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Signature ingredients
Aluminum chlorohydrate antiperspirant roll-on OEM/ODM manufacturing
Aluminum Chlorohydrate Antiperspirant Roll-On · Signature Ingredients · OEM/ODM
Aluminum chlorohydrate (INCI Aluminum Chlorohydrate, ACH) is a water-soluble aluminum salt and the active in many antiperspirant roll-ons and sticks. According to the EU Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS, 2020), aluminum salts such as ACH form an insoluble aluminum hydroxide gel plug inside the sweat duct, temporarily keeping sweat from reaching the skin surface; less sweat also means less odor. Human efficacy evidence, however, is limited: studies are few, small and mostly old, and the same 8% ACH solution measured in the underarm gave results from −2% to 25% depending on the season — so an efficacy figure only means something when measured on the finished product itself. In the ASEAN annexes, ACH has no entry of its own (unlike the aluminum zirconium complexes in Annex III Ref 50), but its level must still be safety-assessed in the PIF; the SCCS accepts up to 6.25% aluminum in non-spray products. On breast cancer and Alzheimer’s disease, the SCCS and a 2024 meta-analysis do not support a link, while a 2023 review advises caution — this page presents both sides. Unlike the general roll-on page and the zinc ricinoleate roll-on (odor control without sweat reduction), this page goes deep into what is specific to ACH: mechanism, concentration benchmarks, a base that tolerates acidic salts, efficacy testing and claims. Butter-C offers turnkey OEM/ODM manufacturing, from formulation and testing to a finished, labeled product with its notification dossier.
Formula base
Aluminum chlorohydrate in a roll-on base that tolerates acidic salts
ACH dissolves in the water phase of the roll-on; the rest of the formula has to withstand an acidic aluminum salt, keep underarm skin comfortable and not jam the roller ball.
Aluminum chlorohydrate — reading the raw material correctly
CosIng (European Commission): ALUMINUM CHLOROHYDRATE, CAS 12042-91-0, EC 234-933-1, functions antiperspirant, astringent, deodorant. PubChem (CID 71586946): Al2ClH7O6, 192.47 g/mol, listing CAS 12359-72-7 — the two sources give different CAS numbers, so the dossier uses the CAS on the certificate of analysis. Martini (2020) writes Al2(OH)5Cl·2H2O; in solution the aluminum exists as polycations. Butter-C currently stocks ACH declared as INCI Aluminum Chlorohydrate; each lot’s certificate must state the form (solution or powder) and aluminum content. Do not confuse it with aluminum zirconium complexes (Annex III Ref 50), aluminum chloride, aluminum sesquichlorohydrate or alum — all are aluminum salts.
A roll-on base that tolerates electrolytes and acidity
Martini (2020): after hydrolysis, aluminum salts strongly acidify the skin, so the formula needs emollients and pH regulators. In formulation experience, acidic aluminum salts collapse the viscosity of carbomer and many anionic polymers → non-ionic thickeners such as hydroxyethylcellulose (the test roll-on in the SCCS dossier used 0.625% hydroxyethylcellulose) or a Steareth-2/Steareth-21 emulsion; each base is compatibility-tested with ACH.
Humectants and emollients
An antiperspirant roll-on with 4% glycerol reduced visible shaving irritation and increased underarm skin hydration compared with a glycerol-free version (Evans et al., 2017); a roll-on with glycerol and sunflower seed oil reduced the impact of shaving irritation (Turner et al., 2007). Both studies have industry authors and report results for the whole formula.
Odor control, fragrance and preservation
Martini (2020) explains that antiperspirants also act as deodorants because there is no substrate left to decompose; triethyl citrate or zinc ricinoleate can be added, with odor efficacy assessed on the finished product. Underarm dermatitis from deodorants is mainly linked to fragrances and essential oils (Martini, 2020) → light fragrance or a fragrance-free version. Phenoxyethanol and ethylhexylglycerin in the preservative system are challenge-tested to ISO 11930.
Key technical points
Mechanism, evidence, concentration benchmarks, regulation and safety
These are the points where an ACH roll-on differs from a standard deodorant roll-on; each is settled by the certificate of analysis, the aluminum calculation sheet or tests on the sample.
