Natural crystal deodorants contain aluminum

Q: I’ve always read labels carefully and avoided antiperspirants with aluminum. However, I thought that natural crystal deodorants containing potassium alum would be safe. After all, I’ve used alum for making pickles.

You have written that alum is actually aluminum. Now I feel terrible that I have not only used crystal deodorant myself, but I have also given it as gifts to my entire family. I wonder how many other people have been fooled.

A: Alum is an aluminum “salt.” One of the most common forms is aluminum potassium sulfate. It is used in water treatment plants to help solidify floating particles so the water looks clear.

Alum is also used in pickling. Pharmacies sell styptic pencils that contain alum. It can stop the bleeding from a shaving cut. Natural crystal “rock” deodorants often list alum or potassium alum as the primary ingredient.

Antiperspirants also contain aluminum salts such as aluminum chlorohydrate. In fact, the Food and Drug Administration requires aluminum salts in all antiperspirants. That’s because such compounds cause swelling of the pores in underarm skin. As a result, the sweat glands are blocked and sweat can’t escape.

Although the FDA considers aluminum salts safe, some scientists disagree. They worry that aluminum salts might act to change the way that hormones act in the body, including in breast tissue ( Journal of Molecular Biochemistry, 2018).

Q: I have an elderly friend who has glaucoma. Her doctor prescribed Vyzulta eyedrops. This medicine is extremely expensive. A two-month supply would cost her over $450. Is there a pharmacy in Canada that would be safe and charge her less for this medication?

A: We consulted www. pharmacychecker.com and found one Canadian pharmacy that sells latanoprostene bunod ophthalmic solution (Vyzulta). The same amount (5 ml) from Canada Cloud Pharmacy would cost roughly onefourth as much.

Brand-name medications often are much less expensive in Canada. To learn more about identifying reputable Canadian pharmacies, you may want to consult our online resource, Saving Money on Medicines. This eGuide is available at www.PeoplesPharmacy.com.