What is an Alum?
Alum is an inorganic chemical compound that is generally made up of water molecules, aluminium or other metals and sulphates.
Alum is a hydrated double sulphate salt of aluminium. The general chemical formula for alum is XAl(SO4)2·12H2O. Alums can occur as minerals.
Where Can I Get Alum In South Africa?
Where do they get alum?
Alums occur naturally in various minerals. Potassium alum, for example, is found in the minerals kalinite, alunite, and leucite, which can be treated with sulfuric acid to obtain crystals of the alum.
Most alums have an astringent and acid taste. They are colourless, odourless, and exist as a white crystalline powder.
What can alum be used for?
Alum has a range of topical uses, including as an antiperspirant deodorant. It also features as an ingredient in certain products, such as styptic pencils, which help seal cuts from shaving.
Can alum be used for bathing?
Alum can also help control sweat. If you sweat excessively, bathe in alum water and you will notice the difference soon after.
It is also present in most of the deodorants these days as it has anti-bacterial properties that can help get rid of bacteria that cause bad smell.