Potassium alum, also known as potassium aluminum sulfate, is a naturally occurring mineral that has been used for centuries as an astringent and antiseptic. It is different from aluminum in antiperspirants in a few ways:
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Potassium alum is a naturally occurring mineral salt that contains aluminum. Aluminum itself is a naturally occurring element found in the earth's crust. See natural herbal crystal deodorant on amazon here.
However, some forms of aluminum can also be produced synthetically.
Potassium alum is not absorbed by the skin, while aluminum compounds in antiperspirants are absorbed and can clog sweat ducts to reduce sweat production.
Some forms of synthetic aluminum, such as aluminum chlorohydrate and aluminum zirconium, are commonly used in antiperspirant deodorants.
These compounds help to block sweat by temporarily plugging sweat ducts. However, there is ongoing debate and research regarding the potential health risks associated with the use of aluminum-based antiperspirants. -
Potassium alum, as a natural mineral salt, works as an astringent by constricting the sweat ducts and forming a physical barrier on the skin surface. This can help to reduce the amount of sweat and odor produced by the body.
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Potassium alum is generally considered to be safe for use on the skin, while concerns have been raised about the potential health risks associated with the use of aluminum-based antiperspirants, including the potential link to breast cancer and Alzheimer's disease.
It's worth noting that the FDA has classified antiperspirant as an over-the-counter drug and that the use of aluminum-based compounds in these products is considered safe when used as directed. However, if you have concerns or prefer not to use products with aluminum, potassium alum-based antiperspirants are an alternative to consider.
Gaia Guy has experimented with various natural organic deodorants. From baking soda and essential oil based ones. These work well, but can melt and leave pretty serious oil residue on your clothes.
Breaking News: Gaia Guy Magic Deodorant Cream with magnesium just may be the magic ingredient for aluminum-free and natural odor protection that you've been looking for.
To a solid crystal deodorant made from potassium alum, but the crystal deodorant didn't seem to work for very long or it was hard to know if you put on enough or not.
Finally, taking the best of both. Turning the crystal deodorant into a powder like and pairing that with powerful herbs seems to have created a near perfect natural deodorant.
Read: Why doesn't natural deodorant work for me?
What's even better is that this is a real permaculture product in that we can stack functions with one product. It can be used as a deodorant, but also a foot deodorizer directly on your feet or sprinkled in your shoes. I have found it is even safe for other parts of the body too! As you can see in this fun little video.
Get a glass jar with your very own crystal powder deodorant!
Thanks, Martha, I am trying to find the same info. We quit using the anti-perspirants with aluminum years ago and went to the “salt sticks,” as I called them. However, recently I really started thinking about the ingredient Potassium Alum, and tried to find any studies that said they are really safe. All I can find is that it is well used. That’s not good enough. For now, I’ll use a DoTerra deodorant, but it doesn’t work as well. I sure hope I can find something! Also, my sis-in-law got a water softener for their house and instead of using salt (damages septics and the water table), they got the Potassium softener, which is better for plants. BUT, if it is Potassium Alum, then this could be scary, in my mind. I wish I could find SOMETHING!
Hey Martha,
Potassium alum is found in its dodecahydrate form that produces a very large molecule. This large molecule cannot be absorbed through the skin when this substance is included as an astringent agent in topical OTC. Burke I. (2000). The nature of beauty . Ebury Press. Aluminum chlorohydrate
An active ingredient in antiperspirants that prevents sweating by plugging sweat ducts. It’s made up of small molecules that are absorbed into the skin.
Potassium alum
A natural deodorant ingredient that prevents bacteria from multiplying on the skin’s surface. It’s made up of large molecules that are too big to be absorbed through the skin.
You say that potassium alum “is not absorbed by the skin.” Can you point me to the studies or materials you got that from? As many dr.’s believe all aluminum natural or synthetic is absorbed to some degree and therefore unsafe.