Mechanism: a temporary plug in the sweat duct
SCCS (2020): aluminum salts such as ACH form an insoluble aluminum hydroxide polymer gel plug inside the duct, temporarily keeping sweat from the surface. In a microfluidic device mimicking a sweat duct, with bovine serum albumin as a model sweat protein, occlusion resulted from aluminum polycations aggregating protein in two stages (Bretagne et al., 2017; first author from a cosmetics company); nonlinear microscopy on the palm showed a plug forming at the pore entrance (Chen et al., 2016; with industry co-authors). The plug is temporary — it does not shut the gland down permanently, and regular use is needed to maintain the effect.
Efficacy evidence — limited and test-dependent
Sauermann et al. (1992; first author from industry): aqueous ACH 1–16% applied to the forearm twice daily for 6 days, iodine–starch staining — higher concentrations lowered the number of active glands; the abstract gives no sample size. Brandt et al. (2008; a testing institute): sweat weighing after sauna — on the back, reduction saturated at 8% ACH at about 50%, stable across seasons; in the underarm, 8% ACH gave −2% to 25% depending on the season (25% under simulated summer versus 2% in winter conditions); the authors suggested low underarm humidity reduces gel formation. Darrigrand et al. (1992): in 19 male soldiers, ACH and an aluminum zirconium complex applied to the feet both reduced sweat by over 50% but increased irritant dermatitis. In the US, a “24-hour” claim is tied to a 20% sweat reduction — cited only as an example of how thresholds are set.
Concentration: no specific ASEAN limit, an SCCS benchmark
SCCS (2020, restated in 2023): safe up to 6.25% aluminum in non-spray deodorants and antiperspirants and 10.60% aluminum in sprays; the test roll-on in the dossier contained 25% ACH, corresponding to 6.25% aluminum. The in vitro permeation formulas of Pineau et al. (2012) used 14.5% ACH for an emulsion roll-on. The 25% ACH maximum on an anhydrous basis (21 CFR 350.10) is a US over-the-counter drug rule and does not apply in Vietnam. Butter-C calculates the level from the aluminum content on the certificate, checks it against the SCCS benchmark and records it in the PIF safety assessment.
ASEAN annexes — reading the scope correctly
In Annexes II, III, VI (version 2026-1, 22 June 2026) and VII (version 2025-2), Aluminum Chlorohydrate has no entry of its own. Annex III Ref 50 applies only to “Aluminium zirconium chloride hydroxide complexes AlxZr (OH)yClz and the aluminium zirconium chloride hydroxide glycine complexes”: “Anti-perspirants”, “20% as anhydrous aluminium zirconium chloride hydroxide”, “5.4% as zirconium”, “Prohibited in aerosol dispensers (sprays)”, label “Do not apply to irritated or damaged skin”. Annex II Ref 391 prohibits “Zirconium and its compounds, with the exception of the substances listed under reference number 50 in Annex III, Part 1…”. The ASEAN illustrative list of cosmetic products (Appendix I) includes “Deodorants and anti-perspirants” — within the ASEAN framework, an antiperspirant roll-on is a cosmetic.
Skin absorption, breast cancer and Alzheimer’s disease
In 12 healthy women using a roll-on with 26Al-labeled ACH under real-life conditions, the estimated fraction absorbed through the skin was 0.00052%, with most aluminum remaining in the outer skin layers (de Ligt et al., 2022; co-authors from five cosmetics companies); in 2023 the SCCS used a conservative 0.00192%. In 21 people using an antiperspirant for 14 days, plasma and urinary aluminum did not rise significantly, though long-term data are lacking (Letzel et al., 2020). SCCS (2020): epidemiological studies do not support the breast cancer hypothesis; on Alzheimer’s disease, it is generally accepted that there is no causal link. A meta-analysis of 7 case-control studies found no association (OR 0.96; 95% CI 0.78–1.17) and called for cohort studies (Trinh et al., 2024); a systematic review by Moussaron et al. (2023) found inconsistent results but advised avoiding aluminum antiperspirants on the precautionary principle. SCCS (2023): on conservative estimates, total aluminum from cosmetics and other sources may exceed the safety threshold in the highest-exposure group. These sources do not support “roll-ons cause cancer”, nor do they allow “aluminum is completely harmless”.
