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Aluminium zirconium tetrachlorohydrex gly is a chemical compound used in deodorant. It is usually in its anhydrous form for this application, as this allows it to absorb moisture in addition to its main method of action, which is to close pores in the skin and prevent sweat from being produced.
Anhydrous aluminium zirconium tetrachlorohydrex gly has two major functions as an antiperspirant. Firstly, as with most aluminum compounds used for this purpose, the aluminium forms a gel that clogs a large number of pores in the skin, preventing them from releasing sweat. Second, because it is hygroscopic, it will absorb some of the water that is released as sweat.
Additionally, because it reduces underarm wetness, aluminium zirconium tetrachlorohydrex gly will reduce body odor because it inhibits the bacterial breakdown of sweat.
Aluminium has been identified as a neurotoxin [1]. However, some studies suggest that aluminium zirconium tetrachlorohydrex gly is not aborbed through the skin as readily as other aluminium compounds, such as aluminium chloride. Though not confirmed, if true, this would mean there is a significantly lower chance of any toxic effects associated with aluminium.
Additionally, some people believe that because most aluminium compounds work as antiperspirants by closing pores, they might cause acne; however, aluminium compounds only close pores on the skin they are applied to, so as long as they are only applied to areas where acne is unlikely, these fears are baseless.