Aluminum

Aluminum shows up in cosmetics mainly as the active in antiperspirants, where aluminum salts form a temporary plug in sweat ducts to cut down on underarm wetness. It also lends mild antimicrobial and stabilizing support to a formula.
Like this ingredient?

Ingredient Snapshot

Overview
A mineral used to help stabilize and preserve formulas.
Category
Antimicrobial, Stabilizer
Type
Antiperspirant

Ingredient Ratings

Overall Rating

Fair

Comedogenic Risk

None

Skin Benefits

Reduces underarm wetness by temporarily blocking sweat ducts and helps control odor-causing bacteria. Also supports the stability of the formulas it's used in.

Uses In Skincare & Cosmetics

Found mainly in antiperspirants and deodorants, where it's the primary sweat-reducing active. Occasionally included in other formulas for its stabilizing and antimicrobial properties.

Comedogenic Rating

This ingredient is not typically evaluated for comedogenicity, and no standardized rating is available.

Safety

Considered safe for antiperspirant use at regulated concentrations, though it can irritate sensitive skin, especially on broken or freshly shaved skin. Research into aluminum absorption through skin hasn't shown a confirmed health risk, but those who prefer to avoid it can choose aluminum-free formulas.

Is Aluminum a Good Ingredient?

It earns a Fair rating here: Effective and well established for reducing sweat and odor, but it's a functional ingredient rather than a skin-treatment one, and it can irritate sensitive underarm skin or freshly shaved areas.

Products with Aluminum

Related Ingredients