Ingredient Analysis

Aluminum Compounds

Also known as: aluminum chlorohydrate, aluminum zirconium tetrachlorohydrex, aluminum sesquichlorohydrate, aluminum starch octenylsuccinate

A group of aluminum-based compounds used primarily as the active ingredient in antiperspirants. They work by temporarily blocking sweat glands. The link between aluminum and health conditions like breast cancer and Alzheimer's disease remains scientifically debated but has not been disproven.

Hormone Disruptor

Post Share

Aluminum26.982Post-trans. metal

Hazard Score

Moderate Concern

1 = low concern, 10 = avoid

Risk by Usage Frequency

How risk changes depending on how often you use products containing Aluminum Compounds.

1-2x per week

Minimal concern from occasional use.

Daily use

Daily application to abraded skin (post-shaving) may increase aluminum absorption. Debated health significance.

2+ times daily

Moderate concern. If worried about aluminum exposure, switch to aluminum-free deodorant.

Health Risks

Debated link to breast cancer: aluminum has been found in breast tissue and may have estrogenic activity.

Journal of Inorganic Biochemistry, 2013 — aluminum and breast cancer hypothesis

Theoretical link to Alzheimer's disease based on aluminum deposits found in brain plaques, though causation is unproven.

Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, 2011

Can cause contact dermatitis, irritation, and skin discoloration in the underarm area.

Global Regulatory Status

How aluminum compounds is regulated in cosmetics and personal care products around the world.

Restricted in 10Allowed in 1

91% of countries with data ban or restrict this ingredient

🇺🇸USA

Restricted

Details

Antiperspirant aluminum regulated as OTC drug; max 25% as aluminum chlorohydrate.

🇪🇺EU

Restricted

Details

Aluminum salts restricted in antiperspirants; specific compounds in Annex III with limits.

🇬🇧UK

Restricted

Details

Mirrors EU; aluminum compounds restricted with limits.

🇨🇦Canada

Restricted

Details

Antiperspirant aluminum salts regulated as drugs (NHP/OTC).

🇯🇵Japan

Restricted

Details

Antiperspirants classified as quasi-drugs.

🇰🇷S. Korea

Restricted

Details

Concentration limits apply for antiperspirant use.

🇦🇺Australia

Restricted

Details

Antiperspirant salts regulated by TGA as therapeutic goods.

🇨🇳China

Restricted

Details

Restricted with limits per Safety Technical Standards.

🇧🇷Brazil

Restricted

Details

Permitted with limits per ANVISA.

🇮🇳India

Allowed

🌏ASEAN

Restricted

Details

Restricted with limits, aligned with EU.

Why Brands Use Aluminum Compounds

Aluminum salts are the only FDA-approved active ingredient for antiperspirant products. They physically plug sweat ducts to reduce perspiration.

products in our database

brands use it

product categories

Better alternatives exist. Brands choose aluminum compounds because it's cheap and effective, but safer options like magnesium hydroxide, baking soda (sodium bicarbonate), arrowroot powder deliver similar results without the health concerns.

Aluminum Compounds in Product Categories

Click a category to see every product containing aluminum compounds in that category, with full ingredient breakdowns.

Face Moisturizer

0 products0 brands

View all products

Sunscreen

0 products0 brands

View all products

Get Your Free Ingredient Safety Report

Enter your email and we'll send you a personalized breakdown of the most common harmful ingredients in your daily products.

Safe Alternatives

magnesium hydroxide

baking soda (sodium bicarbonate)

arrowroot powder

zinc ricinoleate

probiotic-based deodorants

What Numbrrrz Uses Instead

Numbrrrz does not formulate antiperspirants. All our products are aluminum-free.

Numbrrrz — four ingredients, nothing else

FAQ

Does aluminum in deodorant cause breast cancer?

The evidence is inconclusive. Some studies have found aluminum in breast tissue and suggest estrogenic activity, but large epidemiological studies have not confirmed a causal link. If you prefer to avoid the uncertainty, aluminum-free deodorants are widely available.

Does aluminum cause Alzheimer's disease?

Aluminum has been found in the brain plaques of Alzheimer's patients, but decades of research have not established a causal link. The Alzheimer's Association states that aluminum is not considered a significant risk factor based on current evidence.

How do aluminum compounds in antiperspirant work?

Aluminum salts form a temporary gel plug in sweat ducts, physically blocking perspiration from reaching the skin's surface. This is why they are the only FDA-approved antiperspirant active ingredient -- they mechanically stop sweat rather than just masking odor.

Is applying aluminum to shaved skin dangerous?

Shaving creates micro-cuts that can increase aluminum absorption. A 2012 study in the Journal of Applied Toxicology found that aluminum absorption was significantly higher through damaged skin. This is relevant because many people apply antiperspirant immediately after shaving.

What are other names for aluminum compounds on labels?

Look for 'aluminum chlorohydrate,' 'aluminum zirconium tetrachlorohydrex,' 'aluminum sesquichlorohydrate,' or 'aluminum starch octenylsuccinate.' Any 'active ingredient' listing in an antiperspirant will be an aluminum compound.

Does Numbrrrz use aluminum compounds?

No. Numbrrrz does not formulate antiperspirants, and all our products are completely aluminum-free. Our lip balms contain only organic coconut oil, organic jojoba oil, beeswax, and vitamin E.

Skip the Aluminum Compounds. Choose Numbrrrz.

Four organic ingredients. Zero toxins. The lip balm your body deserves.