What is the Difference between Aluminum Chlorohydrate and Aluminum Zirconium Tetrachlorohydrex?

The main difference between Aluminum Chlorohydrate (ACH) and Aluminum Zirconium Tetrachlorohydrex Glycine (AZG) lies in their chemical composition and use in antiperspirants.

Aluminum Chlorohydrate (ACH) is a group of specific aluminum salts, primarily containing aluminum chloride and water molecules.

Aluminum Zirconium Tetrachlorohydrex Glycine (AZG) is a complex that includes aluminum zirconium tetrachlorohydrate and glycine.

Difference between Aluminum Chlorohydrate and Aluminum Zirconium Tetrachlorohydrex (With Table)

Aspects	Aluminum Chlorohydrate	Aluminum Zirconium Tetrachlorohydrex
Chemical Composition	It is a group of specific aluminum salts, primarily containing aluminum chloride and water molecules.	It is a complex that includes aluminum zirconium tetrachlorohydrate and glycine.
Structure	Typically simpler in structure, consisting mainly of aluminum and chlorine ions with water molecules.	More complex structure due to the inclusion of zirconium and glycine in addition to aluminum and chlorine ions.
Formulation	Often used in basic antiperspirant formulations.	Commonly used in clinical strength or advanced antiperspirant formulations.
Effectiveness	Effective in reducing sweat production for many individuals.	Generally considered more effective than ACH due to its additional components and complex formulation.
Use in Products	Found in a wide range of commercial antiperspirant products.	Often used in clinical or prescription-strength antiperspirants.

What Is Aluminum Chlorohydrate?

Aluminum Chlorohydrate (ACH) is a group of specific aluminum salts primarily used as an active ingredient in antiperspirants and some deodorants.

It is a chemical compound with the general formula Al_nCl(3n-m)(OH)_m, where n and m are integers that vary depending on the specific form and manufacturing process.

Characteristics and Uses

ACH works by forming a gel-like plug in sweat glands, thereby reducing the amount of sweat that reaches the skin surface.
ACH consists of aluminum ions (Al3+) complexed with chloride ions (Cl-) and hydroxyl groups (OH-). The exact composition can vary, influencing its effectiveness and properties.
It is available in various forms and strengths, from standard-strength antiperspirants to clinical or prescription-strength products.
Typically applied topically to the skin, where it interacts with sweat glands to reduce perspiration.
ACH is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics under regulatory guidelines, though concerns about aluminum exposure and health implications have prompted ongoing research and scrutiny.
ACH is effective in controlling sweat production for many individuals, providing varying degrees of sweat reduction depending on the formulation and concentration used.
Found in a wide range of commercial antiperspirant products, ACH is one of the most commonly used active ingredients due to its effectiveness and relatively low cost.

What Is Aluminum Ziroconium Tetrachlorohydrex?

Aluminum Zirconium Tetrachlorohydrex Glycine (AZG), often referred to simply as Aluminum Zirconium Tetrachlorohydrex, is a complex of aluminum zirconium tetrachlorohydrate combined with glycine.

It is commonly used as an active ingredient in antiperspirants and deodorants, particularly in clinical strength or prescription-strength formulations.

Key Characteristics and Uses

AZG consists of aluminum and zirconium ions complexed with chloride ions and glycine molecules. The specific chemical formula can vary, but it generally includes these components.
Like other aluminum-based compounds, AZG functions by forming a gel-like plug in sweat glands, thereby reducing sweat production.
AZG is often touted as more effective than Aluminum Chlorohydrate (ACH) due to its complex formulation, providing stronger and longer-lasting sweat protection.
Available in various strengths, AZG is commonly found in clinical strength or extra-strength antiperspirants designed for individuals requiring significant sweat reduction.
Applied topically to the skin, AZG interacts with sweat glands to inhibit sweat secretion, providing dryness and comfort for extended periods.
Like ACH, AZG is regulated for safety in cosmetics, though its use in higher concentrations may require specific labeling and compliance with regulatory guidelines.
Found in a range of antiperspirant products, AZG is favored in formulations that target excessive sweating or clinical conditions where standard antiperspirants may not provide adequate protection.

