Alum stone, good for skin health?

Zero waste, no perfume, effective and… natural? Alum stone has advantages, but it is not as natural as we think. Decryption.

The alum stonethis small white to translucent block, has become a must-have in eco-friendly bathrooms in recent decades. Indeed, it has several uses: astringent, hemostatic, antibacterial, it serves as both a natural deodorant and against shaving cuts. But it is important to choose it well to avoid ” “false” alum stones.

Alum stone, a natural stone?

First of all, it is important to know what is an alum stone. It does not exist in its natural state; it consists of crystals extracted from rocks that contain it: alunite, kalunite, etc. The extraction process is far from ecological: the rocks are burned at high temperatures for three days; cooling and filtering the stone requires a lot of water.

The rocks from which the alum stone are extracted in faraway countries: in China or Turkey, most often, for themolesin Panama for the furniture.

The different alum stones

There are different alum stones on the market; be careful not to make a mistake when you want to buy an alum stone, in order to choose the least processed ones.

• The synthetic alum stonevery inexpensive, comes fromammonium d’alun. It is very white. It should be avoided because it contains components that are dangerous to health.
• Alum stone, known as natural alum, is obtained from synthesized potassium alum. It is semi-opaque; it is the most common on the market.
• The natural alum stone is more translucent, its shape is more irregular. It is composed of potassium alum.

If you wish buy an alum stoneso choose the latter, recognizable by its color and composition (potassium alum). Choose them certified Ecocert or Cosmebio: these certifications for natural cosmetics require that the extraction process does not pollute.

The benefits of alum stone

If we choose a natural alum stoneit can be used for several functions in the bathroom, and it has several advantages. On the one hand, it is very economical since a block can last several years. On the other hand, it does not produce waste – at least during its use – since it has not no packaging needed ; usually it is sold in a cardboard box, an ecological packaging.

She does not own no perfumewhich is a real asset when you are allergic to certain molecules in synthetic perfumes or simply don’t like them. smell the perfume “It does not contain any preservatives, parabens or alcohol.

Alum stone is also very effective: to help close the shaving cutsfor the healing of acne pimples, a simple pass of the stone helps reduce bleeding and effectively close the wound. Astringent, alum stone also allows, after shavingto prevent ingrown hairs and to soothe razor burn.

Alum stone can be used to soothe razor burn ©Photoroyalty

Used as a natural deodorantmoisten it slightly before use and pass it under the armpits. It can be moistened with water, or hydrosol sprayed under the armpits for increased effectiveness: sage, peppermint or witch hazel for example.

Unlike a classic deodorantit does not hide bad odors under perfume or block pores; it leaves the natural phenomenon of sweating be carried out, but leaves a thin saline layer on the skin which eliminates the bacteria responsible for bad smells.

Is alum stone good for health?

It is understandable that the alum stone seduce, given its advantages. And indeed, its mechanical action makes it a good natural deodorantHowever, one may wonder about its safety.

Given the dangers of aluminum in cosmetics, is it wise to use an alum stone?

As we know, many cosmetics contain aluminum salts. These components are used for preservation or to increase the effectiveness of deodorants in particular. However, in high doses, they are toxic to the body and are accused of developing certain cancers or neurodegenerative diseases. Even if manufacturers regulate the presence of aluminum in cosmeticsour body is exposed daily to doses d’aluminium which exceed the tolerance thresholds.

Is alum stone good for health? ©Sophon Nawit

So, is it wise to use a stone composed only of aluminum derivatives? In reality, the aluminum salts in question are aluminum chlorohydrates. Natural alum stone is composed of potassium d’alun. A substance that would not be incriminated, and would not penetrate the skin. However, scientific studies are lacking to prove the total safety of alum stoneand potassium alum, on the body.

Contraindicated for sensitive skin

Some skins may react badly to a daily use of alum stone. Indeed, it tends to dry out the skin, and some users with sensitive skin may react with redness or pimples. So, if you have the sensitive skinwe advise you not to use alum stone on a daily basis.

So, should you use alum stone?

You can use natural alum stone, made from potassium alum, if it suits your skin type. However, it is not the most eco-friendly or safe deodorant. safe. If you want to be completely reassured about the use of aluminum derivatives on your skin or you have reservations about the ecological aspect of the manufacture of alum stone, use other natural deodorants. Baking soda, for example, is very effective, as well as witch hazel hydrosol or solid deodorantsbased on palmarosa essential oil for example.

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