Celeb duo play it safe.

CELEBRITIES Denise van Outen and Natasha Hamilton have decided to ditch conventional antiperspirants after discovering some of them could be linked to breast cancer.

Denise, who lost her grandmother to the disease, and former Atomic Kitten singer Natasha want women to make informed choices about the beauty products they use.

Studies in recent years have highlighted a possible link between the aluminium and parabens used in antiperspirants and deodorants and breast cancer in women.

It is believed that they can pass through the skin into the breast tissue - both through absorption and nicks/irritation caused by underarm shaving.

Some scientists believe the link is significant and enough to warrant further research - others completely dismiss it.

Aluminium compounds are found in the vast majority of antiperspirants and represent approximately a quarter of the total ingredients of some brands.

All antiperspirants and deodorants come with a warning stating that they should not be used on broken or irritated skin but many women either ignore these warnings or fail to take them seriously.

Leading breast cancer specialist Dr Robert Thomas said: "I'm very much aware there is no clear proof antiperspirants or deodorants cause cancer but with one in nine women developing the disease, it seems sensible to be cautious and not take unnecessary risks."

Aluminium contained in all antiperspirants blocks pores and prevents the skin from sweating, which can lead to a number of health problems.

Bionsen - a deodorant in the true sense of the word - allows the skin to breathe naturally.

Natasha is now using Bionsen deodorants after learning the range is free from aluminium and paraben, which have been linked to breast cancer.

She said: "Like many women, I was unaware the dangerous chemicals antiperspirants contain which have been linked to breast cancer.

"I think anything that can reduce the risk of breast cancer or future health problems is fantastic, and Bionsen is the freshest deodorant I have come across."

Denise added: "When I was asked to be the face of Bionsen, I didn't even have to think about it as it stands for an issue close to my heart. Having lost my grandmother to breast cancer, it's important to me to raise awareness of the issue and if I can use my celebrity status to do that, then that's great.

"As the face of the brand, I want to get women thinking about the issue and encourage them to make informed choices.

"Any woman who buys a product from the range during Breast Cancer Awareness month in October will be supporting the cause, as a 10p donation will be made from every product sold via www.bodyhealthdebate.com."

Both Denise and Natasha are helping to educate women about the differences between anti-perspirants and deodorants.

For more information on the Bionsen range, visit www.bionsen.co.uk

CAPTION(S):

Heathy option ... Denise is promoting Bionsen deodorants