Aluminum hydroxide is an inorganic compound used in cosmetics primarily as an opacifying agent, mild absorbent, and coating for pigments (such as in sunscreens and color cosmetics). It can also act as a buffering and skin-protectant ingredient in some topical formulations.
| Reported effect | How often | Notes |
|---|---|---|
Mild skin irritation | Uncommon | Transient redness or dryness possible, generally in sensitive skin. |
Allergic contact dermatitis | Rare | Sensitization to aluminum salts has been documented, more often with repeated exposure. |
Eye irritation | Uncommon | Possible on accidental contact with powdered or particulate forms. |
Granuloma formation | Very rare | Reported mainly with injected aluminum-containing products (e.g., vaccine adjuvants), not typical topical use. |
Frequencies reflect typical cosmetic use reported in the literature, not a guarantee for your skin.