Aluminium Chlorohydrate

What is aluminium chlorohydrate and what is it used for?

Aluminium chlorohydrate is a water-soluble aluminium salt. When applied to the underarm, it comes into contact with sweat, forms a gel-like plug at the openings of the sweat ducts and reduces the amount of sweat reaching the surface. This plug disappears within a few days as the skin naturally renews itself.

There is an important distinction here: a deodorant masks odour and reduces bacteria but does not stop sweating. An antiperspirant, on the other hand, reduces sweat itself thanks to aluminium salts. Many products do both.

Aluminium chlorohydrate is the most widely used aluminium salt today because it is gentler on the skin than the older aluminium chloride.

Which products contain it?

• Roll-on, stick and spray antiperspirants
• Deodorants labelled “48-hour protection” or “anti-perspirant”
• Some intensive formulas for excessive sweating (usually with other aluminium salts)

Is the breast cancer claim true?

The claim that antiperspirants cause breast cancer spread because the product is applied close to breast tissue and because breast cancer is common. However, the research carried out to date has not shown a reliable cause-and-effect relationship between antiperspirant use and breast cancer. Major cancer organisations also state that this link has not been proven.

According to the SCCS assessment, the amount of aluminium that enters the body from antiperspirants applied to intact skin is very low and small compared with the aluminium taken in from food.

Is there a link with Alzheimer's?

This concern arose because aluminium was found in the brain tissue of some patients in the past. Later research has not shown that aluminium taken in through cosmetics or kitchenware in everyday life causes Alzheimer's disease. Today scientists focus on other genetic and age-related mechanisms in the development of Alzheimer's.

Who should be careful?

• People with kidney disease: The kidneys may not be able to remove aluminium from the body; these people should consult their doctor before using antiperspirants.
• People who apply it straight after shaving: It can cause burning and itching on irritated skin; shaving in the evening and applying the product in the morning helps.
• Before a mammogram: Because aluminium can cause misleading spots on the image, you will be asked not to apply antiperspirant on the day of the scan.

What to do when you see it on a label

There is no reason for a healthy adult not to use antiperspirant. If you want to avoid aluminium, you can choose “aluminium-free” deodorants; but remember that these do not reduce sweating, they only control odour. If you experience irritation with scented products, also check the fragrance and alcohol content.