Divine Aleru is an accomplished biochemist and researcher with a specialized background in environmental toxicology, focusing on the impacts of heavy metals on human health. With deep-rooted expertise in microbiome signatures analysis, Divine seamlessly blends rigorous scientific training with her passion for deciphering the intricate relationships between environmental exposures and the human microbiome. Her career is distinguished by a commitment to advancing integrative health interventions, leveraging cutting-edge microbiome research to illuminate how toxic metals shape biological systems. Driven by curiosity and innovation, Divine is dedicated to translating complex environmental findings into actionable insights that improve individual and public health outcomes. 
Divine Aleru is an accomplished biochemist and researcher with a specialized background in environmental toxicology, focusing on the impacts of heavy metals on human health. With deep-rooted expertise in microbiome signatures analysis, Divine seamlessly blends rigorous scientific training with her passion for deciphering the intricate relationships between environmental exposures and the human microbiome. Her career is distinguished by a commitment to advancing integrative health interventions, leveraging cutting-edge microbiome research to illuminate how toxic metals shape biological systems. Driven by curiosity and innovation, Divine is dedicated to translating complex environmental findings into actionable insights that improve individual and public health outcomes. What was issued?
The paper outlines the evolving landscape of deodorants and antiperspirants, focusing on active ingredients, new research, and emerging testing methods. It emphasizes the growing interest in alternatives to traditional ingredients such as aluminum salts, with a specific focus on natural plant extracts and essential oils. The paper highlights novel testing methodologies and stresses the importance of developing reliable protocols for evaluating efficacy and skin safety.
Who is affected?
This guidance impacts manufacturers of deodorants and antiperspirants, as well as consumers who use these products. It particularly concerns regulatory bodies, such as the FDA and EFSA, tasked with ensuring the safety and efficacy of these products. Public health organizations, dermatologists, and cosmetic formulators are also stakeholders, especially those involved in assessing the safety of novel ingredients and their potential environmental and health impacts.
Most important findings
A key focus of the document is the shift from traditional active agents like aluminum salts to more natural alternatives such as plant extracts and essential oils. Despite their antimicrobial benefits, these new ingredients face challenges in scalability, production costs, and sensory assessments. Aluminum-based antiperspirants remain effective, but their skin irritation potential calls for safer alternatives. The document also stresses the importance of standardized testing to ensure comparability across different products and laboratories.
Key implications
The primary implications for industry and public health involve the need to balance innovation with safety. Manufacturers must comply with evolving regulations, which may require new testing methods and ingredient disclosures. Public health agencies will need to monitor the long-term effects of these new ingredients on consumer health. The industry must prepare for stricter guidelines on active ingredients, especially concerning exposure to aluminum salts, and work towards reducing the risk of skin irritation and potential environmental harm.
Citation
Teerasumran P, Velliou E, Bai S, Cai Q. Deodorants and antiperspirants: New trends in their active agents and testing methods. Int J Cosmet Sci. 2023 Aug;45(4):426-443. doi: 10.1111/ics.12852
