products. Instead of reaching for toxic chemicals to deodorize yourself, why not look for more natural options. When parabens penetrate the skin, they can weakly mimic estrogen in the body, which could potentially alter the bodys hormonal balance and turn on the growth of hormone receptor-positive breast cancer. You can help reduce your risk of cancer by making healthy choices like eating right, staying active and not smoking. They claim that the chemicals can enter underarm lymph nodes, which are unable to excrete them through sweating. Parabens can be absorbed through the skin. And despite the countless studies showing the dangers of BHT, (23, 24) Axe products also contain this dangerous chemical. Racked.com, aluminum deodorantaluminum in deodorantare axe deodorants safeaxe deodorantaxe deodorant cancercommercial deodorant safeconsumer safetydeodorant toxinsis axe deodorant safeis axe safeis deodorant safesafetytoxins in deodorant. However, if you have compromised kidney . Can Deodorant Cause Breast Cancer? - Cleveland Clinic Int J Toxicol. Whether you or someone you love has cancer, knowing what to expect can help you cope. Other toxins in these products include cocamidopropyl betaine, which often contain nitrosamines, highly carcinogenic agents. An earlier age of breast cancer diagnosis related to more frequent use of antiperspirants/deodorants and underarm shaving. J Family Med Prim Care. Deodorant and Breast Cancer: Is There a Link? - Healthline Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals Axe products are loaded with endocrine disrupting chemicals. These are chemicals that mimic human hormone function, which confuses the body. Flarend R, Bin T, Elmore D, Hem SL. Antiperspirant use and the risk of breast cancer. Cancer-Causing Benzene Detected in Over 40+ Deodorants Its through these small nicks to the skin that chemicals from the antiperspirant may gain access to the lymph nodes, which could cause cells to mutate and develop into cancer. Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. Can Deodorant Cause Breast Cancer, Kidney Disease, Allergies, Etc.? Antiperspirants/deodorants and breast cancer. When is the last time you gave your underarm activities a second thought? PPG stands for popypropylene glycol, which is made from a completely artificial petroleum product; methyl oxirane. Sore Armpit, Two Days Later Found Two Swolen Lymph Nodes Together, were making a difference and you can, too. The Village Company, which makes Soft&Dri, declined to provide a comment. . Additionally, studies found no increase in skin side effects with the use of deodorants during breast radiation. They are designed to inhibit the production of bacteria. Weve written several articles about the dangers of specific cosmetic products and today, were going to add another to the do not buy list: The marketing folks at Axe would have men believe that the Axe effect entails having women fawn over them after theyve used the product. By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. Its really critically important to find these problems before they get on the shelves, Light added. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Tax ID Number: 13-1788491. "Breast cancer and Alzheimer's are two complicated diseases which are difficult to associate with one singular cause, such as antiperspirant/deodorant use," Paul Pestano, MS, research analyst with . You see, Axe sprays contain loads of endocrine disruptors. BMC Cancer. However, the FDA did allow a temporary use of benzene in liquid hand sanitizers during the pandemic, setting the upper limit to 2 parts per million. Y ou wouldn't swallow a spoonful of toxic cosmetic ingredients. Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walks, ACS Center for Diversity in Research Training, Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA), Perfluorooctane Sulfonate (PFOS), and Related Chemicals. I spray it on my clothes and not really my body. Apocrine sweat gland obstruction by antiperspirants allowing transdermal absorption of cutaneous generated hormones and pheromones as a link to the observed incidence rates of breast and prostate cancer in the 20th century. Age, the use of hormone replacement therapy and family history are some of the biggest risk factors for breast cancer, and those are more important, in my opinion, says Dr. Shah. Over the years, claims have been made that deodorants or antiperspirants may cause cancer, specifically breast cancer, and a few studies have offered theories that seem to bolster the claims. A variety of Old Spice and Secret brand aerosol sprays were voluntarily recalled after the manufacturer, Procter & Gamble, found the presence of a cancer-causing chemical, benzene, in some of its products. Antiperspirants Facts About Cancer, Aluminum, Alzheimer's - WebMD New studies are also revealing that these harmful chemicals may be causing physical feminization in male. But according to the FDA, retinyl palmitate, a form of vitamin A, may speed the development of skin tumors and lesions when applied to the skin in the presence of sunlight. (9). There has been some suspicion that deodorants can cause breast cancer in women. It has been reported that parabens are found in breast tumors, but there is no evidence that they cause breast cancer. Among the rumors about the health effects of deodorant, one of the most alarming claims is that there is a link between deodorant and breast cancer. Youll be relieved to learn that there is no relationship between these products