Aluminum is the third most abundant metal on Earth and is commonly used in deodorants and antiperspirants to block pores and reduce sweating. While there is little evidence that aluminum exposure causes cancer, some research suggests that it may be harmful in large amounts. Aluminum is not typically found in deodorants, but it is present in most antiperspirants and two-in-one products.
In the world of fragrances, aluminum is a synthetic 'fantasy' ingredient that adds a cooling, metallic edge. It is not commonly found in colognes, but it is a notable ingredient in Creed's Acier Aluminum, a fragrance inspired by the chain mail worn by medieval knights.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Aluminum in deodorant | Deodorants don't contain aluminum. |
Aluminum in antiperspirant | Most antiperspirants contain aluminum. |
Aluminum in cologne | Aluminum is found in some colognes, such as Creed's Acier Aluminium. |
What You'll Learn
- Aluminum is the third most abundant metal on Earth
- Aluminum is used in deodorants and antiperspirants to block pores and reduce sweating
- There is little evidence that aluminum causes cancer or other health issues
- Aluminum is used in men's colognes to add a cooling, metal edge
- Creed's Acier Aluminium cologne was inspired by the chain mail worn by medieval knights
Aluminum is the third most abundant metal on Earth
Aluminum, also spelt aluminium, is the third most abundant and most abundant metal element in the Earth's crust. It constitutes about eight per cent of the Earth's crust. However, it is never found in its pure state but always combined with other elements.
Aluminum is lightweight, soft, durable, non-magnetic, and corrosion-resistant. It has a silvery or dull grey colour. It is also a good conductor of electricity and has excellent reflectance properties.
Aluminum is derived from bauxite, a rock that contains a mixture of aluminium hydroxides. The process of extracting aluminum from bauxite is energy-intensive, and recycled aluminum requires only five per cent of the energy needed to produce aluminum from ore.
Aluminum has numerous applications due to its special properties. It is widely used in the transportation, packaging, and construction industries. Aluminum is also used in electrical cables, aircraft skins, and consumer electronics. Its alloys are more cost-efficient than copper and are used in long-distance conductor lines.
The ancient world knew aluminum in the form of gemstones and alum, a fixing agent for dyeing. In modern times, aluminum is commonly used in cans, foils, automobile and aircraft parts, kitchen utensils, watches, bicycles, paints, railway cars, and synthetic materials.
Due to its abundance and usefulness, aluminum plays a significant role in our everyday lives.
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Aluminum is used in deodorants and antiperspirants to block pores and reduce sweating
Aluminum is a common ingredient in antiperspirants, which are designed to reduce sweating. It is not found in deodorants, which only target body odor. Aluminum compounds in antiperspirants block sweat ducts, physically preventing sweat from escaping the body.
Aluminum salts dissolve on the skin and enter the pores, where they form plugs that block the ducts and prevent sweating. This mode of action makes antiperspirants an effective treatment for hyperhidrosis and other conditions that cause excessive sweating.
The amount of aluminum in over-the-counter antiperspirants is relatively low. However, prescription antiperspirants can contain up to 30% aluminum chlorohydrate, a type of aluminum salt.
While there is little evidence to support a direct link between aluminum and cancer, some studies have suggested that aluminum accumulation in the body may be harmful. For example, a 2017 study found higher levels of aluminum in the breast tissue of women with breast cancer who used antiperspirants frequently and started using them before the age of 30.
Additionally, a 2018 study suggested that high levels of aluminum may interfere with the body's endocrine system by altering estrogen production or response. However, the skin absorbs very little aluminum from antiperspirants, and the body effectively clears it out through the kidneys and liver.
Overall, while concerns have been raised about the potential health effects of aluminum in antiperspirants, the evidence is inconclusive, and regulatory bodies like the FDA continue to approve its use.
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There is little evidence that aluminum causes cancer or other health issues
Aluminum-based compounds are used as the active ingredient in antiperspirants. These compounds form a temporary "plug" within the sweat duct that stops the flow of sweat to the skin's surface.
Some researchers have theorized that aluminum compounds might be absorbed by the skin and cause changes in estrogen receptors of breast cells. However, it isn't clear that much aluminum is absorbed through the skin. One study found that only a tiny fraction (0.012%) was absorbed, and the amount of aluminum absorbed would be much less than what would be expected to be absorbed from food during the same time.
A study that looked at women with breast cancer found no real difference in the concentration of aluminum between the cancer and the surrounding normal tissue. At this point, there is no clear link between antiperspirants containing aluminum and breast cancer.
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Aluminum is used in men's colognes to add a cooling, metal edge
In men's colognes, aluminum adds a synthetic, artificial, metallic freshness. Creed's Acier Aluminum, for example, is a fragrance inspired by the chain mail worn by medieval knights. It gives every man the chance to feel like a knight in shining armor. The cologne has top notes of bergamot, middle notes of spice and fruits, and base notes of ambergris and vanilla. It is an elegant cologne that exemplifies traditional masculine strength.
The use of aluminum in fragrances is a relatively recent development, with the metal making an appearance mostly in men's perfumery so far. Aluminum adds a unique, modern twist to traditional cologne scents, providing a cooling, metal edge that can make the wearer feel powerful and confident.
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Creed's Acier Aluminium cologne was inspired by the chain mail worn by medieval knights
Creeds Acier Aluminium cologne was inspired by the chain mail worn by medieval knights. The name itself evokes this imagery, with "Acier" being French for "steel". The cologne is a Citrus Aromatic fragrance for men, with top notes of bergamot, middle notes of spice and fruits, and base notes of ambergris and vanilla. It was created by James Henry Creed and Bernard Ellena, and launched in 1973.
The cologne has been described as magnificent and elegant, with a metallic vibe that is reminiscent of bronze or metal. It has also been likened to a knight in shining armour, with a rich vintage fruit or dried fruit accord. The scent is said to be nostalgic and not a strong performer, with a lux aftershave feel.
Some reviews mention an unusual banana scent, with notes of vanilla and amber being more prominent. The banana scent is described as not syrupy sweet or overbearing, and the cologne is said to be not a blind-buy.
Overall, Creeds Acier Aluminium cologne is an unusual, nostalgic scent inspired by the armour of medieval knights, with a unique blend of notes that create a metallic vibe.
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Frequently asked questions
Aluminum is not typically found in deodorants, but it is found in most antiperspirants. Therefore, if a cologne functions as an antiperspirant, it may contain aluminum. One example of a cologne that contains aluminum is Creed's Acier Aluminium.
Aluminum is added to fragrances to add a cooling, metal edge. Aluminum is the third most abundant metal on Earth and is distinguished by its silvery-white color. It is lightweight but durable, malleable, and ductile.
There is little evidence that typical exposure to aluminum causes cancer or any other health condition. However, some research has suggested that aluminum, in large amounts, may be harmful. The National Kidney Foundation advises people with stage 4 kidney disease to avoid skincare products with aluminum.