Side Effects of Using Dove Antiperspirant

Dove manufactures a wide array of antiperspirant products, including roll-on, solids and aerosol spray cans. You may use them for their ability to reduce or stop perspiration for a cleaner, drier sensation. Though widely considered safe, you may experience several negative side effects while using Dove's antiperspirant products.

You may experience an allergic reaction to Dove's antiperspirant products. Symptoms may include itchiness, raised skin bumps or a red rash. The allergic reaction may be to one of the many ingredients found in Dove's products, including its fragrances. You may opt for a Dove antiperspirant specifically labeled for sensitive skin to see if you react more favorably to such specialized products.

Several preliminary studies, including a July 2003 review published in the European Journal of Cancer Prevention, have suggested that hygiene products containing aluminum--all Dove antiperspirant products have aluminum, specifically aluminum zirconium--may increase your risk of contracting a cancer such as breast cancer. Additional research must be done to accurately ascertain the level of risk involved, as additional health factors, such as a history of cancer, may explain potential correlations between antiperspirant use and cancer cases.

The aluminum salts in Dove's antiperspirant products, combined with the moisture of your perspiration, may cause yellow staining of your clothing. This is often noticed around the underarm area of a shirt's sleeves. Regular washing or bleaching may help stave off the problem.

Antiperspirants like those made by Dove may block the skin's pores. This may potentially cause bacterial or fungal infections that can result in armpit lumps or cysts, according to the Milton Hershey Medical Center at Penn State University.

Dove's antiperspirant products may interact with a pre-existing skin condition like eczema, aggravating the skin and making your skin condition worse. To avoid such problems, consult a dermatologist before using any sort of topical hygiene product if you have a pre-existing medical condition.