Deodorants & antiperspirants

There is no evidence to suggest that deodorants or antiperspirants increase breast cancer risk, despite claims to the contrary circulating for several years.

Antiperspirants work by closing, clogging or blocking the pores that release perspiration (sweat). Deodorants, on the other hand, do not stop perspiration. Instead, they work by hiding the smell of perspiration.

There is no evidence to support the claim that deodorants or antiperspirants contain toxins (damaging chemicals) that can be absorbed through the armpit and cause breast cancer.

There is also no evidence that antiperspirants (or the ingredient aluminium salts) can cause breast cancer by blocking pores and thereby preventing the body from getting rid of toxins through perspiration.

Women attending breast screening are advised to avoid using deodorants, antiperspirants or talc containing aluminium only because the aluminium might show up on their mammogram and give an inaccurate reading.

For more information see our factsheet, Deodorants, antiperspirants and breast cancer risk: The Facts (499 kb) .

Information last reviewed: 4 July 2011