If a deodorant contains aluminum, it then becomes an antiperspirant. In other words, the goal of aluminum is to block sweat glands, says Dr. Holmes. “There are rumors that aluminum in deodorants and antiperspirants can cause Alzheimer's disease or breast cancer,” says Dr. Holmes. “Scientific literature states there is no link between aluminum chloride and the development of Alzheimer's.” And, although some scientists have suggested otherwise, there is currently no scientific evidence that supports a link between aluminum in deodorants and breast cancer.