What Is Aluminum Zirconium Pentachlorohydrex Gly?
Aluminum Zirconium Pentachlorohydrex Gly is a salt formed when aluminum zirconium pentachlorohydrate reacts with the amino acid glycine. The result is a fine white powder that dissolves in water and can bind to sweat and skin proteins. By blending the metal salts with glycine, chemists improve the ingredient’s effectiveness while making it gentler on skin than earlier aluminum salts.
The story of this compound begins in the 1960s when formulators looked for stronger yet milder options than plain aluminum chloride. Adding zirconium raised performance, and pairing the mix with glycine lowered irritation. Over decades the ingredient became a mainstay in modern antiperspirants and personal care products.
Manufacturing starts with purified aluminum and zirconium salts that are carefully hydrated, reacted with hydrochloric acid, then treated with glycine under controlled heat and pH. The finished material is spray-dried into a consistent powder ready for blending into cosmetic bases.
You will most often see Aluminum Zirconium Pentachlorohydrex Gly in stick, roll-on and spray deodorants, cream antiperspirants, body powders and some underarm gels. It is rarely used in facial care or hair products because its benefits focus on controlling sweat.
Aluminum Zirconium Pentachlorohydrex Gly’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
This multifunctional ingredient brings several sweat- and odor-controlling advantages to personal care formulas.
- Antiperspirant – Forms temporary plugs inside sweat ducts, lowering underarm wetness for many hours and helping clothes stay dry
- Astringent – Tightens skin proteins on contact, giving a dry feel and helping reduce pore swelling caused by moisture
- Deodorant – Limits the growth of odor-causing bacteria so underarms smell fresher for longer
Who Can Use Aluminum Zirconium Pentachlorohydrex Gly
This ingredient suits most skin types, especially normal, oily or combination skin that tends to sweat. Dry or very sensitive skin can sometimes feel a little tight or sting after shaving because the salt is mildly astringent, so people with those concerns may prefer a gentler option or a lower strength formula.
The compound is mineral based and the added glycine is commonly produced by fermentation or other non-animal methods, so products using it are generally appropriate for vegans and vegetarians. As with any finished product, checking the full ingredient list and the brand’s stance on animal testing is wise if cruelty-free status matters to you.
Aluminum Zirconium Pentachlorohydrex Gly is allowed in over-the-counter antiperspirants sold to the general public, including pregnant and breastfeeding women. Research shows only tiny amounts, if any, pass through the skin however data are still limited. This is not medical advice and anyone who is pregnant or nursing should review all personal care products with a healthcare professional to be safe.
The ingredient does not make skin more sensitive to sunlight and there are no known interactions with sunscreen or UV exposure.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Side effects can vary from person to person. The points below are potential reactions that could occur even though most people will not notice any problems when the ingredient is used as intended in a well-formulated product.
- Skin irritation such as redness stinging or itching, more likely on freshly shaved or broken skin
- Underarm dryness or tightness due to the astringent action
- White residue on clothing if the product is overapplied or not fully dry before dressing
- Contact dermatitis in rare cases among people allergic to aluminum salts or fragrance helpers in the formula
- Staining of fabrics yellow or stiff marks can develop on some textiles when sweat mixes with the salt then dries
If any discomfort swelling or rash appears stop using the product and consult a healthcare professional for guidance.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 0/5 (non-comedogenic)
Aluminum Zirconium Pentachlorohydrex Gly is a water-soluble mineral salt that sits on the skin surface and interacts mainly with sweat ducts rather than oil glands. Because it is not oily, waxy or film-forming it does not block sebum flow or create the kind of environment that typically triggers clogged pores. For that reason it is generally considered safe for people who are prone to acne or breakouts. Its primary activity is inside sweat ducts so it has little to no effect on the follicle opening where pimples form.
Other points to note: while the ingredient can create temporary plugs in eccrine ducts, those plugs are water-based and wash away easily with regular cleansing so they do not tend to build up or interfere with pore function over time.
Summary
Aluminum Zirconium Pentachlorohydrex Gly works as an antiperspirant, astringent and deodorant. It forms tiny protein-salt complexes that partially block sweat ducts reducing moisture, contracts skin proteins for a drier feel and limits the growth of odor-causing bacteria. Thanks to this triple action it has become a cornerstone in modern stick, roll-on and spray antiperspirants and remains one of the most widely used options on store shelves worldwide.
Regulatory bodies allow the ingredient at specific levels in over-the-counter products and decades of consumer use show a good safety record, with irritation or staining being the main issues some users report. As with any new personal care item it is wise to patch test first and discontinue use if any discomfort appears.