Alum potassium powder, 100 g

Potassium Alum is a mineral salt also known as alum. It is a natural double sulfate of potassium and aluminum, used for its astringent and antiseptic properties. It is used to soothe the skin, stop minor bleeding after shaving, and helps reduce odor. This ingredient dissolves well in water at higher temperatures and is suitable for use in deodorants, aftershaves, balms, and sprays.

Potassium alum is a traditional mineral raw material used in cosmetics and personal hygiene. In home cosmetic production, it is used primarily in products intended for daily skin care, especially in solid and liquid deodorants, aftershaves and after-depilatory preparations. It is popular in minimalist recipes and in cosmetics with simple ingredients.

By including potassium alum in formulas, functional cosmetic products of a mineral nature can be created, inspired by traditional care.

How to work with it

Potassium alum is highly soluble in water. It is added to the aqueous phase of cosmetic products, or used in the form of a solution. The powder form allows for precise dosing and easy incorporation.

It is used in cold production, no heating is required. Dosage depends on the type of product and intended use. It is advisable to check the pH of the finished product.

Use

• Alum is used as a raw material in the production of deodorants.
• It is often found in acne creams, skin masks, or foot care products (cracked heels).

  Solubility: Well soluble in water, better at higher temperatures. Insoluble or very slightly soluble in alcohol or fats.

  Benefits: natural origin, simple composition, multifunctional use, gentle on the skin when used in recommended concentrations, helps relieve odor, irritation and minor injuries without perfume or unnecessary chemical additives.

Want to know more?

Look at the alum on the tooth.

INCI

• Potassium Alum

3 recipes with potassium alum (powder)

1) Deodorant spray (aqueous)

Ingredients

• 90 g distilled water
• 5 g Potassium alum – powder (5%)
• 3 g glycerin (3%)
• 0.6 g Cosgard (preservative) (0.6%)
• optional: 0.2–0.5 g lactic acid (to adjust pH as needed)

Procedure

Dissolve the alum in some of the water (ideally lukewarm). Add the glycerin, mix and add the rest of the water. Finally, stir in the preservative. If necessary, adjust the pH with a small amount of lactic acid. Fill into a spray bottle.

2) After shave / after shower tonic (alcohol-free)

Ingredients

• 88 g chamomile flower water
• 4 g Potassium alum – powder (4%)
• 2 g glycerin (2%)
• 5 g panthenol (5%)
• 0.6 g Cosgard (preservative) (0.6%)

Procedure

Dissolve the alum in the flower water while stirring. Add glycerin and panthenol, mix until smooth. Finally, add the preservative. Fill into a bottle (ideally with a sprayer) and shake before use.

3) Light gel serum for feet (absorbs quickly)

Ingredients

• 70 g Aloe vera gel
• 20 g distilled water
• 5 g Potassium alum – powder (5%)
• 2 g glycerin
• 0.3 g xanthan gum (approx. 0.3%; depending on the desired viscosity)
• 0.6 g Cosgard (preservative) (0.6%)

Procedure

Mix the xanthan gum in the glycerin first to prevent lumps. Dissolve the alum in the water, then add the aloe gel. While stirring, add the glycerin+xanthan gum mixture and let the gel hydrate (approx. 10–15 min), then stir again. Finally, add the preservative and fill into an airless bottle or jar.

CLP (EC No. 1272/2008):

Signal word ⚠ Warning

Standard hazard statements: H302: Harmful if swallowed. H315: Irritating to skin. H319: Causes serious eye irritation. H335: May cause respiratory irritation. Safety instructions: P302+P352: IF ON SKIN: Wash with plenty of water. P305+P351+P338: IF IN EYES: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing. P310: Immediately call a POISON CENTER/doctor. P312: Call a doctor if you feel unwell.