Prompt Cast
The Science of Deodorant: Exploring Ingredients and Safety
TLDR This episode of Science Vs delves into the world of deodorant, discussing how body odor is caused by bacteria on our bodies, the role of genetic mutations in sweat, the use of antiperspirants to reduce bacteria, and the potential links between aluminum in deodorants and breast cancer. Probiotic deodorants are also explored as a potential solution for replacing smelly bacteria on the skin.
Timestamped Summary
00:00
Deodorant ingredients and their safety are explored in this episode of Science Vs.
04:12
Body odor is caused by the bacteria on our bodies eating our sweat and producing smelly chemicals.
08:18
Bacteria in our armpits eat our sweat and produce chemicals that cause body odor, but some people have a genetic mutation that changes their sweat and makes them less smelly, which is common in East Asia, and the need for deodorant was created through ad campaigns.
12:20
Using antiperspirants drastically reduces the amount of bacteria on our skin, as the aluminum-based salts in antiperspirants mix with sweat to create a plug that blocks sweat glands and prevents bacteria from thriving.
15:57
There is evidence linking aluminum, specifically the aluminum found in deodorants, to causing breast cancer and other dysfunctions in the body.
19:47
A study found that women who wore deodorant more frequently, especially those who applied it more than once a day, had an increased risk of breast cancer, but other studies on the topic have been inconclusive.
23:18
There is no conclusive evidence linking antiperspirants to breast cancer or Alzheimer's disease, but it is advised not to use antiperspirants on broken skin and to consult a doctor if you have kidney disease.
27:06
Probiotic deodorants that contain live organisms may help to replace smelly bacteria on the skin, according to a small study, but more research is needed to determine their effectiveness.
