A cosmetic antiperspirant composition, i.e., a perspiration-inhibiting or sweat-inhibiting composition, which comprises at least one active antiperspirant ingredient selected from the group consisting of hydroxycarboxylic acid, hydroxycarboxylic salt, and mixtures thereof. Preferably, the cosmetic antiperspirant composition is free of salts selected from the group consisting of aluminum salts, zirconium salts, and mixtures thereof