Ask a Dermatologist: Is Aluminum Deodorant Safe to Use?

Medically reviewed by Blair Murphy-Rose, MD, FAADFact checked by Anna Harris

It's no secret that we all sweat. And for good reason, too, as sweating is one of the main ways we regulate our internal body temperature. "When sweat is produced, it promotes heat loss through evaporation," board-certified dermatologist Hadley King, MD, previously explained to Byrdie. While sweating is NBD, it's totally understandable that you may want to limit sweat, as it can cause uncomfortable moisture and body odor. One way to stop sweat in its tracks? By using an antiperspirant formulated with aluminum.

However, in the clean beauty community, there's been plenty of debate about whether using aluminum in your underarm care is safe or even needed. Many have switched to natural deodorants in favor of a greener, potentially safer routine. But is it really necessary? To get to the bottom of your concerns, we chatted with top dermatologists Alicia Zalka, MD, Michele Green, MD, and King on all things aluminum deodorant.

Ahead, learn what aluminum is, how it works in antiperspirants, its benefits, and more.

Meet The Expertsz

• Alicia Zalka, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and assistant clinical professor of dermatology at Yale School of Medicine. She is also the founder of the dermatologist-developed "anti-odorant" brand Surface Deep.

• Michele Green, MD, is a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist and Yale graduate based on the Upper East Side of Manhattan. Additionally, she's been named one of New York Magazine's Best Doctors in NYC.

• Hadley King, MD, is an NYC-based board-certified dermatologist. She is also a Clinical Instructor of Dermatology at the Weill Medical College of Cornell University.

What Is Aluminum?

Aluminum is an element and the most abundant metal on earth, existing naturally within the earth’s core. Zalka says that aluminum salts, such as aluminum chloride, aluminum zirconium, and aluminum chlorohydrate are the most common aluminum derivatives in antiperspirants.

How Does Aluminum Work in Antiperspirants?

Aluminum salts are used so prevalently in antiperspirants because of their sweat- and odor-blocking properties. “Simply put, aluminum, when exposed to sweat, creates a gel-like substance that plugs up sweat ducts in the skin, thus temporarily blocking the ability of sweat to reach the skin surface,” Zalka explains.

Is Aluminum Safe in Deodorant?

While deodorant is often used as a catchall term for all underarm products, Green explains that true deodorants don’t actually contain aluminum nor prevent sweating—antiperspirants do. Instead, deodorants are solely designed to control odor, while antiperspirants control odor and sweat production.

Nevertheless, let’s speak to the safety of aluminum in underarm products. Zalka states, “Some theories have linked aluminum in antiperspirants to both breast cancer and Alzheimer’s disease. However, to date, there have been no clear-cut medical studies that have proved a cause and effect link.”

Because research is inconclusive, Green says aluminum is generally safe to use in antiperspirants

Learn More: Antiperspirant vs Deodorant: Dermatologists Explain the Need-to-Know

Benefits of Aluminum Antiperspirants

• Limits sweating: The main benefit of aluminum in antiperspirants is that it prevents your skin from sweating, Zalka says. “Sweating can [feel] embarrassing at times, so using antiperspirants containing aluminum can help prevent those moments,” Green adds.

• Reduces odor: Not only does antiperspirant block sweat glands, but by blocking sweat, it also prevents odor. That's because natural bacteria on your skin will typically try to break down sweat as it emerges, which causes an odor. With little-to-no sweat to break down, odor is minimized as well.

Side Effects of Aluminium Antiperspirants

• You may feel hotter: According to Zalka, the plugging of sweat ducts impedes the natural physiologic process of sweating, which is the body's natural process for cooling off. By plugging these sweat ducts, you may find yourself overheating more easily.

• Underarm irritation: You may find that aluminum-containing deodorants can lead to irritation, rashes, little underarm pimples, and even color changes of the skin, though even this is inconclusive (as antiperspirants often contain fragrance or other potential allergens as well).

• Aluminum often stains: What’s more, if you’ve ever wondered why you can’t seem to keep a white tee looking white, aluminum is to blame. Some claim that when the ingredient combines with sweat, it creates a yellow tint that can be nearly impossible to remove. So, if your main goal is to keep your whites crisp as can be, it’s time to ditch antiperspirant in favor of aluminum-free deo.

Do Aluminum-Free Antiperspirants Exist?

Currently, aluminum-free antiperspirants do not exit. However, if you're looking to avoid aluminum and would like to reduce body odor, aluminum-free deodorants are available.

Related: The 16 Best Natural Deodorants of 2023

The Final Takeaway

Aluminum is an element that is often found in antiperspirants, as it blocks sweat glands from producing sweat and odor. Deodorants differ from antiperspirants as they do not contain aluminum and only reduce odor. While past theories have indicated aluminum underarm products are bad for you, research is inconclusive on the topic and aluminum is generally considered safe to use. Side effects of using aluminum antiperspirants include staining, irritation, and overheating. If sides effect become uncomfortable or persist, contact a board-certified dermatologist. If you have an underlying medical condition, consult your doctor before use.

Up Next: How to Switch From Aluminum to Natural Deodorant

Read the original article on Byrdie.