Is it true that frequent use of deodorant triggers breast cancer?

You may have heard rumors circulating that wearing deodorant can cause breast cancer. This news is certainly worrying because so far deodorant is a powerful product to eradicate body odor. Is this information true? Check out the facts in the following review.

The Facts Behind Using Deodorant and Breast Cancer

National Cancer Institute states that only a few scientific studies have examined the link between the use of deodorants or antiperspirants with breast cancer. From the research that has been done, it can be concluded that deodorant does not have enough evidence to increase the risk of breast cancer in women.

Besides that, American Cancer Society (ACS) stated the same thing, there has been no research linking the use of antiperspirants with cancer. In fact, the ACS also says there is no evidence to establish that using antiperspirant after shaving can cause breast cancer.

Shaving can indeed increase a person’s risk of developing a skin infection and scarring the skin; so when deodorant or antiperspirant is applied, the skin becomes more easily irritated.

However, this does not necessarily mean that carcinogens can enter the body and cause cancer cell growth.

Thus, you don’t have to worry about using deodorant or antiperspirant to prevent body odor.

Also Read: 8 Foods That Cause Bad Body Odor

Composition of Deodorants Suspected of Causing Cancer

Aluminum is the main ingredient found in deodorants and antiperspirants. This active ingredient works by blocking the sweat ducts so that sweat does not appear on the surface of the skin.

Some people suspect that using aluminum every day can be easily absorbed by the skin near the breast. This condition can cause effects similar to the hormone estrogen.

The hormone estrogen is known to be one of the factors that can increase the growth of cancer cells in the breast. Nowthis is what causes deodorant to be called a trigger for breast cancer.

However, until now there has been no research that can sufficiently prove that the aluminum in deodorants can have an estrogen-like effect or cause breast cancer.

Apart from aluminum, parabens are also an ingredient in deodorants that are suspected of increasing the risk of breast cancer.

Parabens are chemicals used as preservatives in cosmetics. Parabens can also be found in the product makeup and skin care, such as sunscreen and lotion.

This ingredient is also said to increase the risk of health problems because it has an estrogen-like effect. However, just like aluminum, there is no research that can prove this.

Also Read: 11 Causes of Black Underarm Skin, What Are They?

Natural Deodorant Alternatives You Can Try

The following are several choices of natural ingredients to replace deodorants that are believed to be effective in dealing with excessive sweating and body odor, including:

1. Coconut Oil

Coconut oil has antiviral and antibacterial properties so it is believed to reduce bacteria that cause bacteria in the armpits.

You can simply apply coconut oil on your armpits with your fingers or with a cloth. After that, wait for it to dry completely before putting on your clothes, as coconut oil stains easily.

2. Apple Vinegar Solution

Apple cider vinegar is already known to have many benefits, including as an alternative to deodorant. Its acidic nature can help kill the bacteria that cause body odor.

You can mix one spoon of apple cider vinegar with one spoon of water. After that, apply the solution to the armpits using a cotton swab or cloth.

Also Read: 4 Benefits of Underarm Hair that are Important for You to Know

3. Crystal Deodorant

Crystal deodorant consists of mineral salts and is believed to be effective in preventing body odor without leaving stains on clothes

You can apply crystal deodorant to wet skin or dip crystals in water before applying.

Deodorants and antiperspirants cannot be separated from everyday life because they are effective in preventing body odor and excessive sweating in the armpits. However, if you are worried about using these two products, switch to using natural ingredients instead of deodorant as above

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