What Is Aluminum Zirconium Tetrachlorohydrex Pg?
Aluminum Zirconium Tetrachlorohydrex Pg is a complex salt created from aluminum, zirconium, chlorine and hydroxide that is blended with propylene glycol. In simpler terms it is a type of aluminum zirconium chloride hydroxide that has been reacted with the same humectant commonly found in skincare, propylene glycol. The result is a fine, white powder that disperses easily in water or alcohol based solutions.
The use of aluminum salts to curb sweat and body odor dates back to the early 1900s, when basic aluminum chloride solutions were first bottled as liquid antiperspirants. Over time scientists discovered that adding zirconium reduced the stinging often linked to plain aluminum. By the 1960s combined aluminum-zirconium salts became the go-to actives in many antiperspirant sticks and roll-ons. Propylene glycol was later included to improve stability and allow the ingredient to stay evenly suspended in solid or gel formats. Today Aluminum Zirconium Tetrachlorohydrex Pg remains one of the most common antiperspirant actives approved for topical over-the-counter use.
Manufacturing involves carefully neutralizing aluminum chloride and zirconyl chloride with a controlled amount of base, forming a lattice of aluminum, zirconium, hydroxide and chloride ions. Propylene glycol is then blended in to keep the particles from clumping and to aid solubility. The final ingredient is spray-dried or milled into a uniform powder that can be measured accurately during production.
You will typically find Aluminum Zirconium Tetrachlorohydrex Pg in stick and roll-on deodorants, soft solid antiperspirant sticks, clear gels and some aerosol sprays. It is rarely used in products like facial moisturizers or masks because its primary role is odor and sweat control for underarm or sometimes foot care formulations.
Aluminum Zirconium Tetrachlorohydrex Pg’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
In personal care formulas this ingredient plays one main role that brings clear benefits to consumers.
As a deodorant active Aluminum Zirconium Tetrachlorohydrex Pg forms temporary plugs within the upper part of the sweat gland, reducing the amount of perspiration that reaches the skin surface. Less moisture means a drier feel and fewer conditions for odor-causing bacteria to thrive, so the user experiences long-lasting dryness and odor protection even in humid or high-stress situations.
Who Can Use Aluminum Zirconium Tetrachlorohydrex Pg
This antiperspirant active is generally suitable for all skin types including normal, oily, combination and dry because it works on the sweat gland rather than altering the skin’s surface oils. Those with very sensitive or compromised skin may experience stinging or redness, particularly if they apply the product right after shaving when micro nicks make the area more vulnerable.
The ingredient is synthetic and contains no animal derived components so it is considered appropriate for vegans and vegetarians.
Current research has not shown any direct harm from topical use during pregnancy or while breastfeeding when the product is applied as directed to intact underarm skin. Still, this is not medical advice and anyone who is pregnant or nursing should review all personal care items with their healthcare provider to be sure they meet individual needs.
Aluminum Zirconium Tetrachlorohydrex Pg does not make skin more sensitive to sunlight so it is not known to increase the risk of sunburn or pigmentation changes.
People with severe kidney impairment are sometimes advised to limit systemic aluminum exposure. Although very little of this ingredient is absorbed through healthy skin, anyone with advanced kidney disease should check with a doctor before daily use.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Reactions to Aluminum Zirconium Tetrachlorohydrex Pg differ from person to person. The following is a list of potential side effects that could occur, though most users experience none of these when the ingredient is formulated and used correctly.
- Temporary stinging or burning, especially on freshly shaved or broken skin
- Redness or mild irritation in the underarm area
- Itchiness or dryness due to reduced moisture on the skin surface
- Contact dermatitis triggered by sensitivity to the salt or propylene glycol
- Clogged hair follicles leading to small bumps or ingrown hairs
- Yellow or white stains on fabric if excess product is not fully absorbed
If discomfort, rash or any persistent reaction develops users should discontinue the product and seek advice from a healthcare professional.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1/5. Aluminum Zirconium Tetrachlorohydrex Pg is a water-dispersible salt that does not contain oils or waxes known to block pores. Its particles sit mostly on the skin surface where they interact with sweat ducts rather than sebum glands, so the chance of clogging facial pores is very low. Minor follicle congestion can occur in the underarm area if excess product mixes with sweat and dead skin but this is uncommon.
Suitable for acne-prone users, especially since it is rarely applied to the face. People who experience frequent underarm breakouts may want to choose formulas with lighter bases or wash the area thoroughly to remove residue.
Because the ingredient is paired with propylene glycol, those sensitive to that carrier may notice irritation that can mimic breakouts, though it is irritation rather than true comedogenicity.
Summary
Aluminum Zirconium Tetrachlorohydrex Pg is used almost exclusively as an antiperspirant deodorant active. It forms temporary plugs in sweat ducts which cut down moisture on the skin surface, keeping underarms drier and limiting odor-causing bacteria.
The compound is one of the most popular over-the-counter antiperspirant salts, appearing in countless sticks, roll-ons, gels and sprays thanks to its balance of strong sweat reduction and relatively low sting compared with older aluminum chloride formulas.
Safety studies and decades of everyday use show it is generally well tolerated when applied to intact underarm skin. Side effects are usually limited to mild irritation in sensitive individuals. As with any new personal care ingredient it is wise to patch test a small area first and discontinue use if discomfort occurs.