Also known as aluminium oxide trihydrate, "Aluminium Hydroxide" is a form of aluminium used in the formulation of many beauty care products. What is it? What are its functions? In which care products can it be found? Discover everything there is to know about "Aluminium Hydroxide".
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What is "Aluminium Hydroxide" and what is its utility?
Summary
- Aluminium Hydroxide: What is it?
- Aluminium Hydroxide: What is its purpose?
- Aluminium Hydroxide: In which skincare products can it be found?
Published October 29, 2021,
updated on February 2, 2024,
by
Stéphanie, PhD, Doctorate in Life and Health Sciences
—
3 min read
Aluminium Hydroxide: What is it?
With the chemical formula Al(OH)3, "Aluminum Hydroxide" corresponds to the INCI name for aluminium hydroxide. Unlike aluminium salts that penetrate into the organs, this ingredient is considered as chemically inert. It does not produce any reaction once applied to the skin. Whether of synthetic or mineral origin, aluminium hydroxide often appears as a crystallised solid or amorphous white powder. This ingredient can be used in the formulation of organic skincare products.
Aluminium Hydroxide: What is its purpose?
Known in the medical field, aluminium hydroxide is also used in the realm of cosmetology. This ingredient notably plays the role of an emollient, softening and improving the skin's suppleness. It also acts as a humectant. Thanks to this property, aluminium hydroxide preserves the amount of water present in a skincare product, both when it is in its packaging and when it is applied to the skin. This ingredient is also used as an opacifier. It helps to reduce the transparency of skincare products.
Furthermore, aluminium hydroxide plays a role as a colourant, tinting both skincare products and the skin itself. This ingredient also controls the viscosity of skincare treatments. In addition, aluminium hydroxide protects the skin against the harmful effects of external aggressions.
Aluminium Hydroxide: In which skincare products can it be found?
Thanks to its various properties, aluminium hydroxide is used in the formulation of different skincare products. Its colouring virtues are particularly exploited for foundations, tinted serums and even treatments aimed at combating dark circles. Aluminium hydroxide is also commonly used in organic sun creams. In this case, this ingredient acts as a texturing agent to encapsulate titanium dioxide particles, a mineral filter used to protect the skin from UV rays.
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