Aluminum salts are chemical compounds commonly used in personal care products, particularly antiperspirants, to reduce sweat and control odor. Aluminum salts are found in roll-on, stick and spray deodorants and are applied to the underarms to reduce perspiration. There have been concerns over the safety of aluminum salts in antiperspirants including potential links to breast cancer, neurological disorders and kidney function, but scientific research is ongoing. Regulatory agencies, such as the FDA and the European Commission, have reviewed the safety of aluminum salts and have considered them safe for use at limited concentrations. Still, some regions have restricted the use of aluminum salts because of these concerns.
The aluminum used in these compounds are sourced from various aluminum ores or minerals like bauxite, which is one of the primary sources of aluminum. The extraction process of aluminum from ores involves several industrial processes like refining, purification and chemical reactions to create the specific aluminum salts used in products like antiperspirants.
SKIN TOLERANCE
Although generally well-tolerated, some may experience mild irritation or redness when using products that contain aluminum salts.
SKINCARE BENEFITS
Controls Sweat
Aluminum salts reduce sweat production and block sweat ducts, which help keep skin dry where applied.
Controls OdorÂ
Because it reduces sweat production, aluminum salts can also control body odor. Sweat alone is odorless, but it can mix with odor-causing bacteria on the skin's surface which leads to unpleasant odors.
