Aluminium zirconium tetrachlorohydrex gly is the INCI name for a preparation used as an antiperspirant in many deodorant products. It is selected for its ability to close pores in the skin and prevent sweat production. Its anhydrous form gives it the added ability of absorbing moisture. It is sometimes called AZG, and contains a mixture of monomeric and polymeric Zr4+ and Al3+ complexes with hydroxide, chloride and glycine.[1]
Contents |
Anhydrous aluminium zirconium tetrachlorohydrex gly has two major functions as an antiperspirant.
Firstly, the aluminium and zirconium ions are absorbed into the skin cells, creating an osmotic pressure that draws water into the cell. The cell then swells with the influx of water, causing it to pinch the sweat glands closed, preventing the release of sweat. This swelling ability is common among aluminium-based antiperspirants (e.g., aluminium chlorohydrate).
Secondly, it absorbs some of the sweat produced by pores that didn't get clogged in the first place. The chemical compound itself is hygroscopic.
Because these two functions reduce underarm wetness, aluminium zirconium tetrachlorohydrex gly can be said to reduce body odor because it inhibits the bacterial breakdown of sweat.
When mixed with sweat, aluminium zirconium tetrachlorohydrex gly is known to stain clothing with a yellowish tint.[2] It can also cause a stiffening of the affected areas of clothing. These stains can be removed with the application of vinegar or a mild bleach. If excessive amounts of aluminium zirconium tetrachlorohydrex gly mixed with sweat come in contact with a material, bleach marks may develop.