Is prescription antiperspirant done with aluminium chloride?

Aluminium chloride is an active ingredient used in some antiperspirants for excessive sweating. Applied to the skin, it forms temporary plugs near sweat gland openings, so less sweat reaches the surface. It does not remove the sweat glands or stop sweating throughout the body.

Prescription products can be stronger than everyday antiperspirants. The exact formulation and body area matter, because underarms, hands, feet, and the face do not have the same sensitivity. A clinician or pharmacist can confirm whether the product is appropriate for your symptoms.

Apply it only as directed, usually to completely dry, intact skin at the advised time. Do not use it immediately after shaving, on broken skin, or together with another irritating product unless a professional tells you to. Wash the area as instructed and use moisturiser if recommended.

Stinging, redness, itching, or a burning rash can occur. If irritation is persistent or severe, stop and contact the prescriber for advice about spacing applications, changing the formulation, or treating the reaction. Keep the product away from the eyes and mucous membranes.

Get advice if sweating begins suddenly, occurs at night without an obvious reason, affects one side, or comes with fever, chest symptoms, faintness, or unexplained weight change. Contact the prescriber for blistering, marked swelling, or a painful rash after application.

Ask whether aluminium chloride is suitable for the body area affected, how often to apply it, and what to do if the skin becomes irritated. Ask whether another cause of excessive sweating should be checked and when a different treatment might be considered.