Differences between Aluminum Chlorohydrate and Aluminum Zirconium Tetrachlorohydrex

Chemical Composition

ACH: Primarily contains aluminum chloride and water molecules.
AZG: Contains aluminum zirconium tetrachlorohydrate complexed with glycine.

Structure

ACH: Typically simpler in structure, consisting mainly of aluminum and chlorine ions with water molecules.
AZG: More complex structure due to the inclusion of zirconium and glycine in addition to aluminum and chlorine ions.

Formulation:

ACH: Often used in basic antiperspirant formulations.
AZG: Commonly used in clinical strength or advanced antiperspirant formulations.

Effectiveness

ACH: Effective in reducing sweat production for many individuals.
AZG: Generally considered more effective than ACH due to its additional components and complex formulation.

Use in Products

ACH: Found in a wide range of commercial antiperspirant products.
AZG: Often used in clinical or prescription-strength antiperspirants.

Blockage Mechanism

ACH: Acts primarily by blocking sweat glands to reduce sweat secretion.
AZG: Works similarly to ACH but may offer enhanced sweat reduction due to its formulation.

Application

ACH: Used in standard-strength antiperspirants available over-the-counter.
AZG: Typically found in stronger formulations and sometimes in prescription antiperspirants.

Duration of Action

ACH: Provides varying degrees of sweat reduction depending on formulation strength.
AZG: Often provides longer-lasting sweat protection compared to ACH.

Irritation Potential

ACH: Generally well-tolerated, but some individuals may experience irritation.
AZG: May have a lower irritation potential compared to ACH, especially in clinical formulations.

Antibacterial Properties

ACH: Some forms of aluminum salts, including ACH, exhibit mild antibacterial properties.
AZG: Also possesses antibacterial properties due to its aluminum content.

Cost

ACH: Typically less expensive compared to AZG due to simpler production processes.
AZG: Often more costly due to its complex formulation and higher efficacy claims.

Regulatory Considerations

ACH: Generally recognized as safe and effective by regulatory bodies for use in cosmetics.
AZG: Similar regulatory status but may require specific labeling or claims due to its formulation strength.

Usage Recommendations

ACH: Suitable for daily use in regular-strength antiperspirants.
AZG: Recommended for individuals requiring stronger sweat reduction, often prescribed for clinical use.

Sweat Reduction Mechanism

ACH: Reduces sweat by forming temporary plugs in sweat ducts.
AZG: Functions similarly to ACH but may offer more sustained sweat reduction due to its formulation.

Consumer Perception

ACH: Widely recognized and used in traditional antiperspirant products.
AZG: Often perceived as a more advanced or potent option for those seeking stronger sweat control.

Similarities between Aluminum Chlorohydrate and Aluminum Zirconium Tetrachlorohydrex

Both ACH and AZG are used as active ingredients in antiperspirants and deodorants to reduce sweat production and manage body odor.
Both compounds work by forming a gel-like plug in sweat glands, which helps to block the flow of sweat to the skin surface.
Both ACH and AZG contain aluminum ions as part of their chemical composition, which is instrumental in their antiperspirant action.
Both compounds involve the formation of hydrates (chlorohydrates or tetrachlorohydrates) when dissolved in water or applied to the skin, aiding in sweat reduction.
Both ACH and AZG are regulated and approved for use in cosmetics and personal care products, ensuring their safety and efficacy under regulatory guidelines.
Both compounds are commercially available and widely used in various forms of antiperspirants, catering to different levels of sweat control needs.
Both ACH and AZG are applied topically to the skin, where they interact with sweat glands to achieve their antiperspirant effect.
Both compounds are generally accepted and recognized by consumers as effective ingredients in controlling sweat and maintaining dryness.
Both ACH and AZG can be formulated into different strengths and types of antiperspirants, allowing manufacturers to create products tailored to specific preferences and needs.
Both compounds are compatible with other cosmetic ingredients commonly used in antiperspirant formulations, ensuring stability and effectiveness in product formulations.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the differences between Aluminum Chlorohydrate (ACH) and Aluminum Zirconium Tetrachlorohydrex (AZG) primarily stem from their chemical compositions, formulations, and efficacy in antiperspirant products.

ACH contains aluminum ions complexed with chloride and hydroxyl ions. AZG includes aluminum and zirconium ions complexed with chloride ions and glycine molecules.