There's a lot of buzz about the negative effects of aluminum (the active ingredient in antiperspirant) and unfortunately, not a lot of certainty. Here's what we do know: in order to be called an antiperspirant in the US, the FDA requires using one of several specific aluminum salt compounds. Aluminum salts work by plugging the sweat ducts under your arms thereby keeping you dry and odor free. The most commonly used forms are aluminum chloride, aluminum chlorohydrate, or aluminum zirconium.Some studies suggest that exposure to aluminum in antiperspirants could lead to an increased risk of Alzheimer's disease or cancer. While it is worth noting that none of these studies have been conclusive in determining a direct 1:1 correlation to disease, further research needs to be done on the cumulative effect of toxin exposure over time and its role in triggering disease.And, by the way, sweating is good for you! It's how your body expels excess hormones and other toxins. When you use an antiperspirant, it forces your body to reabsorb what should be emitted as waste. In some breast cancer research, it's been suggested that using antiperspirant disrupts that natural endocrine function, elevating estrogen levels that can contribute to breast cancer in some people.