Irritation, allergy and damaged skin
SCCS (2020) agreed that ACH at antiperspirant use levels (up to 20%) will not irritate consumers; allergy was assessed as rare. Review by Hoffmann et al. (2021): patch-test-confirmed aluminum allergy had a pooled prevalence of 0.36% in adults and 5.61% in children; clinical relevance is rare unless linked to post-vaccination granulomas. In vitro, tape-stripped skin absorbed more aluminum from a stick than intact skin (11.50 versus 1.81 μg/cm²; Pineau et al., 2012), and underarm shaving removes stratum corneum as well as hair (36.1% of shaving debris was skin; Turner et al., 2007) → not for scratched or damaged skin. People with kidney disease should ask a doctor before use (a mandatory US label statement); pregnancy and breastfeeding: not enough data — ask a doctor.
Three formulation directions
Three aluminum chlorohydrate roll-on lines
White emulsion roll-on with glycerin
ACH in a Steareth-2/Steareth-21 emulsion with PPG-15 Stearyl Ether, glycerin, light fragrance; dry-down, clothing marks and efficacy assessed on the sample.
Fragrance-free gel roll-on
Hydroxyethylcellulose gel, ACH, glycerin, propanediol; for people avoiding fragrance. Fragrance-free does not rule out irritation from the aluminum salt itself — the label keeps the damaged-skin warning.
ACH – triethyl citrate roll-on
Triethyl citrate added for extra odor control; the odor claim belongs to the whole formula and is stated only with odor assessment on the finished product.
Packaging must be designed with the formula
Plastic roll-on bottle; in formulation experience, acidic chloride solutions can corrode metal, so the ball, spring and stainless equipment are compatibility-checked; a tight cap keeps the base from evaporating and the ball from jamming.
Parameters we monitor
What our R&D team measures on every sample
Below is the set of parameters Butter-C monitors during formula development and scale-up. Specific limits are agreed with you on the approved sample and then written into the product’s in-house specification.
- Incoming aluminum chlorohydrate certificate
- Each lot: form (solution or powder), aluminum content, the supplier’s CAS; recalculated when the lot or supplier changes.
- Aluminum sheet
- Percent ACH and aluminum equivalent per the certificate, checked against the SCCS benchmark of 6.25% aluminum for non-spray products; kept in the PIF.
- Aluminum assay on the finished product
- Aluminum content checked at manufacture and after aging, compared with the calculation.
- pH and viscosity
- Measured on the finished product at 25 °C; pH range from the raw material dossier; viscosity governs how smoothly the ball rolls.
- Stability
- Freeze–thaw cycling and storage at 40 °C; watching for separation, viscosity loss, salt precipitation, odor change and signs of ball corrosion.
- Microbiology & preservative challenge
- Tested at a GLP / ISO 17025-accredited laboratory; preservative efficacy (challenge) test to ISO 11930.
- Skin tolerance
- Irritation testing on the finished product before sign-off, especially when positioned for people who shave or remove hair.
- Sweat reduction efficacy (when claimed)
- Weighing sweat absorbed into cotton pads after heat-induced sweating, or iodine–starch staining, at an independent testing facility; test site and seasonal conditions are recorded because underarm results vary with test conditions.
- Clothing marks
- Tested on white and black fabric: white marks when worn, yellowing after washing — there is no peer-reviewed study on the mechanism of yellow staining.
Claims
Claims for an antiperspirant roll-on
Appendix 03-MP of Vietnam’s Circular 06/2011/TT-BYT lists “completely prevents sweating” as an unacceptable claim for deodorants. “Antiperspirant” in the line name therefore names the product type; on labels and marketing materials Butter-C uses “helps reduce sweating”, and every efficacy figure must come from tests on the finished product itself. Excessive sweating is a condition for a doctor and lies outside the cosmetic scope.
Helps reduce underarm sweating and body odor (to be tested on the finished product)
Instead of: completely stops sweat, prevents sweating, drug-like claims about heavy sweating.
Stays dry for the measured number of hours
Hours stated only with sweat-weighing results at that time point. Instead of: “48-hour dry”, “72-hour dry” borrowed from another product.
Controls body odor, keeps fragrance
Instead of: claims to act on odor-causing bacteria, “inhibits bacteria”.
Reduces yellow staining on clothes
Stated only after fabric testing. Instead of: “never stains”.
Contains aluminum chlorohydrate (statement of composition)
Instead of: “absolutely safe”, “aluminum is completely harmless”, “does not cause cancer” — and, in the other direction, no fear of aluminum used to market aluminum-free lines.
