'aluminium-free' originates from Modern English, specifically the compound of 'aluminium' and 'free', where 'aluminium' ultimately derives from Latin 'alumen' ('alum') and 'free' meant 'not containing' or 'without'.

'aluminium' was coined in the early 19th century (from 'alum' + the -ium suffix); an alternative form 'aluminum' was used by some early chemists (including Sir Humphry Davy). 'Aluminium' became standard in British English while 'aluminum' persisted in American English. The compound 'aluminium-free' developed by combining 'aluminium' + 'free' to indicate absence of the metal in products.

Initially 'aluminium' referred to the substance derived from alum; over time it became the standard name for the metal. 'Aluminium-free' has come to be used in product labeling to mean 'not containing aluminium'.