Aluminum in Deodorant Crystals and Cosmetics
Deodorant crystals contain much more aluminum than assumed
Good aluminum, bad aluminum? Health concerns are justified
Aluminum is not the same as aluminum when it comes to its effects on our skin and in our body. Aluminum ions are problematic for us in the body and harmful to health.
Inert aluminum compounds (solid/stable aluminum compounds) occur most frequently in nature, in various forms and different compounds. For example as aluminum oxide: a “solid compound” that does not release any aluminum ions through aqueous solutions, sweat or blood. And if so, then only in very low concentrations and under very specific circumstances.
Manufacturers should be very cautious with claims “our aluminum compounds are inert and solid compounds” or provide evidence under real conditions. Again and again, previous claims from medicine and science are revised, as more sensitive measurement methods and a better understanding of physiological relationships lead to different assessments.
Deodorant crystals have much higher aluminum concentrations than assumed
Many people want to use aluminum-free deodorants and therefore use deodorant crystals or deodorant stones. What they don't know, however: These consist of alum, an aluminum salt crystal, which contains much more aluminum than in “normal aluminum deodorants”.
These deodorant crystals contain up to 30 percent soluble aluminum, while deodorants with aluminum contain only about 7 percent. Aluminum is one of the most abundant elements in the earth's crust after oxygen and silicon – and as aluminum silicate harmless. For application, however, the deodorant crystals are first moistened with water. This releases aluminum ions – which come into direct contact with the epidermis, the excretory ducts of the sebaceous glands and sweat glands. However, aluminum ions are responsible for the “blockade” of the sweat glands and can accumulate in the body over years of use. Aluminum compounds are detected especially in the brain.
Most deodorant crystals are not naturally formed, but are industrially produced or grown contrary to the claims of some manufacturers. Very easily soluble aluminum compounds are not only found in deodorants: They are also found in sunscreens and foot powders as well as even in medications against heartburn and vaccinations. Pure aluminum is also used in eyeliners, lipsticks, eyeshadows, kajal pencils, mascaras and as aluminum powder or dye.
From a bio-logical point of view, one should avoid products that contain aluminum compounds or pure aluminum. Look for healthy alternatives – there are plenty of them.