There is a great deal of controversy regarding the link of antiperspirant and deodorant to breast cancer, this is leading many people to seek  alternative natural deodorant such as brands like Tom's of Maine, Aura Sensory deodorant, Jason herbal deodorants and Kiss My Face brands. For every study that states there is a correlation, there is an equal number which denies it. These are the facts:

The substances used as active ingredients in antiperspirants are aluminum based. These compounds are able to temporarily prevent the flow of sweat from the glands to the skin's surface.

This ingredient can naturally be absorbed into the body when used regularly. Once in the body, it leads to abnormal estrogen levels and further health complications. Aluminum is the third most common element found on the planet it has been found to be carcinogenic, genotoxic, and a metalloestrogen (a chemical that mimics estrogen, and not in a good way).

Another ingredient which has proven to have effects on estrogen are called parabens. Parabens, which go by the names benzlparaben, butylparaben, methylparaben, or propylparaben, are in many pharmaceutical, food, cosmetic, and other consumer products. They are added to extend the shelf life of these products as a preservative.

Currently, there are few brands which use parabens in deodorants and antiperspirants according to the FDA. If there is concern regarding a product containing parabens, a website has been dedicated to listing the items which contain it. Another option is to seek out  paraben free deodorants to completely avoid the paraben ingredient.

The common connection between aluminum compounds and parabens found in antiperspirants and deodorants is that they can affect estrogen levels in the tissue. This hormone has been linked to growth and development of certain cancers.

Women who shave their underarms and use deodorant or antiperspirant within one hour of this activity are believed to be at a much greater risk of developing breast cancer than those that do not. By shaving, the skin becomes temporarily compromised, enabling the aluminum or paraben to easily be absorbed into the body.

A study conducted in 2003 found that women had a higher incident of developing cancer when the women began shaving their underarms and using deodorant or antiperspirant before the age of 16 years. The study showed not only a higher risk but an earlier onset of the malignant growth when compared to those who did not start at as early an age.

Another study published in the Journal of Inorganic Chemistry noted that the breast tissue of women who use deodorant and antiperspirant have a higher level of aluminum in the tissue that is closest to the site of use.

The upper outer portion of the breast is also a regular site of tumor formation. The research was performed on women who had undergone mastectomy as a result of cancer, the results were considered inconclusive however because the levels of the substance could not be established due to the use of deodorant or antiperspirants or the byproduct of the malignant tissue.

The National Cancer Institute acknowledges there have been studies showing there is a possible link between the use of deodorant or antiperspirant which contain these substances and breast cancer, however the manner in which the research was completed is under strong scrutiny because the source of the aluminum and parabens was not properly identified. NCI suggests these preliminary finds need additional testing.

There are a number of natural deodorant and antiperspirants that are available for use by the public. Natural deodorant and antiperspirant do no contain any of these harmful substances, they use alternative herbs and ingredients which for most individuals work just as effectively without the worries.

A natural deodorant or antiperspirant is an excellent alternative for women who shave, or have a family history of breast cancer that wish to limit the potential harmful actions of these hygiene products.

This form of malignancy is the most common one found in women and is the leading cause of death in women between the age of 35 and 54. Those statistics alone are enough to cause women to consider switching to a natural deodorant.