Aluminum-based Compounds
April 27, 2023
Aluminum-based compounds are used as the active ingredient in antiperspirants and some cosmetics. These compounds form a temporary “plug” within the sweat duct that stops the flow of sweat to the skin’s surface.
There is a long-standing dispute that aluminum-based antiperspirants are linked to breast cancer. The health effects of aluminum and breast cancer have been studied, however there is still a lack of human evidence to provide clarity. A recent literature review conducted by the Environmental Working Group (EWG) is a great resource for links to the multitude of studies and literature available on the subject.[1]
Aluminum based antiperspirant ingredients are inorganic compounds that play no physiological role in the human body. We therefore choose to carry products that do not contain these ingredients.
References
[1] Antiperspirants and Breast Cancer: EWG. Retrieved November 17, 2022.
https://www.ewg.org/news-insights/news/antiperspirants-and-breast-cancer-there-link
Alcloxa
Synonyms
(2,5-DIOXO-4-IMIDAZOLIDINYL)- ALUMINUM COMPLEX UREA, ALCLOXA, ALUMINUM CHLORHYDROXY ALLANTOINATE, ALUMINUM CHLOROHYDROXY ALLANTOINATE, ALUMINUM CHLOROHYDROXYALLANTOATE, ALUMINUM COMPLEX UREA, (2,5-DIOXO-4-IMIDAZOLIDINYL)-, ALUMINUM, CHLORO[(2,5-DIOXO-4-IMIDAZOLIDINYL)UREATO]TETRAHYDROXYDI-, ALUMINUM, CHLORO[(2,5DIOXO4IMIDAZOLIDINYL)UREATO]TETRAHYDROXYDI, CHLORO[(2,5-DIOXO-4-IMIDAZOLIDINYL)UREATO]TETRAHYDROXYDI- ALUMINUM, CHLORO[(2,5-DIOXO-4-IMIDAZOLIDINYL)UREATO]TETRAHYDROXYDIALU MINUM, DIALUMINUM TETRAHYDROXYCHLORO ALLANTOINATE, and UREA, (2,5-DIOXO-4-IMIDAZOLIDINYL)-, ALUMINUM COMPLEX
Forms and Function
- Alcloxa is used in antiperspirant deodorants, oral products, shaving products, hair products, and hemorrhoidal products.
- Alcloxa is a compound that combines the properties of aluminum salts with the properties of allaontoin.
- In antiperspirants and deodorants, the aluminum component reduces sweat by causing the sweat gland ducts to swell.
- It is also used for its astringent antibacterial properties in oral care products specifically in formulations for sensitive teeth.
Potential or Known Harms
- According to EWG, Alcloxa is not likely to be carcinogenic to humans but is expected to be toxic or harmful. This ingredient is only permitted in EWG-verified products under use restriction.[1] Furthermore, Japan has restricted its use in cosmetics.
References
[1] EWG’s Skin Deep. Retrieved November 16, 2022, from https://www.ewg.org/skindeep/ingredients/700214-alcloxa/
Aluminum Chloride
Synonyms
ALUMINIUM CHLORIDE, ALUMINIUM TRICHLORIDE, ALUMINUM CHLORIDE, ALUMINUM CHLORIDE (ALCL3), ALUMINUM TRICHLORIDE, and TRICHLOROALUMINUM
Forms and Function
- Used in antiperspirant deodorants.
- Aluminum Chloride is an inorganic salt of aluminum and hydrogen chloride.
- It is proposed that aluminum chloride works by causing an obstruction of the distal sweat gland ducts, where the metal ions precipitate with mucopolysaccharides, damaging epithelial cells along the lumen of the duct and forming a plug that blocks sweat output.
Potential or Known Harms
- Aluminum exposure is closely related to neurodegenerative diseases (ND), in which neuroinflammation might involve.[1]
- According to EWG Aluminum Chloride is not likely to be carcinogenic to humans but is expected to be toxic or harmful. There is strong evidence of it being a human immune and respiratory toxicant or allergen.[2] Furthermore, Canada has restricted its use in cosmetic products.
References
[1] Hao W, Hao C, Wu C, Xu Y, Wu S, Lu X, Yang J, Jin C. Aluminum impairs cognitive function by activating DDX3X-NLRP3-mediated pyroptosis signaling pathway. Food Chem Toxicol. 2021 Nov;157:112591. doi: 10.1016/j.fct.2021.112591. Epub 2021 Oct 3. PMID: 34614429.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fct.2021.112591
[2] EWG’s Skin Deep. Retrieved November 16, 2022, from
https://www.ewg.org/skindeep/ingredients/700312-aluminum-chloride/
Aluminum Chlorohydrate
Synonyms
ALUMINIUM HYDROXYCHLORIDE, ALUMINUM CHLORHYDRATE, ALUMINUM CHLORHYDRATE 50% SOLUTION, ALUMINUM CHLORHYDROXIDE, ALUMINUM CHLORIDE HYDROXIDE, ALUMINUM CHLORIDE HYDROXIDE (AL2CL(OH)5), ALUMINUM CHLORIDE, BASIC, ALUMINUM CHLOROHYDRATE, ALUMINUM CHLOROHYDROL, ALUMINUM HYDROXYCHLORIDE, ALUMINUM OXYCHLORIDE, BASIC ALUMINUM CHLORIDE, and DIALUMINIUM CHLORIDE PENTAHYDROXIDE
Forms and Function
- Used in antiperspirant deodorants.
