Aluminium Salts: The Gold Standard in Antiperspirants

How do antiperspirants work against excessive sweating?

In the UK, around 1-2% of the population experience issues with excessive sweat production. Generally speaking, sweating is a healthy bodily function that prevents us from overheating. But if you were to ask those affected, most would tell you that their sweating episodes often occur unpredictably and without any obvious external cause. Temperature regulation isn't really required in these situations. Among the most common triggers are stressful situations where the body perceives itself to be in a state of emergency, such as a job interview, a presentation to clients, or an important meeting with the boss. In these instances, our brain tricks the sweat glands into thinking there's a rise in body temperature, causing them to become more active and produce sweat. The armpits, face, hands, and feet are particularly prone to this.

In these cases, antiperspirants can provide very effective relief as highly potent anti-sweat remedies.

How antiperspirants tackle excessive sweating

The primary and sole active ingredient in effective sweat inhibitors is aluminium salts. There are no alternative products that can achieve the same highly effective results as antiperspirants containing aluminium salts. These substances reduce sweat secretion by temporarily narrowing the ducts of the sweat glands, significantly reducing the amount of sweat produced.

The natural and healthy flow of sweat isn't affected by the application, as the product is only applied very specifically to small areas such as the armpits, forehead, face, neck, hands, or feet. It's also a definitively debunked myth that reducing sweat in these areas leads to increased sweating elsewhere.

Antiperspirants containing aluminium salts narrow the sweat glands, providing effective and long-lasting protection against dampness from sweat:

• Skin stays dry – you don't sweat!

Sweat on its own is almost odourless. The real cause of body odour is the waste products of bacteria living on the skin, which decompose the sweat.

Using antiperspirants has another beneficial side effect: by reducing sweat secretion, the bacteria are also deprived of their food source. Without this moisture, the bacteria can neither multiply nor break down the sweat into those unpleasantly smelling components like butyric acid and formic acid.

By inhibiting the growth of bacteria, the formation of unpleasant odours is reliably prevented:

• No unpleasant body odour – you don't smell!

The effectiveness of aluminium salts in antiperspirants – a deeper look 

Aluminium salts have proven to be the most effective active ingredients in antiperspirants. They work by temporarily narrowing the openings of the sweat glands. This significantly reduces sweat production in the treated areas without affecting the overall natural sweating process. 

Why aluminium salts are so effective: 

• Precise action: Aluminium salts target the specific areas where excessive sweating is a problem, such as the armpits, forehead, hands, or feet. 
• Temporary narrowing of sweat glands: By constricting the sweat gland ducts, the amount of sweat secreted is significantly reduced. 
• Long-lasting effect: The effects of aluminium salts typically last for several hours to several days, depending on the product and individual skin type. 
• Prevention of bacterial growth: As less sweat is produced, there is less food available for the bacteria living on the skin. This inhibits bacterial multiplication and reduces the formation of unpleasant odours. 

Common myths and facts: 

• Myth: Antiperspirants block all sweat glands. Fact: Aluminium salts only work on the treated areas and do not affect the entire sweating process. 
• Myth: Less sweating in one area leads to more sweating in another. Fact: The body does not compensate for reduced sweat production in treated areas by increasing sweating elsewhere. 
• Myth: Aluminium salts are harmful to health. Fact: Numerous studies have shown that aluminium salts in antiperspirants are safe when used correctly. 

Additional benefits of antiperspirants: 

• Increased self-confidence: People who suffer from excessive sweating often feel insecure. Antiperspirants can help to solve this problem and boost self-esteem.
• Protection of clothing: Sweat stains on clothes can be embarrassing. Antiperspirants help to avoid these. 
• Improved quality of life: By reducing sweat and odour, those affected can participate in social activities more comfortably. 

Conclusion: 

Aluminium salts remain the most effective active ingredients for treating excessive sweating. They offer a safe and reliable solution for people who suffer from this issue. Through targeted application and the prevention of bacterial growth, antiperspirants contribute to greater well-being and an improved quality of life. 

Important note:

• Individual differences: The effectiveness of antiperspirants can vary from person to person. 
• Skin type: For sensitive skin, an antiperspirant with mild ingredients should be chosen.
• Application: Products should be used according to the manufacturer's instructions.

First published: 12/05/2011

Updated: 27/05/2025