Aluminum zirconium tetrachlorohydrex gly is a chemical compound used in deodorant. It is usually in its anhydrous form for this application, as this allows it to absorb moisture in addition to its main method of action, which is to close pores in the skin and prevent sweat from being produced.

Method of Action

Anhydrous aluminum zirconium tetrachlorohydrex gly has two major functions as an antiperspirant. Firstly, as with most aluminum compounds used for this purpose, the aluminum forms a gel that clogs a large number of pores in the skin, preventing them from releasing sweat. Second, because it is hygroscopic, it will absorb some of the water that is released as sweat.

Additionally, because it reduces underarm wetness, aluminum zirconium tetrachlorohydrex gly will reduce body odor because it inhibits the bacterial breakdown of sweat.

Health Risks

Aluminum has been identified as a neurotoxin ^[1]. However, some studies suggest that aluminum zirconium tetrachlorohydrex gly is not aborbed through the skin as readily as other aluminum compounds, such as aluminum chloride. Though not confirmed, if true, this would mean there is a significantly lower chance of any toxic effects associated with aluminum. Aluminum is a soft and lightweight metal with a dull silvery appearance, due to a thin layer of oxidation that forms quickly when it is exposed to air. ... Overview Aluminium chloride (AlCl3) is a compound of aluminium and chlorine. ...

Additionally, some people believe that because most aluminum compounds work as antiperspirants by closing pores, they might cause acne; however, aluminum compounds only close pores on the skin they are applied to, so as long as they are only applied to areas where acne is unlikely, these fears are baseless.

References

See also

Deodorant Roll-on deodorant Deodorants are cosmetic substances applied to the body, most frequently the armpits, to reduce the body odor caused by the bacterial breakdown of perspiration. ...