Chalk starts off as magnesium carbonate that is usually mined in China. It's washed and seperated in a chemical baths. Some companies add chemicals to improve the nature of their "chalk". Grip stick is a mixture of alcohol and silica, and sometimes aluminum compounds. Liquid chalk can range from water and chalk, to chalk and grip stick. Chalk absorbs oil and water on your hands, too much chalk can act as a lubricant. The alcohol in grip stick dissolves oil on your hands, and the silica absorbs it. If there are aluminum compounds, it's and antiperspirant and keeps you from sweating. If you have hyperhidrosis you'll probably want an antiperspirant (a dab of underarm deodorant will work). If you have oily skin you'll want to get you hands as clean as possible, dish soap works well, and wipe down you equipment with a degreaser or alcohol. Then use whatever product you want.
When my block chalk runs out, I'm switching over to liquid chalk. My kids like getting in the chalk bucket and turning the garage into a winter wonderland.