This article aims to answer the question, is aluminum chlorohydrate safe for underarms?
While there are several aluminum-based antiperspirants that are used by millions of women every day and are considered to be safe, it is important to investigate all of the chemicals in order to determine which products might not be as safe as they appear.
Is Aluminum Chlorohydrate Safe for Underarms?
Aluminum chlorohydrate is a safe, effective active ingredient used in antiperspirant products.
It has been the subject of extensive scientific research and hundreds of studies over the past several decades.
All major health organizations, including the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Health Canada, and the European Commission’s Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety have reviewed this research and concluded that aluminum-based ingredients used in antiperspirants are safe for use as directed.
How Does Aluminum Chlorohydrate Work?
Aluminum chlorohydrate works by binding to proteins on the skin’s surface and in sweat, which neutralizes them as antigens.
Antigens are substances that trigger the immune system to produce antibodies.
The antibodies are what cause allergic reactions in people with sensitive skin.
By binding to the proteins, aluminum chlorohydrate prevents the reaction from occurring.
Aluminum chlorohydrate is often used in deodorants because it leaves the body odorless.
How to Use Aluminum Chlorohydrate For Your Underarms Safely
Here are a few tips on how to use Aluminum Chlorohydrate for your underarms:
1. Choose the right product for your skin type
Before you start using aluminum chlorohydrate for your underarms, make sure you choose a product that suits your skin type.
If you have sensitive skin or suffer from any sort of allergies, opt for a hypoallergenic deodorant that is formulated for sensitive skin.
It should not contain alcohol, which may irritate the skin and make it dry.
2. Apply it at night
The active ingredients in antiperspirants work better when they are applied at night.
This allows the ingredients to absorb into the pores and hair follicles without being wiped off by clothing or washing.
3. Use antiperspirant on clean, dry skin
Aluminum chlorohydrate works best when it is applied to dry skin that has not been covered by lotions or other products.
It can take between three and five days for the cells in your body to respond to aluminum chlorohydrate and reduce sweating, so be patient with the process.
3. Reapply daily as needed
If you still have some perspiration after a few days of using the antiperspirant, you may need to increase the dosage.
If you are using a stick deodorant, use a second coat after waiting twenty-four hours from the first application.
4. Use a cotton ball
Dip a cotton ball into the aluminum chlorohydrate solution and dab it lightly onto your underarm.
Use a circular motion to allow the solution to spread evenly.
5. Wash off any excess product in the morning
Antiperspirant might leave white streaks on your clothes or skin if you use too much of it or don’t wait long enough for it to dry after application.
To prevent this, make sure to wash off any excess product in the morning.
How Do You Know if an Antiperspirant Has Aluminum Chlorohydrate in It?
Check the active ingredients on the label.
The ingredient may go by various names, such as aluminum chlorohydrate, aluminum sesquichlorohydrate, or aluminum zirconium tetrachlorohydrate gly.
Does Aluminum Chlorohydrate Leave a White Residue?
Yes! If it is not rinsed off, aluminum chlorohydrate will leave a white residue. This is the same for any antiperspirant containing Aluminum.
It’s important to remember that you must always rinse your underarms thoroughly after applying antiperspirant.
You can do this by using a washcloth or sponge and soap, or by taking a shower or bath.
By rinsing off your underarms, you’ll help prevent white residue from forming on dark-colored clothing.
You can also use an unscented antiperspirant, like Dove Clinical Protection Antiperspirant Deodorant, which contains moisturizing ingredients to help minimize residue.
How Long Does Aluminum Chlorohydrate Last on The Skin?
When applied to the skin, aluminum chlorohydrate can last anywhere from 6 to 24 hours.
The length of time varies depending on factors like body chemistry and physical presence but it can generally be expected to last all day.
During this time, aluminum chlorohydrate is intended to block sweat glands in order to prevent perspiration.
This will cause the pores in the skin to close and no sweat will be released until it is washed off.
How Many Times a Day Can I Apply Aluminum Chlorohyrdate?
Depending on the strength of the solution, you can re-apply aluminum chlorohydrate (ACH) to your pits as often as you would like.
Because ACH is an astringent, it may irritate sensitive skin if used too often.
A day or two using ACH, followed by a day or two off may help prevent over-drying.
Are There Any Side Effects to Using Aluminum Chlorohydrate in Antiperspirant?
There’s no evidence that aluminum chlorohydrate is harmful to people.
Aluminum chlorohydrate and other forms of aluminum are used in antiperspirants, and it may be effective at blocking sweat glands.
But there’s no good evidence that aluminum chlorohydrate in antiperspirants poses any health risk to people.
Some people use aluminum chlorohydrate in other forms, such as liquid antiperspirant, lotion or paste. In addition to helping reduce sweating, aluminum chlorohydrate may help reduce itching and irritation that result from excessive sweating.
Although there’s no reliable evidence that aluminum chlorohydrate is harmful, some people still have concerns about the safety of this substance.
There isn’t conclusive data on whether any antiperspirants are safe for pregnant women or infants.
Some people may have concerns about using antiperspirants with aluminum chloride on broken skin (for example, if you have a cut or wound).
If you’re concerned about a possible link between cancer and antiperspirants containing aluminum chloride, talk with your doctor or dermatologist.
Final Thoughts
As you might have noticed, aluminum chlorohydrate is great for absorbing sweat and keeping deodorants from riding up. But is it safe?
As long as you’re not allergic to it, it’s a perfectly safe option for keeping your underarms dry and odor-free.
