Aluminum Zirconium Octachlorohydrex Gly
Aluminum zirconium octachlorohydrex glycine
- Role
- Temporarily reduces sweat release in the treated area.
- Catalog formulas
- 4
- Type
- Active
- Verified
- 06.11.2026
What does this ingredient do in an antiperspirant?
A complex aluminum-zirconium salt with glycine. It forms temporary gel plugs in the sweat ducts; the effect fades as the skin naturally renews itself.
Part of a system, not a label in isolation
It is found in gels and sticks. The FDA allows this active at up to 20% (calculated on an anhydrous basis) in non-aerosol forms only; in the EU, aluminum-zirconium complexes are banned from aerosol dispensers.
In the EU it is permitted only in antiperspirants: up to 20% as the anhydrous complex and up to 5.4% as zirconium, with a warning not to apply it to irritated or damaged skin. The SCCS considers aluminum compounds safe in cosmetics within the limits assessed in opinion SCCS/1662/23.
The FDA requires the label to say not to use it on broken skin and to stop use if a rash or irritation occurs. Stinging is more likely on freshly shaved or damp skin.
It is not the same as Aluminum Chlorohydrate: the FDA allows the chlorohydrate at up to 25% and in aerosols, while aluminum-zirconium salts are capped at 20% and kept out of aerosols. It differs from Tetrachlorohydrex Gly in the ratio of aluminum, zirconium and chlorine atoms defined by the US Pharmacopeia (USP–NF).
Products containing Aluminum Zirconium Octachlorohydrex Gly
Links are based on the complete published INCI list for the exact product version.
Sources
The conclusions apply to the stated conditions and jurisdictions, not automatically to every concentration or product.
- FDA OTC Monograph M019 Supports: list of active ingredients, permitted concentration, dosage form, label warnings
- Regulation (EC) 1223/2009, Annex III, entry 50 Supports: permitted concentration, restrictions, label warnings
- SCCS/1662/23: safety of aluminum in cosmetic products Supports: safety assessment, conditions of use