Dear Iris: The Truth About Deodorant and Antiperspirant
Dear Iris,
I’ve been going back and forth on what to use—deodorant or antiperspirant. I’ve heard mixed things, especially when it comes to aluminum, and now that I’m in treatment, I’m second-guessing everything I put on my skin.
Is one safer than the other?
M
Dear M,
You’re not alone—this question comes up a lot, especially during treatment when so much suddenly feels uncertain.
The main difference is: deodorant helps with odor, while antiperspirant blocks sweat using aluminum-based ingredients. There’s no strong evidence linking antiperspirants to cancer or treatment complications. But if you’re receiving radiation, your care team may recommend avoiding deodorants, antiperspirants, perfume, or any products on the skin in the treatment area—especially near a surgical site.
Outside of the treatment window, a gentle, aluminum-free deodorant is often a safe choice. If your skin is feeling sensitive, look for one that’s fragrance-free and made with simple ingredients.
It might take a little trial and error to find what feels right. Be kind to yourself—and know there’s no wrong choice here.
Lindsay Boudinot, RN, BSN, OCN
Senior Oncology Nurse
Iris Oncology
Lindsay Boudinot began her career as an emergency room nurse working in a level one trauma center in St. Louis, later transitioning into a breast cancer nurse navigator. In this role, she was able to work with patients from diagnosis, through treatment and into survivorship. Lindsay’s passion is empowering patients with knowledge and understanding of their cancer, treatment, resources, and side effect management techniques so that they can live their best lives possible despite difficult circumstances.
This article meets Iris standards for medical accuracy. It has been fact-checked by the Iris Clinical Editorial Board, our team of oncology experts who ensure that the content is evidence based and up to date. The Iris Clinical Editorial Board includes board-certified oncologists and pharmacists, psychologists, advanced practice providers, licensed clinical social workers, oncology-certified nurses, and dietitians.
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