Antiperspirants, Deodorants, and Breast Cancer

Parabens are a group of chemicals that prevent the growth of mold, bacteria and yeast. They are often added to cosmetics and personal care products to increase shelf-life.

Parabens are most commonly found in cosmetics and personal care items such as lotions, sunscreen, antiperspirants, makeup and hair products. Parabens may also be found in chewing gum and mouthwash

Parabens are known endocrine disruptors that can mimic estrogen in the body. Several studies have shown that parabens can affect the mechanisms of normal breast cells and potentially influence their abnormal growth, leading to increased risk for breast cancer