Aluminum Chlorohydrate

Aluminum Chlorohydrate 

By: Iram Sikandar

(1)

A lot of us use the word antiperspirant and deodorant interchangeably, however these products are used to achieve different results. Deodorant is basically used to get rid of or eliminate unwanted body odour, basically get rids of the stinky smell; Whereas antiperspirant will block sweat glands to prevent production of sweat (2). This leads us to the chemical in question Aluminum Chlorohydrate.

What is it?

Aluminum Chlorohydrate is an Aluminum based salt.  The primary source of Aluminum Chlorohydrate is bauxite ore. The chemical is retrieved from the ore via mining (3).    

What does it do?

It is used in antiperspirants to decrease the production of sweat.  It is also used in purification of water systems to remove dissolved organic material.   It is one of the 18 wetness protection ingredients that are approved by the Food and Drug association sweat (3).  It’s not clear as to how exactly the Aluminum Chloride prevents sweat production, however the purposed mechanism is that ones it’s applied to the underarms the antiperspirant will diffuse down the sweat duct and precipitate after contact with sweat (4).

Is it harmful?

The product is approved safe by the American Food and Drug association (FDA), however since it is an aluminum based compound and kidneys play a vital role in its elimination from our body. If one has a kidney disorder or disease they are warned to consult with their physician before using a product containing the Aluminum Chloride (3).

Alternatives

US Food and Drug Association recognizes Aluminum Salts as the only safe ingredient that will prevent underarm wetness.  Some other Aluminum salts used are aluminum chloride, aluminum chlorohydrate(s), and aluminum zirconium salts.  Some other alternatives include homemade deodorants however those are only good at preventing the odor and not the production of sweat.

Finally, Aluminum Chloride is aluminum based salt and used greatly in many of the antiperspirants. It is approved by the FDA, and none of the studies done suggest that it could be harmful to our body (3). 

References

1) Baskind, C. (n.d.). Make the switch to a natural deodorant. Retrieved December 7, 2014, from http://www.mnn.com/lifestyle/natural-beauty-fashion/stories/make-the-switch-to-a-natural-deodorant

2) Clark, J. (2008). Functions of Deodorant and Antiperspirant - HowStuffWorks. Retrieved December 7, 2014, from http://health.howstuffworks.com/skin-care/underarm-care/tips/deodorant-antiperspirant1.htm

3) Tom's of Maine. (n.d.). Retrieved December 7, 2014, from http://www.tomsofmaine.com/ingredients/overlay/aluminum-chlorohydrate