What is Rocca alum
Rock alum, raw alum and potassium alum are three elementary terms, of equal meaning, which simplify a more complex scientific expression "double aluminum sulphate and potassium dodecahydrate" (chemical formula: KAl (SO4) 2): we are talking about a salt, composed of aluminum and potassium, of sulfuric acid. The term " rock alum" derives from the place where the ancient Greeks extracted the mineral (Rochka).
In fact, some findings have shown that the ancient Romans used to use and trade it, since they already knew the different properties, largely exploited in different sectors.
In this brief discussion we will analyze the composition of rock alum, its cosmetic uses and its beneficial properties.
Features
Rock alum is commonly extracted from alum (or alumite) stone; however, the raw material can also be bauxite, clay or creolite.
Chemically speaking, rock alum is - let us remember once again - potassium and aluminum sulphate with 12 molecules of water of crystallization: soluble in water and insoluble in alcohol, rock alum has a high astringent power, a flavor sweet or slightly acid, and crystallizes in regular, monometric and colorless octahedrons.
The rock salt melts at 92 ° C in its own crystallization water. Bringing the temperature between 93 and 200 ° C, rock alum is precisely called calcined or used alum, a private salt of the 12 initial molecules of crystallization water. To obtain this result, the high temperature, by evaporating the water, favors the swelling of the mineral, which turns into a porous and spongy mass.
Property
The rock alum is a salt with numerous properties and whose various uses date back to very ancient times.
In fact, it is equipped with:
- Deodorant properties;
- Astringent properties;
- Healing properties;
- Hemostatic properties;
- Soothing properties;
- Antibacterial properties.
Moreover, rock alum is able to exert a fixing action of colors; for this reason, in the past, it was used as a fixative in the coloring processes of fabrics such as wool.
uses
The astringent and deodorising power of rock alum is nowadays cleverly exploited by the perfume, cosmetics, chemical and natural industries for the preparation of hypoallergenic, hemostatic and deodorant products.
In the past, the exceptional properties of rock alum have even been used to render some fabrics fireproof, to whiten the skin (in the ancient 16th century) and, currently, to purify the waters.
The main uses for which rock alum is still widely used will be briefly described below.
Cosmetic uses
In the cosmetic-perfume and natural sector, rock alum is used as an excellent substitute to the classic underarm deodorant: applied several times on thoroughly cleansed, still moist skin, rock alum has excellent deodorising and antibacterial properties . For the same purpose, the application of rock alum is also recommended to reduce sweat on the feet, reducing - to a certain extent - the odor.
Action mechanism
The deodorant effectiveness of rock alum is now known and widely confirmed, although not everyone is able to benefit from its use.
In any case, the question may arise spontaneously: how can a salt exert a deodorant action?
In the case of abundant sweating, rock alum reduces the odor exhaled by the body exerting an antiperspirant effect: the astringent action that the mineral exerts (excellently) on the skin determines the (temporary) blockage of the sweat glands. Moreover, the high osmotic power induces the death of bacterial cells.
Furthermore, rock alum can also be used as a remedy to relieve the itching of mosquito pinches. It is, in fact, sufficient to apply the moistened product directly on the wheal to get a quick relief.
Rock alum crystals, on the other hand, can be used in cosmetics as physical exfoliating agents, useful above all as a remedy for acne and oily skin.
Domestic uses
The deodorising power of rock alum is also used to absorb the odors of the refrigerator: available in the form of a very fine powder (just like common table salt), it is advisable to place a small cup or a small glass filled with alum powder.
Medical-pharmaceutical uses
Among other therapeutic uses, rock alum is used for its astringent power, as a bland haemostatic (available in special pens), to be applied to the skin after shaving to prevent bleeding from possible cuts. The astringent properties of the mineral, associated with those disinfected, are also used as a natural remedy for mouth ulcers, and as a bland haemostatic to stem the bleeding caused by an animal's bite.
To remedy nasal bleeding, it is recommended to dab the area with a cloth soaked in an alum solution: the astringent properties of the material, once again, are used to block bleeding.
Furthermore, the extraordinary astringent abilities of rock alum are exploited for the preparation of creams touted as "miraculous" for the treatment of hemorrhoids and to prevent gum bleeding.
Also in the medical field, rock alum plays its role of prestige: many vaccines, in fact, are formulated precisely with the powders of this mineral, as an adjunct to increase the body's response to immunogens (substances foreign to the body, in able to elicit a specific immune response). In this case, the rock alum finds application in hepatitis A and anti-hepatitis B vaccines.
Among the most unthinkable properties, the spermicidal power of the mineral also stands out: it seems, in fact, that a 0.5-1% solution of rock alum can kill, in some way, the spermatozoa.
Other uses
The crystals of this very important mineral are also used in the composition of some powders for extinguishers (foamite); for this reason, the flame retardant properties of rock alum are also exploited for the preparation of fire-resistant materials.
Advantages
Benefits and advantages of using Rocca Alum in cosmetics
As mentioned, the most well-known use of rock alum is that used in cosmetics as an alternative to classic deodorants.
This type of use brings with it a series of advantages, since the use of this particular salt:
- It is also indicated for people with sensitive skin and / or with allergies to synthetic fragrances.
- It is readily available in perfumery, herbal medicine and even in some supermarkets.
- It is economical and long lasting.
- It does not leave marks on clothes.
- In addition to being a deodorant substitute, it can be used as a hemostatic in the case of hair removal or shaving cuts, avoiding the use of other products and thus resulting in further cost savings.
- It does not contain any kind of synthetic substances, therefore, it can be considered as a natural deodorant.
Side effects
Generally, rock alum used as a cosmetic is well tolerated and does not cause any kind of side effect.
However, its deodorising effectiveness may not be the same for every individual. Therefore, in some cases, despite its application, some people could still experience the onset of bad smells after sweating.
Contraindications
In general, rock alum for cosmetic use has no contraindications. However, in many it advises against the continuous and daily application, because - due to its action that prevents the skin from transpiring adequately - in the long run it could lead to counterproductive effects.
Furthermore, there is still a heated debate about its actual safety in use. Indeed, some argue that aluminum salts present in rock alum can be absorbed through the pores of the skin, damaging the body's cells and the genetic material (DNA) they contain.
However, these assumptions have not been confirmed by certain studies and the argument is still rather controversial.
However, as a precautionary measure, if you suffer from particular diseases or if you are being treated with certain types of drugs, before using alum rock, it is good to ask the advice of your doctor.
Finally, it should be remembered that rock alum must not be ingested, as it is toxic to the body.
What to do in case of involuntary ingestion of Rocca alum salts
Ingestion of rock alum particles can cause diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal cramps and other gastrointestinal disorders: in such circumstances, it is recommended to take emollient liquids (eg milk) associated with an antacid. If the ingested amount of rock alum is important, it is recommended to immediately contact the doctor, who will administer an antidote.
