Mineral deodorant looks like a smooth stick of cloudy white crystal attached to a plastic base. Such products cost from 300 to 600 rubles for a volume of 45-60 ml, and manufacturers claim that this amount will last for one or even two years of use. Mineral deodorants are positioned as natural and safe products that kill bacteria on the skin and do not interfere with the functioning of the sweat glands.
Also, the description often adds that the mineral can be used to treat minor cuts, for example after shaving, improve the condition of the skin with acn and reduce itching after insect bites.
What is mineral deodorant made of?
The main of mineral deodorants is potassium aluminum or ammonium aluminum alum. These are crystals that consist of aluminum potassium or aluminum ammonium sulfate, have a cloudy white color and dissolve well in water.
In nature, potassium alum occurs as the mineral alunite, also known as alum rock. If it is burned and subjected to a series of chemical reactions, it can form potassium alum crystals, and if the water is removed, it can become a powder. The latter is sold in pharmacies under the name “burnt alum” and is used as a dusting powder.
Manufacturers usually claim that potassium alum is obtained from a natural mineral of volcanic origin. However, in one experiment, to make the same crystal from aluminum cans. It doesn’t sound so nice, but it is good for the environment .
Most mineral deodorants contain only alum and water, but some products also include stabilizers, preservatives, fragrances, vitamins, amino acids, and various plant extracts.
How does mineral deodorant work
Manufacturers of mineral deodorants claim that potassium alum destroys bacteria responsible for the smell of sweat. That is, when using such products, a person continues to sweat, but does not smell.
There is little scientific evidence to support this claim. Two studies from and found that a solution containing aluminum potassium sulfate killed pathogenic bacteria in a dish. But both studies were published in unreliable scientific journals.
There is also one experiment that was conducted in Malaysia. There, scientists a potassium aluminum crystal in hot water and added it to a cup with four types of bacteria that usually cause sweat odor. At a concentration of 7.5 mg per 1 ml of solution, potassium aluminum sulfate dealt with all strains. But again, the scientific journal in which this study was published is not listed in international rankings.
Since there is no good evidence, mineral deodorant cannot be called an effective remedy for sweat odor. As for the properties of an antiperspirant – to block eccrine sweat glands, for this the product must contain aluminum chlorohydrate.
The aluminum potassium sulfate that the crystals are made of aluminum salts, as the name suggests. But most likely in smaller quantities than regular antiperspirants, so its ability to block sweat glands is questionable.
Mineral deodorants do not have much effect on sweating. In theory, they can eliminate sweat odor, but this has not been proven.
Reviews of mineral deodorants do not help to draw a conclusion. Some users claim that the unpleasant smell disappeared and did not appear for the next day, while others report that clothes begin to smell within half an hour after using the product.
Can mineral deodorant be harmful?
There is still no consensus in the scientific world as to whether antiperspirants containing aluminum can cause harm.
There are concerns that the constant use of such products the risk of breast cancer in women. Some scientists believe that aluminum penetrate the pores of the skin and copy the action of estrogen, which provokes tumor growth. Others parabens, preservatives that are often added to antiperspirants, for the same.
However, there are currently studies that have confirmed a link between antiperspirant use and breast cancer. The International Agency for Research on Cancer aluminum production as carcinogenic , but does not consider the metal itself to be carcinogenic.
Again, mineral deodorants contain aluminum salts, because they part of potassium alum along with potassium salts and sulfuric acid. But since their harm has not been proven, you can forget about it.
As for other side effects, if a mineral deodorant contains only potassium alum and water, the risk of skin irritation is minimal. However, some manufacturers add fragrances, vitamins, parabens, essential oils, lanolin and propylene glycol, all of which cause contact dermatitis , a condition in which the skin becomes red, itchy, flaky or blistered.
Is It Worth Trying Mineral Deodorant?
If for some reason you don’t want to use regular antiperspirants, such as contact dermatitis or fragrance intolerance, you can try a mineral deodorant.
There are no guarantees that it will work, but it will not cause any harm either. At least if you choose the option without additional components.
Before applying, the crystal to be moistened with water so that the alum dissolves a little and settles on your skin. Once your armpits are dry, you can move actively and hope that the aluminum potassium sulfate will cope with the microbes.
