Potassium Alum: Tradition, Safety, and the Science of Freshness

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, it has been used for centuries as a mineral salt for purification, balancing the body, and supporting healthy skin. Did you know pickles are made with Potassium Alum and Cucumber? And most importantly, it is very different from the aluminum compounds commonly found in antiperspirants.

Is Potassium Alum Safe?

Yes. Potassium Alum is a naturally occurring mineral salt (chemical formula: KAl(SO₄)₂·12H₂O). It has a large molecular structure that does not penetrate the skin barrier. Instead, it forms a light, invisible layer on the skin’s surface that helps reduce bacterial growth—the main cause of odor.

By contrast, the aluminum salts in antiperspirants (such as aluminum chlorohydrate or aluminum zirconium) are specifically designed to block sweat glands, which can alter the body’s natural cooling process. This is where confusion arises: while both share “aluminum” in their chemical names, Potassium Alum behaves completely differently.

  • Potassium Alum: Natural mineral salt · Non-occlusive · Stays on skin’s surface.

  • Antiperspirant Aluminum Compounds: Synthetic · Designed to plug sweat glands · Alter perspiration.

Regulatory and toxicology reviews (including those cited in the International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2018) confirm Potassium Alum’s safety for cosmetic use, making it a trusted ingredient for those seeking natural odor protection without compromising body function.

Potassium Alum in Chinese Medicine

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Potassium Alum has been documented for more than a thousand years. The classic text Compendium of Materia Medica (本草纲目, Bencao Gangmu, 16th century) describes it as:

  • Purifying: Used externally to cleanse the skin and neutralize impurities.

  • Cooling & Drying: Believed to “clear heat” and reduce dampness (湿热), balancing areas prone to excess moisture.

  • Protective: Applied in powdered form to maintain hygiene and comfort.

These traditional applications mirror its modern use as a deodorant—where its mild antibacterial action helps reduce odor naturally without interfering with the body’s sweating process.

Why It Matters for Deodorant

  • Natural Mineral Origin: Potassium Alum comes directly from crystalline rock deposits.

  • Gentle on Skin: Long history of topical use in Asia with minimal irritation.

  • Effective Odor Control: Prevents odor by reducing bacteria, not by blocking sweat.

  • Heritage Ingredient: Its use in Chinese medicine adds cultural depth and authenticity to modern formulations.

Miraxil’s Choice

At Miraxil, we chose Potassium Alum as one of our key ingredients because it combines safety, tradition, and effectiveness. While others rely on synthetic antiperspirant chemicals or baking soda blends, Miraxil uses Potassium Alum in harmony with pearl powder and other natural minerals—delivering freshness the way nature and history intended.

Potassium Alum is proof that sometimes the most advanced solutions are also the most ancient.

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