Why are Aluminum-containing ingredients used in cosmetics and personal care products?
Depending on the product form (solid or liquid), many antiperspirants frequently contain Aluminum salts to reduce the flow of sweat from the skin. These salts work by dissolving in sweat and temporarily inhibit the flow of sweat to the surface of the skin. This reduces the amount of sweat on the skin for a number of hours after the antiperspirant is applied. Aerosol and roll-on antiperspirants products typically contain ACH (Aluminum Chlorohydrate), whereas sticks, gels and other solid products are most likely to contain an Aluminum salt referred to as AZAG (Aluminum Zirconium Tetrachlorohydrex GLY). These Aluminum salts provide a safe and effective means of controlling sweat. In fact, Aluminum salts are the only active ingredients that are approved by the FDA for use in antiperspirants. Some people may be concerned about the use of aluminum in antiperspirants and other everyday products, believing that it can damage health.