and breast cancer. A number of other brands have not yet been recalled, including batches of Tag, Sure, Equate, Suave, Right Guard and Brut that had levels of benzene at or above 2 parts per million, said David Light, CEO and founder of Valisure, the independent lab that ran the tests and filed the petition. In response to Valisures petition on sunscreens, the FDA told CNN that it evaluates and assesses the information provided in citizen petitions of this type and, generally, initiates an independent testing and verification process.. There are no strong epidemiologic studies (studies in people) that link breast cancer risk and antiperspirant use, and very little scientific evidence to support this claim. Your Sign Has Shifted! Learn More, medical and editorial policy and guidelines, Study confirms alcohol consumption raises cancer risk, Aging is inevitable, but poor outcomes from cancer dont have to be, Want to cut your cancer risk? Read our, Claims Linking Breast Cancer and Antiperspirants, Why Breast Cancers Are Often Near the Armpit. Unlike antiperspirants, deodorants don't contain aluminum. Will These Hazards of Using Deodorant Really Cause Health Problems? However, some risk factors, such as age and sex assigned at birth, are not under a persons control. Did you encounter any technical issues? This is the active antiperspirant ingredient in Axe. National Cancer Institute Secret Powder Fresh, 24 HR Aerosol (Lots 11721458SG and 11701458SH; UPC 037000711087) had about 16 average parts per million, tests showed. The number of breast cancers in the upper outer part of the breast is in proportion to the amount of breast tissue in that area. Eur J Cancer Prev. Breast Cancer Res. Drugs.com According to the EWG, 8 Axe products contain this chemical including facial cleansers, shaving creams, and an exfoliant scrub (10). The Healthy Chef's Cookbook ( The Art of Food ). Its unclear if parabens are strong enough to cause changes in the breast cells. Retinyl palmitate contains palmitic acid and retinol (Vitamin A), which one would assume is a good thing. Eastern Mediterranean Health Journal 2006; 12(34):478482. Axe Products Make Men Grow Breasts and Develop Cancer - DailyHealthPost New Study Found Carcinogen Benzene In 59 Deodorant and - Shape In recent years, theres been quite a bit of discussion about deodorants and antiperspirants and their relationship to breast cancer, says radiation oncologist Chirag Shah, MD. According to the ACS, some scientists theorize that these aluminum compounds may cause changes in breast cells that can increase cancer risk. Aluminium, antiperspirants and breast cancer [Abstract]. What is known about the ingredients in antiperspirants and deodorants? Understanding Deodorant Allergy and How to Treat It - Healthline Try These Detox Bath Recipes To Heal Your Body, DIY All-Star Shikimate Glycerite Tincture, Date Syrup: Your All-New Ancient Sweetener, The Best Ever Nutrient-Dense Superfood Smoothie, Raw Vegan Mayo A Healthy Dose of Savory. 2009;72:665-674. Required fields are marked *. Most deodorants and antiperspirants also contain chemical toxins that may put a consumer on edge, like: Parabens. Axe: Free Customer & Market Research - 390 questions people are asking It is currently banned or restricted for use in cosmetics in Germany and Canada. The reality is, however, that a shockingly large number of all of the beauty and personal care products we use every day are downright dangerous and the FDA has little control over the industry. Others dont. Aside from switching up scents or brands every once in a while, why should we be paying more attention to the toiletry that merely keeps us from sweating through our clothes? 10 common breast cancer myths dispelled | Breast Cancer Now Influence of lifestyle factors on breast cancer risk. People who wish to reduce their risk of breast cancer may engage in lifestyle practices that can help. Parabens Factsheet. No scientific evidence has been discovered that links the use of these deodorants and antiperspirants to the development of breast cancer. Does deodorant cause cancer? Valisure said one possibility is that benzene could come from ingredients such as hydrofluorocarbon 152a, butane, isobutane, propane and alcohol used to propel sprays onto the skin. However, multiple studies have failed to cement the connection between these products and breast cancer. 2017 Sep 29;114(39):653-659. doi: 10.3238/arztebl.2017.0653. Some products work. and are paraben-free. Our website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Studies linking breast cancer to deodorants smell rotten, experts say. THIS Popular Deodorant Causes Cancer And Breast Growth In Men! 6:44 PM EST, Wed December 1, 2021, Specific Products included in Voluntary P&G Aerosol Spray Antiperspirant Recall (Photo: Business Wire). US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The vast majority of tested sunscreens, however, were free of benzene, and experts stress the importance of sunscreen use to protect skin from the aging and cancerous effects of the sun. American Cancer Society. Unnaturally dry armpits tend to build up static cling. 2016. Biomonitoring Summary: Parabens. The findings do not prove that aluminum salts cause cancer, and . PPG-14 bustyl ether is also a toluene derivative a class of chemicals linked to reproductive and developmental toxicity. Like deodorant. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. Then your sweat releases an odor. