Aluminum Chlorohydrate (ACH) is a water-soluble aluminum salt complex with the chemical formula Al₂
Cl(OH)₅. Due to its excellent antiperspirant, antiperspirant and astringent properties, it is widely used in personal care products. The following are its main uses and mechanisms of action in the cosmetics industry:
1. As an Antiperspirant
Main application products: armpit antiperspirant rollers, sprays, beads, cream antiperspirant products, etc. (such as brands like Sunai, Dove, Nivea, etc.).
Principle of action
Physical blockage of sweat glands: After ACH dissolves in sweat, it forms a gel-like substance, temporarily blocking the sweat gland ducts and reducing sweat excretion.
Inhibiting sweat gland secretion: Aluminum ions can act on sweat gland cells, reducing sweat production and achieving a long-lasting sweat control effect.
Lowering pH: ACH is weakly acidic and can inhibit bacterial reproduction, indirectly reducing the unpleasant odor produced by sweat decomposition.
Advantages:
Compared with traditional aluminium chloride (AlCl₃), ACH has lower irritation and is suitable for sensitive skin.
The effect is long-lasting and usually lasts for 24 to 48 hours.
2. As a Deodorant Aid
Although ACH itself is not a bactericide, it indirectly inhibits bacterial growth by reducing sweat secretion (body odor is mainly caused by bacteria decomposing proteins and lipids in sweat).
Common combination ingredients:
Antibacterial agents (such as triclosan, phenoxyethanol)
Odor-absorbing components (such as activated carbon, baking soda)
Essence (masking unpleasant odors)
3. Oil-control and astringent effects in skin care products
A few oil-control skin care products (such as oil-control lotions and pre-makeup lotions) add low concentrations of ACH to take advantage of its astringent properties:
Shrinking pores: ACH can slightly denature the proteins on the skin’s surface layer, temporarily tightening pores.
Reduce sebum secretion: By inhibiting the activity of sebaceous glands, it helps control oil and is suitable for oily skin.
High concentrations of ACH may cause dry or irritating skin, so the addition amount in skin care products is usually low (<1%).
4. Application in special-purpose cosmetics
Foot antiperspirant products: Used to reduce foot sweat and prevent foot odor.
Medical antiperspirants: For patients with Hyperhidrosis, use high-concentration ACH (such as 20% or more).
Summary
ACH is mainly used in the cosmetics industry for antiperspirant, deodorant and oil control. Due to its high efficiency and low irritation, it has become the mainstream component of antiperspirants. Despite the controversy over the safety of aluminium, it is still widely used at present and its formula is constantly being optimized (such as when combined with soothing ingredients). In the future, there may be a development towards “low aluminum” or “aluminum-free”, but in the short term, ACH still holds an important position.
