Aluminum sesquichlorohydrate is a widely used ingredient found in many personal care products. Many people encounter this substance daily, often without realizing its purpose. Understanding its properties provides insight into its widespread application in daily hygiene.
Understanding Aluminum Sesquichlorohydrate
Aluminum sesquichlorohydrate is a complex aluminum salt used in various formulations. It is chemically described as a polymeric and loosely hydrated basic aluminum chloride. This compound features a specific atomic ratio of aluminum to chloride, typically ranging between 1.26:1 and 1.90:1.
The substance usually appears as a white to off-white solid or powder and is soluble in water, which makes it suitable for incorporation into many product types. Its production involves the controlled reaction of aluminum chloride with aluminum hydroxide in an aqueous environment, ensuring its specific chemical structure and properties are maintained.
How It Works
This ingredient primarily functions by reducing perspiration. When applied to the skin, aluminum sesquichlorohydrate dissolves in sweat, leading to the formation of a gel-like substance.
The newly formed gel then creates a temporary plug within the eccrine sweat gland ducts. This physical blockage reduces the amount of sweat released to the skin’s surface. The effect is temporary and reversible, as these plugs are naturally shed with the skin’s renewal process.
Common Product Applications
Aluminum sesquichlorohydrate is most commonly found as an active ingredient in antiperspirant products. These include various forms such as roll-ons, sprays, and solid sticks. Its inclusion helps manage sweat output.
Antiperspirants actively reduce sweat production, while deodorants primarily target body odor. This ingredient is often preferred in formulations designed for sensitive skin, as it tends to be gentler than some other aluminum compounds like aluminum chloride, while still providing sweat reduction.
Safety Profile and Regulation
The safety of aluminum sesquichlorohydrate for topical use is supported by scientific consensus. Regulatory bodies, such as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the United States, consider it safe and have approved its use in over-the-counter (OTC) antiperspirant drug products. The FDA permits concentrations of this ingredient up to 25% in such products. Similarly, European Union regulations allow its use in cosmetic products at concentrations up to 20%.
Concerns regarding a potential link between aluminum compounds in antiperspirants and breast cancer or Alzheimer’s disease have been raised. However, extensive scientific research and reviews by major health organizations, including the American Cancer Society and the Alzheimer’s Association, have not found consistent or compelling evidence to support these claims.
Studies suggest that the amount of aluminum absorbed through the skin from antiperspirants is minimal, and any small amount absorbed is typically processed and excreted by the kidneys. The prevailing view among regulatory bodies and medical experts is that aluminum sesquichlorohydrate is safe when used as directed in personal care products.