Label warnings
Butter-C recommends “do not apply to irritated or damaged skin” — for ACH the ASEAN annexes do not require this sentence (Ref 50 requires it only for aluminum zirconium complexes). Do not apply to skin scratched by shaving; stop use if a rash or irritation occurs; people with kidney disease and pregnant or breastfeeding women should ask a doctor before use. Exports to the US follow the OTC drug labeling in 21 CFR 350.50. Instead of: “use right after shaving”, “gentle for every skin type”.
Manufacturing specifications
Current capabilities
- Textures
- Thin emulsion, gel; light scent or fragrance-free.
- Aluminum chlorohydrate material
- In Butter-C’s current ingredient list (INCI Aluminum Chlorohydrate); each lot with a certificate of analysis stating aluminum content.
- Pack formats
- Plastic roll-on bottles. Volume agreed when choosing the packaging.
- Minimum order quantity
- Agreed per order and per fragrance.
- Testing
- Tested at a GLP / ISO 17025-accredited laboratory, including aluminum assay; certificate of analysis delivered with every batch.
- Dossier
- Product Information File (PIF) with a safety assessment of the ACH level against the SCCS benchmark, and the cosmetic product notification dossier prepared by Butter-C.
- Packaging
- Label design, printing and packing run in parallel with formulation.
Suggested product concept
Aluminum chlorohydrate roll-on that helps reduce sweating, emulsion base with glycerin
One product concept to help you picture the possibilities — not a ready-made product for sale. The actual formula is developed around your brand’s positioning and price range.
Aluminum chlorohydrate as the named active
Certificate stating aluminum content; ACH level settled by safety assessment against the SCCS benchmark and by efficacy testing on the finished product.
Glycerin for skin that is often shaved
Glycerin and emollients in a light emulsion base; tolerance tested on the finished product.
Light powdery scent plus a fragrance-free version
Low-dose fragrance; a fragrance-free version for people avoiding fragrance.
50 ml roll-on bottle
Label stating “helps reduce sweating”, “do not apply to irritated or damaged skin” and stop use if irritation occurs; hours stated only with test results.
Customization options
What you can specify
The same product type can serve very different customers. Tell us your requirements in the areas below and our pharmacists will develop a matching formula.
Aluminum chlorohydrate level
Per the safety assessment, not above the SCCS benchmark of 6.25% aluminum for non-spray products; lower levels for a gentler positioning for shaved skin.
Product format
Emulsion roll-on, gel roll-on; sticks and pump sprays per the corresponding pages (aluminum zirconium complexes are banned in aerosol dispensers, ACH is not, but a spray dossier needs particle size data).
Combined odor control
Triethyl citrate or zinc ricinoleate; with zinc ricinoleate, the full premix composition is declared as on the zinc ricinoleate roll-on page.
Fragrance
Powdery, floral, woody, sporty, or fragrance-free — fragrance is a notable source of underarm allergy.
Target users
Women, men, active people; positioning for children needs a separate assessment.
Composition preferences
Alcohol-free, fragrance-free — please state these at the outset. No “aluminum-free” statement on any line containing ACH or alum.
Further reading
Related knowledge
Aluminum chlorohydrate (ACH) in antiperspirants
Mechanism, efficacy data, irritation, breast cancer, Alzheimer’s disease and ASEAN regulation (in Vietnamese).
Roll-on deodorant manufacturing
General page on deodorant and antiperspirant roll-ons; this page focuses on aluminum chlorohydrate.
Zinc ricinoleate roll-on deodorant manufacturing
Aluminum-free line: binds odor, does not reduce sweating.
Men’s deodorant manufacturing
Men’s line, quick-dry sticks, with or without aluminum salts.
Sweat and body odor
The difference between deodorants and antiperspirants (in Vietnamese).
Contact dermatitis from cosmetics
Fragrance and other common sources of irritation and allergy in the underarm (in Vietnamese).
Circular 06/2011/TT-BYT
Appendix 03-MP: “completely prevents sweating” is not an accepted claim (in Vietnamese).
How we work
From idea to finished batch
Eight steps and three milestones signed off by both sides: approved sample, notification number, finished batch. Step-by-step details →
Get started
Tell us about the product you plan to launch
Send us your product direction and expected volume. Our team will get back to you during business hours (Vietnam time, GMT+7).
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