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use, Your email address will not be published. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); February 17, 2019 1 comment, COCAMIDOPROPYL BETAINE is a very toxic ingredient which has been linked to cancer in animal tests.The biggest danger of using a product with cocamidopropyl betaine is its, potential contamination with nitrosamines. Another 7 on the health hazard scale, isobutene, is categorized as a human toxicant or allergen by the CIR (7). But thats just the beginning. Darbre, P. D. (2005). Crystal deodorant may cause rashes, itchiness, or irritation, especially if your skin is broken or you've recently shaved or waxed. The authors examined the use of underarm products in 812 individuals with breast cancer and 793 people who did not have breast cancer. The sunscreens tested by Valisure were only a tiny sample of the more than 11,000 registered sun care products on the market. The information provided in our newsletters and special reports is believed to be accurate based on the best judgement of the Company and the authors. Fakri S, Al-Azzawi A, Al-Tawil N. Antiperspirant use as a risk factor for breast cancer in Iraq. Critical Reviews in Toxicology 2014; 44 Suppl 4:1-80. Accessed at https://www.fda.gov/cosmetics/cosmetic-ingredients/parabens-cosmetics on October 10, 2022. Nitrosamines are created when nitrosating agents are combined with amines. These products have a simple goal: prevent body odor. Could your antiperspirant deodorant cause breast cancer? Most parabens have names containing the word paraben, making them easy to find. Policy. At the American Cancer Society, we have a vision to end cancer as we know it, for everyone. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. The chemical, which can trick the bodys cells into not working properly, is also a natural part of crude oil, gasoline and cigarette smoke, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Deodorant for Kids: Is It Safe? - WebMD This chemical is used to control slime-forming bacteria, fungi, and algae. The EPAs safety sheet states: In studies using laboratory animals, methylisothiazolinone has been shown to be of moderate acute toxicity by the oral and inhalation routes. 27 Turmeric Recipes That Will Spice Up Your Life, 7 Best Vitamins to Shrink Enlarged Prostate Naturally, All You Need to Know About Fatty Liver Disease, 27 Must-Try Avocado Recipes for You and Your Family, Liver Cleanse: How to Detox Your Liver in 5 Easy Steps, They mimic natural hormones like estrogen. They simply mask formaldehyde by using formaldehyde releasers like DMDM hydantoin and Imidazolindinyl Urea, although these ingredients work just like formaldehyde to congeal and preserve their products. But even Dove, one of the longest-established and biggest-selling deodorant brands in the world, launched its . One study, published in 2002, did not show any increase in risk for breast cancer among women who reported using an underarm antiperspirant or deodorant (7). Carrie Madormo, RN, MPH, is a freelance health writer with over a decade of experience working as a registered nurse in a variety of clinical settings. Better Body Butter: Natures Beauty Store. Aluminum-based compounds are the active ingredients in antiperspirants. Deodorant - Penn Medicine The lymph nodes in our bodies help clear out bacteria, viruses, and other possible threats, but the lymph nodes do not release waste or toxins through sweating. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. Some of the research into deodorants and antiperspirants and cancer have focused on synthetic substances called parabens, a family of chemicals commonly used as preservatives in some cosmetics. Aluminum concentrations in central and peripheral areas of malignant breast lesions do not differ from those in normal breast tissues. Even more rancid than it already does. What this really means is that the product contains any number of undisclosed scent chemicals and ingredients, including diethyl phthalate, which according to the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) is a synthetic liquid substance that is colorless and is commonly used to make plastics more flexible. all my articles in Staying Well, Copyright Disclaimer: Right to use photos claimed under: Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for fair use for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Once inside, even in low doses, the chemical causes organ damage, cancer and reproductive toxicity. PCPC and its member companies are firmly committed to ensuring consumers have access to cosmetics and personal care products with ingredients that have been thoroughly tested for safety and follow the requirements of the law, the statement said. Its unclear though how much of the aluminum in our products is absorbed into our bodies. Consumer products containing parabens are required to list them as ingredients. The relationship between use of aluminum-containing anti-perspirant and hair color with breast cancer. They block the sweat glands to keep sweat from getting to the skin's surface. According to the ACS, many of these products contain aluminum, which can appear as tiny specks on a mammogram. According to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA),many major brands of antiperspirants and deodorants do not currently contain parabens, although some might. While the study showed parabens were present, it did not show they caused the tumor development. This article, written by our staff, is free and open source.