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Use of Aluminum Salts in Antiperspirants
October 30, 2019

Independent Chemical Corporation provides common aluminum salts including Aluminum Sesquichlorohydrate (CAS 11097-68-0; 11089-92-2) and Aluminum Chloride (CAS 7446-70-0). In addition to their various industrial uses in manufacturing and water treatment, these two salts are often found as the active ingredient in antiperspirants. 

While deodorants are merely meant to absorb sweat and mask odor, the aluminum salts in antiperspirants work to plug sweat glands and reduce the flow of sweat from the gland to the skin surface. These active ingredients also act as natural antimicrobial agents, killing the bacteria produced by sweat glands thereby helping to keep the skin odor-free longer. 

Aluminum chloride is one of the strongest antiperspirant ingredients and can be found in both over the counter and prescription antiperspirant products. It is the preferred ingredient for extreme sweating because it is a smaller molecule than other aluminum compounds and can penetrate the sweat duct more effectively. 

Aluminum sesquichlorohydrate is gentler on sensitive skin than aluminum chloride and is found in some of the newest antiperspirants that are designed to cause less irritation. This ingredient is not as strong as aluminum chloride but still effective and can last for days. 

While there has been concern about the effects of applying metal salts directly to skin, aluminum is very common in our environment (occurring naturally in soil, water, and many foods), and it is non-toxic. The FDA limits antiperspirant active ingredients to 25% concentration or less for over the counter products. Furthermore, the minimal absorption of aluminum compounds by skin would be much less than what one would typically absorb while eating. The American Cancer Society has addressed recent concerns and concluded that there is no cause to worry. So, while there are aluminum-free alternatives for those who prefer them, aluminum salts have proven to be safe and effective over nearly a century of use in antiperspirant products and will remain in high demand. 

Contact Independent Chemical to learn more or to request a quote on these or any of our other many highly sought-after chemical products.

 

 

 

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