Activated aluminum sesquichlorohydrate (AASCH) powders and method of making are disclosed. 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 and (d) optionally screen or light mill the powders to free flowing spherical particles.