Is aluminum an endocrine disruptor? It is one of the most frequently asked questions when someone starts looking at their deodorant label with a magnifying glass. Aluminum is present naturally in water, soil, and many foods, so it is impossible to have no contact with it. What we can decide is whether to add another source by applying it every day to our underarms. In this article, we explain what an endocrine disruptor is, what is known (and what is not) about aluminum, and how to detect it in the INCI so that you can make an informed choice.
What is an endocrine disruptor?
Our metabolism, reproduction, and other natural functions are regulated by the endocrine system, a set of hormones secreted by the glands that form it: the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, pineal gland, thyroid gland, thymus, adrenal gland, pancreas, and the ovaries and testicles.
An endocrine disruptor is an external substance that can mimic, block, or alter the action of hormones. By "tricking" the endocrine system, it could cause imbalances in processes that depend on a very delicate hormonal balance. Among the most studied examples are certain parabens, certain phthalates, or bisphenol A.
If you want to know the subject in depth, we recommend our article with everything you need to know about endocrine disruptors.
What is known about aluminum as a possible endocrine disruptor?
Aluminum salts are the active ingredient in most antiperspirants: they form a small "plug" in the sweat glands to reduce sweat. As they are applied daily and in an area so close to breast tissue, it has been studied for years whether they could have any effect on the hormonal system.
Aluminum as a "metalloestrogen"
Some researchers have proposed that aluminum could act as a metalloestrogen, that is, a metal capable of interfering with the action of estrogens. This hypothesis is supported mainly by in vitro studies (with cells in the laboratory), where effects on estrogen receptors and breast cells have been observed.
The presence of aluminum has also been detected in breast tissue, which has fueled the debate about its possible relationship with breast cancer. We tell you more about this in our article on aluminum in deodorants.
What is still not clear
It is worth being honest: just because something is observed in a laboratory does not mean it happens the same way in the human body. To this day, evidence in humans is not conclusive. It has not been proven that aluminum in antiperspirants causes breast cancer or acts as an endocrine disruptor under normal conditions of use. Something similar occurs with Alzheimer's: its possible relationship with aluminum has been investigated, but no cause-effect relationship has been established.
What European regulations say
In the European Union, the Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) has evaluated aluminum in cosmetics and considers its use in antiperspirants safe up to certain concentrations, which regulations limit. That is to say, antiperspirants sold legally in the EU comply with these limits.
So why do some people prefer to avoid it? Because, while science continues to study the subject, many people apply the precautionary principle: if there is an effective alternative without aluminum, why not reduce that daily exposure?
As a precaution, what can you do?
It is not about being alarmed, but about making informed decisions. If you want to reduce your exposure to aluminum and other potential endocrine disruptors, these simple steps will help you:
- Check the INCI of your cosmetics, starting with those that stay on your skin for many hours, such as deodorant.
- Switch from an antiperspirant to an aluminum-free deodorant: it controls odor without blocking sweat.
- Avoid applying it to irritated or freshly shaven skin, since damaged skin is more permeable.
- Simplify your routine: fewer products and shorter formulas mean fewer ingredients to be exposed to every day.
- Also pay attention to other ingredients that often accompany aluminum, such as parabens, triclosan, or phthalates (which are sometimes hidden under "parfum").
How to detect aluminum in the INCI
The INCI is the list of ingredients that appears on the packaging, ordered from highest to lowest concentration. Aluminum salts are not always easy to recognize, so these are the most common names you should look for:
- Aluminum chlorohydrate, the most common in antiperspirants.
- Aluminum sesquichlorohydrate.
- Aluminum zirconium tetrachlorohydrex GLY or Aluminum zirconium trichlorohydrex GLY, frequent in high-performance sticks and antiperspirants.
- Aluminum chloride.
- Potassium alum or Alum ("alum stone").
Beware of the latter: alum stone is often sold as a "natural" deodorant, but it is also an aluminum salt. If you are looking to avoid aluminum, better rule it out. And if you have trouble understanding a label, in our article on the benefits of an aluminum-free deodorant we also explain what you gain from the change and if it really works.
The odyssey of finding an aluminum-free deodorant
It surely sounds familiar: you have been buying the same deodorant all your life, once you turned it over to read the label, and among so many scientific names, you only recognized alcohol and water. Changing deodorants can seem like a small odyssey, especially if you don't know what to look for.
When switching to an aluminum-free deodorant you will notice that you continue to sweat, and that is normal: the goal is no longer to stop the sweat, but to neutralize bad odor, which is produced by bacteria and not by the sweat itself. Many people need a few days to get used to the new sensation, so give it a chance before deciding.
At Banbu, all our deodorants are 0% aluminum, alcohol, essential oils, and baking soda, making them perfect if you are looking for a deodorant that is gentle on your skin without losing effectiveness: they keep the underarm protected from bad odor and irritation for 24 hours. And you have them in three formats:
Solid deodorant
The stick format has a creamy, fast-absorbing formula that leaves no trace and is very easy to use; plus, you can buy the applicator separately. Its use is as simple as a roll-on: you just have to apply it to the underarm from top to bottom and you will see how it absorbs immediately.
Cream deodorant
The cream format is made with natural active ingredients that neutralize bad odor and keeps your underarms healthy and hydrated for more than 24 hours. To use it, you only need your hands: take a little product and spread it over the underarm.
Refill deodorant
The refill format is perfect for keeping up with your pace and reusing the container. Its formula, full of natural ingredients, neutralizes any trace of bad odor and keeps your underarms healthy and hydrated for more than 24 hours. You just have to apply it from top to bottom on the underarm and that's it.
Variety of formats and scents
In addition to adapting to your needs, our deodorants come in different scents so you can find yours: Silver Touch, Soft Breeze, So Fresh, So Pure and Silver Sea. 
So, is aluminum an endocrine disruptor?
The honest answer is that there are indications in laboratory studies and an open scientific debate, but no conclusive evidence in humans, and European regulations consider its use in antiperspirants safe within certain limits. If you still prefer not to apply it every day, you have alternatives that work: checking the INCI and choosing an aluminum-free deodorant is a simple change you can make as a precaution, without giving up feeling fresh.
Author: Nathalia Carrillo Jácome
