Go Ad-Free
logoThe People's Perspective on Medicine

Can Aluminum Be Absorbed From Antiperspirants?

Q. I have read that antiperspirants could be dangerous because the aluminum they contain can be absorbed into the body. Is there any basis to this?
A. The association between aluminum and Alzheimer’s disease has been controversial for decades. Research suggests, however, that high doses can be neurotoxic.
Investigators have found that the aluminum in antiperspirants can be absorbed through the skin, but concluded that levels were too low to be dangerous. A case reported in the American Journal of Medicine (Dec. 15, 2004) suggests that may not always be true. One woman developed bone pain and fatigue after four years of daily antiperspirant use. Her blood aluminum levels were elevated. After stopping the antiperspirant, her aluminum levels decreased and symptoms resolved.

Rate this article
star-fullstar-emptystar-fullstar-emptystar-fullstar-emptystar-fullstar-emptystar-fullstar-emptystar-fullstar-emptystar-fullstar-emptystar-fullstar-emptystar-fullstar-emptystar-fullstar-empty
5- 1 rating
About the Author
Joe Graedon is a pharmacologist who has dedicated his career to making drug information understandable to consumers. His best-selling book, The People’s Pharmacy, was published in 1976 and led to a syndicated newspaper column, syndicated public radio show and web site. In 2006, Long Island University awarded him an honorary doctorate as “one of the country's leading drug experts for the consumer.”.
Tired of the ads on our website?

Now you can browse our website completely ad-free for just $5 / month. Stay up to date on breaking health news and support our work without the distraction of advertisements.

Browse our website ad-free
Join over 150,000 Subscribers at The People's Pharmacy

We're empowering you to make wise decisions about your own health, by providing you with essential health information about both medical and alternative treatment options.