A strong antiperspirant for excessive sweating
Aluminium chloride
A strong antiperspirant used to control heavy or excessive sweating, applied to the skin, usually at bedtime.
What is Aluminium chloride?
Aluminium chloride is a strong antiperspirant used to treat excessive sweating, also called hyperhidrosis, in areas such as the underarms, hands or feet. It works by blocking the sweat ducts so less sweat reaches the skin surface. It is usually applied at night to clean, dry skin and washed off in the morning, because the skin is less active at night and this lowers the chance of irritation. Skin irritation, stinging or itching is the most common problem and tends to ease once the sweating is under control and applications become less frequent. It is available without prescription for many people.
Education and reference only. This is a plain-language guide to Aluminium chloride — it deliberately contains no doses. Doses depend on the person, the brand and the reason for treatment, and belong with your prescriber. Always check the BNF, the product labelling (SmPC) and follow medical advice.
What it is
Aluminium chloride is a strong antiperspirant designed for people whose sweating is heavier than usual and troublesome, a condition known as hyperhidrosis. Ordinary antiperspirants are often not enough for this, so a stronger preparation is used. It is applied to the skin of the affected area, such as the underarms, palms or soles, rather than swallowed. It comes as a roll-on or solution and is used to reduce sweating and the dampness, odour and embarrassment that can come with it. Many people can buy it from a pharmacy, though heavy or widespread sweating may need a doctor's advice to rule out other causes.
How it works
Aluminium chloride works at the surface of the skin by reacting with the sweat in the sweat ducts to form a plug that partly blocks them. With the ducts blocked, less sweat is able to reach the skin surface, so the area stays drier. The effect builds up with regular use over the first days or weeks, after which applications can usually be spaced out to keep sweating under control. Because it works mechanically in the ducts rather than throughout the body, its effect is limited to where it is put on.
Company & origin
Originated / developed by: Various manufacturers.
A strong antiperspirant used in the UK to treat excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis), applied to the skin, often at night.
Practical use
How to take Aluminium chloride
General, dose-free guidance — always follow your prescriber's and the leaflet's specific instructions.
- Apply it at night to completely clean, dry skin, then wash it off in the morning.
- Do not shave the area just before applying it, and avoid broken or irritated skin.
- Let it dry fully before getting dressed or going to bed, and keep it away from the eyes.
- Once sweating is under control, use it less often, sometimes only much less frequently.
- Stop and seek advice if the skin becomes very sore, and see a doctor if sweating is heavy or widespread.
Weighing it up
Advantages & disadvantages of Aluminium chloride
Advantages
- An effective way to control excessive sweating when ordinary antiperspirants are not enough.
- Applied only to the affected area, so its effect stays where it is needed.
- Available without a prescription for many people, and used less often once sweating is controlled.
Disadvantages
- Commonly causes skin irritation, stinging or itching, especially early on.
- Needs to be applied carefully at night to clean, dry skin to avoid irritation.
- May not be enough on its own for very heavy or widespread sweating.
Practical use
Good to know
The single most helpful tip is to apply it at night to completely clean and dry skin and wash it off in the morning, because applying it to damp or freshly shaved skin, or just before activity, makes stinging and irritation much more likely. Irritation is the main drawback and is the reason many people give up too soon; using it only as often as needed, and applying a soothing moisturiser in the morning, helps. Once sweating is controlled, you usually need it far less often, sometimes only much less frequently. Avoid getting it in the eyes or on broken or recently shaved skin. If sweating is very heavy, affects many areas, or comes with other symptoms, it is worth seeing a doctor, as there are further treatments and occasionally an underlying cause.
Who should not take it / use with caution
- People who have had a strong reaction to aluminium chloride or the product's ingredients should not use it.
- It should not be applied to broken, irritated or recently shaved skin, or near the eyes.
- Heavy, widespread or sudden sweating should be checked by a doctor before relying on it.
Monitoring
- Judging how well sweating is controlled and reducing how often it is applied as needed.
- Watching the skin for irritation or soreness and easing off if it becomes troublesome.
- Seeking medical review if sweating remains heavy, spreads, or comes with other symptoms.
Side effects
- Skin irritation, stinging, redness or itching where it is applied, especially at first.
- Dryness or soreness of the treated skin with frequent use.
- Rarely, a more troublesome skin reaction, which should prompt stopping and seeking advice.
Key interactions
- There are few medicine interactions, as it works on the skin rather than throughout the body.
- Using other harsh skin products on the same area can add to irritation, so keep them apart.
- Tell a pharmacist about any skin conditions or treatments on the area before using it.
Available as: A roll-on or solution applied to the skin.
Answers
Aluminium chloride: frequently asked questions
What is aluminium chloride used for?
It is a strong antiperspirant used to control excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis) in areas such as the underarms, hands or feet by blocking the sweat ducts.
Why should I put it on at night?
The skin's sweat glands are less active at night, so applying it to clean, dry skin at bedtime works better and is less likely to cause stinging.
Why does it sting or irritate my skin?
Skin irritation is the most common effect, especially early on or if applied to damp or freshly shaved skin; it usually eases as applications become less frequent.
How often do I need to use it?
At first it is used most nights, but once sweating is under control many people need it only much less frequently.
When should I see a doctor instead?
If sweating is very heavy, affects many areas, comes on suddenly, or comes with other symptoms, see a doctor, as there are further treatments and occasionally an underlying cause.
Authoritative sources
- BNF
- NICE CKS
Building a medicines information resource?
We create evidence-led, dose-free drug and formulary references for teams.