Television doctor Dr Hilary Jones has addressed concerns about deodorant health risks after singer Charlotte Church revealed she quit using it due to chemical concerns. Speaking on ITV's Lorraine, Dr Jones said there is no credible scientific evidence linking deodorant ingredients like parabens and aluminium to breast cancer or dementia, despite public worry.
Red Heat Health Warning Issued
The Met Office has issued a red heat health warning for the UK as temperatures are forecast to reach 40°C in some areas this week. Britons are expected to perspire heavily, prompting discussions about deodorant use and safety.
Dr Hilary Jones told presenter Ruth Langsford: "There's been a lot in the papers about whether deodorant is unsafe. It contains parabens. It contains aluminium. The amount absorbed into the skin is minuscule and there's no credible scientific evidence that it is dangerous to health or linked with breast cancer."
Charlotte Church's Decision
Charlotte Church, 40, from Cardiff, revealed on the Walking The Dog podcast that she stopped using deodorant because of chemical concerns. When host Emily Dean complimented her scent, Church replied: "Do I? That's surprising - I never smell nice. I don't wear deodorant or anything, so I generally stink." She also stopped shaving 18 months ago, encouraging women to "do whatever feels good" with body hair.
Dr Jones commented: "Charlotte Church doesn't wear it apparently for that reason. But on hot, sweaty days like we're going to have, it probably is kinder to everybody else to at least have a little wash and protect other people."
Mitchum Deodorant Issue
Earlier this year, Mitchum issued an apology after customers reported rashes, bumps, and burning from some roll-on deodorants. TikTok users shared videos of irritation after using Mitchum's 48-hour roll-on antiperspirant. The company identified a manufacturing change affecting a raw material, which has since been resolved. A Mitchum UK spokeswoman said: "Consumer wellbeing is always our priority, and we are truly sorry some of our customers have experienced temporary irritation."
Expert Reassurance
Dr Saleyha Ahsan wrote on the BBC: "Stopping yourself from sweating does not cause a build-up of toxins. Big studies looking for links between using antiperspirants or deodorants and cancer have found none." Women are advised not to use aluminium-containing deodorants before breast screening only because they can show up on X-rays, not due to health risks.
