Anti-Perspirants and Breast Cancer Claims
                         
  Position Statement                
  The CTFA is aware that a study undertaken by Dr Philippa Darbre of Reading University (UK) has produced a hypothesis that ingredients in anti-perspirants could lead to an increased risk of Breast Cancer.
This study is not conclusive and neither is it considered in any way a clinical result by either the industry or regulatory authorities. Even the studies author conclued that further research was necessary to prove or disprove the hypothesis made.
It is false and misleading for media to make claims that there is any risk to humans from the use of anti-perspirant ingredients and it is equally misleading for claims to be made that the study has triggered the European Unioin to look at the issue as a result.
 

The Scientific Committee for Cosmetic Products (SCCP) which is the body tasked to monitor and decide on product and ingredient safety under the European Union has not been prompted to act but does as part of it routine monitoring review all cosmetic products. Thus this body has reviewed Anti-perspirents and ingredients to assess risks to health whether from parabens following on from the Darbre research or Aluminum which is another rumour circulating the internet.

Such reviews are always supported by the industry as a means to ensure that consumer product safety is maintained. Where ingredient levels are assessed or the use of an ingredient with particular products such as Anti-perspirents are reviewed the industry supplies routinely all data sheets and test results along with independent bodies for analysis by the review body whether this is the SCCP in the European Union or by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review body in the US.
You may review the findings of the SCCP below where conclusions reached establish the safety of parabens.

Dr Darbe has also release a statement more recently that Aluminum salts might pose the same level of risk at parabens. Neither the original or later information has any substance although Aluminum Salts have been reviewed previously in relation to other claims and found to be safe. We have no reason to believe otherwise on their safety.

  The CTFA has a significant commitment to women cancer sufferers through the Look Good... Feel Better charity and our members do extensive research to ensure that products marketed by them are safe and that no harmful ingredients are included.
Such research is also undertaken by the American Cancer Society, Regulators and other Universities. The following links on this issue allow you to view the original Darbre research and comment by the various bodies.
We are confident that the products sold are entirely safe and we support the calls for further research to ensure this remains so.
   
  The CTFA assures Consumers that underarm products such as Anti-perspirants are safe and they should have no fears in using these products now or in the future!
                         
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