- It is a coordination complex of basic aluminum chloride and water.
- Aluminum chlorohydrate works by forming a temporary plug within the sweat duct that help reduce the flow of sweat to the skin’s surface
Potential or Known Harms
- According to EWG Aluminum Chlorohydrate is not likely to be carcinogenic to humans but is expected to be toxic or harmful.[1] Furthermore, Canada has restricted its used in cosmetic products.
References
[1] EWG’s Skin Deep. Retrieved November 16, 2022, from
https://www.ewg.org/skindeep/ingredients/700313-aluminum-chlorohydrate/
Aluminum Zirconium Tetrachlorohydrex Glycine including Trichlorohydrex, Pentachlorhydrex, and Octachlorohydrex
Synonyms
ALUMINUM ZICONIUM TETRACHLORHYDREX GLYCINE, ALUMINUM ZIRCONIUM TETRACHLOROHYDREX GLY, ALUMINUM ZIRCONIUM TETRACHLOROHYDREX GLYCINE COMPLEX, ALUMINUM ZIRCONIUM TETRACHLOROHYDREX GLYCINE COMPLEX, ANHYDROUS, CHLORO GLYCINE HYDROXY ALUMINUM COMPLEXES ZIRCONIUM, and ZIRCONIUM, CHLORO GLYCINE HYDROXY ALUMINUM COMPLEXES
Forms and Function
- Used in antiperspirant deodorants.
- It is a coordination complex of basic aluminum chloride and water.
- Aluminum chlorohydrate works by forming a temporary plug within the sweat duct that help reduce the flow of sweat to the skin’s surface
Potential or Known Harms
- According to EWG Aluminum Zirconium Tetrachlorohydrex Glycineis not likely to be carcinogenic to humans.[1] Its use has been restricted in cosmetic products in both the US and Canada.
References
[1] EWG’s Skin Deep. Retrieved November 16, 2022, from
Aluminum Citrate
Synonyms
1,2,3-PROPANETRICARBOXYLIC ACID, 2-HYDROXY-, ALUMINUM SALT, 2-HYDROXY- ALUMINUM SALT 1,2,3-PROPANETRICARBOXYLIC ACID, 2-HYDROXY-1,2,3-PROPANETRICARBOXYLIC ACID ALUMINUM SALT, 2-HYDROXY-1,2,3-PROPANETRICARBOXYLIC ACID, ALUMINUM SALT, ALUMINIUM CITRATE, ALUMINUM CITRATE, ALUMINUM SALT 1,2,3-PROPANETRICARBOXYLIC ACID, 2-HYDROXY-, ALUMINUM SALT 2-HYDROXY-1,2,3-PROPANETRICARBOXYLIC ACID, ALUMINUM SALT CITRIC ACID, and CITRIC ACID, ALUMINUM SALT
Forms and Function
- Used in antiperspirant deodorants.
- Aluminum Citrate is a complex salt of aluminum hydroxide and citric acid.
Potential or Known Harms
- According to EWG Aluminum Citrate is classified to be toxic or harmful.[1]
References
[1] EWG’s Skin Deep. Retrieved November 30, 2022, from
https://www.ewg.org/skindeep/ingredients/700315-aluminum-citrate/
Other ingredients that consist of molecules containing aluminum atoms.
The following ingredients have been reviewed by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) and were concluded to be safe with qualifications. However, we continue to stand by our position that Aluminum based antiperspirant ingredients are inorganic compounds that play no physiological role in the human body. We will only allow these ingredients in products where there are no alternative options. We will continue to monitor any new literature regarding the safety of these ingredients.
Aluminum Calcium Sodium Silicate including Alumina Magnesium Metasilicate, Aluminum Iron Silicate, Sodium Potassium Aluminum Silicate
Aluminum Dimyristate including Aluminum Isostearates/Myristates, Aluminum Myristate, Aluminum Myristates/Palmitates
Aluminum Silicate including Magnesium Aluminum Silicate
Aluminum Distearate including Aluminum Stearate, Aluminum Tristearate
Calcium Aluminum Borosilicate
Potassium Aluminum Polyacrylate
Synonyms
Derivatives of these ingredients can be found in EWG’s Skin Deep database.[1]
References
[1] EWG’s Skin Deep. Retrieved November 30, 2022, from