Aluminum Hydroxide
Also known as: Alumina
Found naturally in certain minerals | Opacifying agent, skin protectant, and absorbent
Addresses
EWG Safety Score
What Is Aluminum Hydroxide?
Aluminum hydroxide is an inorganic material found naturally in the minerals bauxite and gibbsite. In medical settings it serves as an antacid (and is available over the counter in a number of antacid formulations).
In cosmetics, aluminum hydroxide is quite versatile: it’s employed as an opacifying agent, skin protectant, texture enhancer and absorbent. It also functions as a coloring agent, but perhaps its most important role is a coating agent for mineral UV filters such as titanium dioxide. In this role, it helps prevent the breakdown of titanium dioxide, preventing the formation of free radicals on skin.
Note: In some sunscreens with mineral filters, the aluminum hydroxide derivative alumina is used.
The independent Cosmetic Ingredient Review has ruled aluminum hydroxide safe in its current use in cosmetics.
Benefits for Your Skin
Clinical Evidence & References
Published Research
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International Journal of Toxicology, November 2016, pages 16S-33S [https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27913785/]
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Nanotechnology Science and Applications, October 2011, pages 95–112 [https://www.dovepress.com/titanium-dioxide-and-zinc-oxide-nanoparticles-in-sunscreens-focus-on-t-peer-reviewed-fulltext-article-NSA]
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