Potassium Alum / Potash Alum / Potassium Aluminum Sulphate / Sulfate

IUPAC name: Aluminum Potassium Sulfate Dodecahydrate
Other names: Potassium alum; Potash alum.
CAS Number: P10043-67-1; 7784-24-9 (Dodecahydrate)

 Potash Alum, Potassium alum or Potassium Aluminum Sulfate is a chemical compound (the potassium double sulfate of aluminium) of Potassium, Aluminum and Sulphur. It is commonly found in its Dodecahydrate form as KAl(SO4)2·12H2O. Potash Alum is a naturally mineral salt obtained from Alunite, a mineral mined from sulfur-containing volcanic sediments source. Potassium alum crystallizes in regular octahedral with flattened corners and is very soluble in water to give an acid solution.

It is commonly used in water purification, leather tanning, dyeing, fireproof textiles, and baking powder. It also has cosmetic uses as a deodorant, as an aftershave treatment and as a styptic for minor bleeding from shaving.

 Uses:

1. Personal care
1.1 As Deodorant: Naturally occurring Potassium Alum has been used for hundreds of years as an effective natural deodorant. This usage is attributed to its antibacterial and astringent properties.
1.2 Skin Whitening: Alum had been used for skin whitening and removal of pigmrntation.
1.3 Aftershave: Alum has astringent and styptic properties, which makes it great for use as an aftershave. It closes the pores and reduces bleeding caused by small nicks from the razor.
1.4 For Oily Skin: it helps reduce shine and grease on the face. However it is not recommended for naturally dry skin.

2. For Problem Skin
2.1 For Treating Pimples: With its antiseptic and cooling properties alum powder can be used as a face mask to get rid of pimples.
2.2 For Wrinkles: Repeated use Alum will tighten the skin and treat wrinkles. Apply moisturizer after use.
2.3 Cracked Heels: Potash Alum relieves the painful problem associated with cracked heeks..

3. Hair Care
3.1 Hair Styling: Potash Alum causes the hair to stand on end and is used as hair gel ensures the hair dressing and styling are properly done..
3.2 Alum for Removing Hair: Unwanted body hair can be easily removed using Potash Alum and rose water.
3.3 For Treating Lice: Mix little powdered alum with tea tree oil and water, apply it over scalp and rinse it off.

4. Oral Care
Potash Alum is used in toothpastes, and tooth powders for tooth whitening and oral hygiene purposes. It is also used in Mouth Rinse to keep a healthy gum and remove mouth odour.

5. Medical Uses
5.1 Haemorrhoid Treatment: Potash Alum has long been used as a natural and effective home treatment of external Hemorrhoids. Apply to the affected part helps shrink the swelling, stop bleeding and alleviate the pain..
5.2 For Canker Sore: It is a known home remedy for canker sores. Apply a small amount of Potash Alum powder to the affected skin and the problem is easily solved.
5.3 Chinese Medicine: Alum has been used for many hundreds of years in traditional Chinese medicine known as Ming Fan and has been used to treat a variety of ailments such as bleeding, alleviate itching, relieve toxicity and clear phlegm.

6. Purifying Water
Potash Alum crystals cause the small particles that are suspending in the water to stick together by forming a gel around all particles and form larger, heavier ones which will settle to the bottom of the tank enable these particles to be easily and safely removed, rendering the water to be clear . It antibacterial property further helps disinfect the water from bacterial contamination, enabling the water drinkable or for bathing purposes.

7. Household Uses: Potash Alum is used as an ingredient in baking powder as an additive for pickling. .
It is often used to make a home-made deodorant and has been used for cleaning and other applications.
Potash Alum is a flame retardant. Objects such as wood, paper cloths treated with Potash Alum are flame resistant. It is one the chemical ingredients used in fire extinguishers.