Can I safely use antiperspirants containing aluminium?
Yes, applying antiperspirants to healthy skin is perfectly safe.
EU Statement via the BfR: Absorption of aluminium through the skin is unlikely
- 2014 The German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) conducted a health risk assessment of aluminium-based antiperspirants in 2014. At the time, the available data was contradictory. Consequently, the Institute highlighted a need for further research. The industry was requested to measure aluminium absorption through the skin. A task that proved extremely challenging and required significant resources to complete.
- 2020 On 20 July 2020, the BfR published its final conclusion for the entire European Union, confirming that no aluminium are absorbed through the skin. They stated: "Health impairments caused by the absorption of aluminium through the skin are unlikely." You can read the full BfR Opinion 030/2020 of 20 July 2020 here.
- 2023 This safety assessment was further confirmed and solidified at EU level by the Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) (Opinion 045/2023). View the SCCS Opinion 045/2023 here.
In summary: when applied correctly to healthy skin (avoiding freshly shaved skin), the use of these products is entirely safe.