Aluminum

TYPE OF INGREDIENT​
Metal
COMMONLY FOUND IN
Antiperspirants, lotions, shampoo, soap

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF ALUMINUM?

Aluminum has a wide variety of benefits through its many compounds. When in the form aluminum chloride, it works as an antiperspirant. In other forms, it may function as a thickener or an agent to stabilize compounds in cosmetic ingredients, such as hair care products and shampoos.

IS ALUMINUM SAFE FOR ALL SKIN TYPES AND TONES?

Aluminum is likely safe for all skin types and tones based on available data. There are some reports of reactions to aluminum, including granulomatous reactions, but these are rare from cosmetic products and more likely from direct application of aluminum products for extensive time periods.

CONTRAINDICATIONS

Although its dermal absorption is poorly understood, the major source of aluminum is from diet and drinking water. For patients who have an allergy or a prior reaction to aluminum or its compounds, they should refrain from using products containing aluminum as a precaution.

Sources:
  1. Becker LC, Boyer I, Bergfeld WF, et al. Safety Assessment of Alumina and Aluminum Hydroxide as Used in Cosmetics. Int J Toxicol. 2016;35(3 suppl):16S-33S.
  2. Domeradzka-Gajda K, Nocuń M, Roszak J, et al. A study on the in vitro percutaneous absorption of silver nanoparticles in combination with aluminum chloride, methyl paraben or di-n-butyl phthalate. Toxicol Lett. 2017;272:38-48.
  3. Fujii M, Kishibe M, Honma M, Anan T, Ishida-Yamamoto A. Aluminum Chloride-Induced Apoptosis Leads to Keratinization Arrest and Granular Parakeratosis. Am J Dermatopathol. 2020;42(10):756-761.
  4. Salama AK. Assessment of metals in cosmetics commonly used in Saudi Arabia. Environ Monit Assess. 2015;188(10):553. Sanajou S, Şahin G, Baydar T. Aluminium in cosmetics and personal care products. J Appl Toxicol. 2021;41(11):1704-1718.

Nishad Sathe, MD

Author

Nishad Sathe is a PGY-3 Internal Medicine/Dermatology resident at the University of Minnesota