Activated aluminum sesquichlorohydrate (AASCH) powders and method of making are disclosed. The AASCH powder has Al:Cl atomic ratio of from about 1.60 to about 1.90 and Band III polymer concentration of at least about 20% and Band IV polymer concentration of at least about 15% when analyzed with Size Exclusion Chromatogram (SEC) operated by High Performance Liquid Chromatograph (HPLC). The method of making the active comprises (a) diluting the concentrated aluminum sesquichlorohydrate (ASCH) solution to from about 10% to about 25% by weight and (b) heating the diluted solution to obtain a Band III polymer concentration of at least about 20% and a Band IV polymer concentration of at least about 15%, and (c) drying the heated solution to powders having Al:Cl ratio of about 1.60 to about 1.90 and (d) optionally screen or light mill the powders to free flowing spherical particles.
