Activated aluminum sesquichlorohydrate (AASCH) powders prepared by (a) diluting the concentrated aluminum sesquichlorohydrate (ASCH) solution to from about 10% to about 25% by weight, (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%, (c) drying the heated solution to powders, and (d) optionally screen or light mill the powders to free flowing spherical particles are disclosed.