Magicalstephie says…I’m curious about the difference between a natural deodorant like the ones lush sells, and this one called “crystal” from www.thecrystal.com. I tried to compare ingredients, but all the website for the crystal says is it contains alum. What is alum? I don’t know enough to compare directly, but alum sounds sort of like aluminum. I’m curious about the science behind both, and which brand may work better.
Alchemist answers:
Alum is hydrated potassium aluminum sulfate (KAl(SO4)2·12H2O), it could also refer to other Aluminum Sulfate salts. It has s been used for centuries as an anti-antiperspirant, but not quite as effective as the “modern” Aluminum Chlorohydrate types. These will both work by reducing sweat (astringent) and limiting bacterial growth.
Aluminum salts are very very poorly absorbed through the skin (we take in much more through the digestive system).
The Lush products (at least those sold here) use sodium bicarbonate. Not effective as an anti-perspirant, I guess has some effect on skin pH and hence bacterial growth and may also act as an absorbent of odoriferous chemicals.
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