People have, throughout the history of humanity, tried to make themselves smell good — but the history of modern deodorants doesn't really begin until the cusp of the twentieth century. When they first appeared, many folks considered deodorants either dangerous or plain unnecessary. They have, of course, since become a staple of modern life, especially since the first aerosol, roll-on, and stick deodorants started emerging in the 1970s.
Today, the vast majority of Americans use deodorant — many without second thought, and many, we think it's safe to say, would be shocked at the suggestion to stop using it or to turn to more natural products.
What exactly are deodorants and antiperspirants?
Humans sweat to regulate their body temperature — which explains why you sweat when you exercise vigorously or when it's hot out. Sweat itself is, contrary to popular belief, almost without odor, though. It's stale sweat, in which bacterial populations have been allowed to proliferate, that stink (or produce body odor, to use more neutral terms).
Deodorants are those products that serve to control body odor, by creating a more acidic environment in which it is harder for odor-producing bacteria to thrive.
Antiperspirants are products that reduce sweating by blocking activity within the sweat glands as well, as such fighting both odors and sweating itself. While many antiperspirants are available over the counter in many places, some are also prescription-only, and offered to people who suffer from conditions such as hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating).
How are deodorants and antiperspirants regulated?
In the United States, products meant for "cleansing, beautifying, promoting attractiveness, or altering the appearance" that are "applied to the human body" (by rubbing, spraying, sprinkling, and other means) are considered to be cosmetics. Cosmetics have to meet certain safety standards, but are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration.
Products that have a therapeutic use, even if they additionally serve as cosmetics, are more likely to be considered drugs, though some would instead be considered consumer products (or, in the case of, well, dietary supplements, they'd be considered dietary supplements).
Antiperspirants must meet certain criteria to be sold on the open market. That includes using the allowed active ingredients in not just the allowed dosage, but the correct ratio to one another. (These ingredients are aluminum chloride and related aluminum-derived substances, as well as zirconium. Uses must be clearly stated, and adequate warnings provided. Consumers have to have access to warnings to not use antiperspirants on injured or broken skin, to stop using the product if they experience skin irritation following application, to consult their health care provider before using if they have kidney disease, and also even, if the antiperspirant is an aerosol, to keep it away from the face.
Since not complying with the requirements results in really scary letters threatening legal action from the FDA, it's certainly in any manufacturer's best interest to comply!
What you really wanted to know: Is your deodorant killing you slowly?
No. You're welcome to shun deodorants and antiperspirants for personal reasons, but unless you are allergic to a specific ingredient, your personal body-odor warrior won't damage your health.
- Rumors that deodorants, antiperspirants, or both caused an increased risk of breast cancer due to aluminum have not been backed up by further research. The rumor most likely remains in place because most breast cancers do start in the region near the armpits, combined with a general fear of "chemicals".
- It is true that aluminum is absorbed through the skin. However, this happens in tiny quantities. Even larger-scale investigations of people occupationally exposed to aluminum found no link between this and Alzheimer's disease, rendering that concern safe to discard as well.
- Because people with kidney disease, and specifically stage four or five (kidney function of 30 percent or less) do have increased risk from aluminum exposure, those people are warned to not use antiperspirants unless their doctors say it is OK. This does not mean that antiperspirants also cause kidney disease, but it absolutely does mean that you should not eat antiperspirant sticks. (Don't be surprised — run a search for "deodorant eating addiction", and you'll see that though rare, this phenomenon does exist. It would be classed under pica, an eating disorder in which people consume non-food items. Now that's bad for your health. Seek immediate help if you have uncontrollable urges to eat deodorant or antiperspirant.)
It is, of course, possible to have an allergic reaction to any ingredient found in your deodorant. In that case, you will likely notice a red, swollen, and painful skin rash in the areas where you applied deodorant. The skin may become so raw that it cracks, scales, or bleeds, and even blisters are possible. Discontinue the product in favor of a hypoallergenic one immediately, and strongly consider consulting your doctor get to the bottom of the exact cause. A series of patch tests can help determine the allergen in question. In severe cases, you will also need antihistamines.
If you don't have kidney disease, are not allergic, and live in a country where cosmetics and drug products are regulated well, you do not have a reason to worry. Don't sweat it, and use a deodorant or antiperspirant in peace.