With the increase of toxic chemicals entering into our personal care products its not surprising why people adopt alternatives. Alum Stones are natural stones used as deodorants. They are safe both for the skin and environment. These non-toxic and hypoallergenic stones can be applied to anywhere on the body and are multi functional. Alum stones are free from chemicals, perfumes, preservatives, colors and alcohol. They are very effective and economical, since a piece can last up to several months ( even up to years).

Composition

Alum stone crystal deodorants are composed of potassium alum. The natural crystal, potassium alum is totally unprocessed and is free from synthetic ammonium (a by-product of the chemical and nylon industry), which other crystal deodorants overwhelmingly contain. These synthetic ingredients may contain chemical residues and cause allergic reactions that earth-grown alum stone is safe from. Although natural and synthetic alums look similar, there is however a way to tell them a part. Natural crystal breaks into irregular forms with irregular surfaces.

Alum stones feature physically large potassium alum molecules that are not absorbed in the skin or blood. Water has a molecular weight of 18, a potassium alum crystal molecule has a molecular weight of 474,38. A potassium alum crystal molecule in solution is hydrated 24 times and consequently has a molecular weight of 654.

Alum stones come from the western desert in abundance. They are simply collected from the desert surface, placed in sacks and then shipped to where they can be sold. Alum stone is one of the earth's most common and useful minerals, used since civilization began.

How Do They Work?

alum stone are rubbed on to wet skin or can be dampened with a wet cloth and then rubbed on to dry skin to from a thin layer. The stones are so safe they can be used anywhere on the body! Alum Stones work as a deodorant by leaving a fine salty, slightly alkaline film on the skin, preventing the growth of microbes (bacteria) No bacteria = no odor! They keep the skin fresh and deodorized all day. They also allow the skin to perspire, something essential, keep the pores clear, and have the added advantage of not staining clothes.

Benefits of Alum Stones

• Alum stone has not scent.
• It can be used as an tonic.
• Alum is astringent and mildly antiseptic.
• alum stone is slightly alkaline, which creates an environment unfriendly to bacteria.
• It gives instant relief from insect bites that respond to alkali. It reduces the swelling and redness and causes the bite to vanish quicker.
• They are hypo-allergenic and contain no harmful chemicals.
• They do not block pores so the body is able to breathe naturally.
• They are made from natural mineral salts that will not stain your clothes.
• Can also be applied to the feet for foot odor.

Where Can You Buy Them?

Alum stones have grown in popularity and most health food and supplement shops will have them. You can also order them online, they cost around $10 (around £6) per 100g, and there are many online stores providing them. Just search for "alum stone deodorant" in the search engines.

The great thing about Alum stones is that they will last you for years saving you lots of money in addition to the health benefits.