Alum armpits (2024)

Using a deodorant is essential, especially in hot climates. But before the arrival of commercial deodorants, Thais used to apply sansom, or alum crystals, to prevent the formation of bacteria in our armpits in the hot and humid environment.

Potassium alum is a mineral salt that has been used as a deodorant in Thailand as well as other countries in Asia and Europe for a long time.

Alum armpits (1)

A selection of alum deodorants.

In fact, potassium alum can also be used for various purposes such as an aftershave, an astringent or in fire extinguishers.

In the past, smooth alum crystals were hard to find and the rough crystals could hurt your armpits.

Off-the-shelf deodorants were introduced in the US in the late 19th century. In the late 1940s, roll-on deodorants went on the market.

Roll-on deodorants are easy to use and also come in a wide variety of fragrances such as sweet floral aromas and even chocolate.

Today's deodorants do more than combat body odour — they can whiten or soften the skin in underarm areas.

We also have anti-perspirant sprays that dry immediately and do not leave stains on our clothes.

We can also choose anti-perspirants with or without alcohol or that offer 24 hours to 48 hours of protection.

All of these commercial deodorants and anti-perspirants contain aluminium chlorohydrate, a synthetic product made from aluminium and hydrochloric acid.

Some are concerned that aluminium chlorohydrate might be linked to breast cancer.

Many people have stopped using mass-produced deodorants and turned to natural alum.

Today, alum or sansom, is available in stick, block and powder form.

It is believed that natural alum not only prevents body odour, but also helps whiten the armpit skin.

Another benefit is that natural alum does not smell so it is good for those who are allergic to perfume.

One alum stick, which is around 7.5cm long, costs far less than a commercial deodorant and can last up to six months or longer.

Alum has gradually regained its position as a deodorant, especially among those who are health conscious and who use only natural products.

Alum armpits (2)

Alum armpits (2024)

FAQs

Is alum good for underarms? ›

Yes, alum stones are a safe and effective natural deodorant. It is important to note that they are made of potassium alum which is a different chemical compound than the aluminum found in conventional deodorants, and they do not possess the same health risks.

Does alum reduce darken underarms? ›

Alum can be used as an effective remedy to lighten dark underarms.

Is alum better than deodorant? ›

Alum has low degree of antiperspirancy and functions more as a deodorant than an antiperspirant. Aluminium Chlorohydrate is a small molecule and works by aluminium ions being absorbed by the body, Alum is a stable larger molecule and is not absorbed and works as an antibacterial agent on the surface.

Does alum stop armpit sweating? ›

Alum is a popular ingredient in antiperspirants for its ability to reduce sweating. It is available in both standard deodorants and as a block that people get wet and then rub directly under the arms. Some companies refer to these products as “crystal deodorants.”

Should you wash off alum? ›

Allow the alum residue to sit on your skin for 15 to 20 seconds. This allows the crystals to tighten the pores and cleanse the skin. After 15 to 20 seconds, rinse the residue off with cold water. Apply moisturizing cream or aftershave.

What happens if you use too much alum? ›

Alum's toxicity to humans

Aluminum sulfate is fairly non-toxic, with acute and chronic oral LD50 both greater than 5,000mg/kg (5). However, alum can still cause irritation, burns, and respiratory issues. If inhaled, it may cause headaches, nausea, and respiratory irritations.

Can alum remove body odor? ›

Antiperspirants contain chemicals which can clog your sweat glands. Alum on the other hand, has both antiseptic and astringent properties. It effectively stops the growth of odour causing bacteria. So, you should apply powdered alum on your armpits at least twice a day.

How do you get rid of dark armpits ASAP? ›

If you want lighter underarms, here are the first steps you can take to address some basic causes of dark underarms:
  1. Change your deodorant or antiperspirant. Seek out a different brand. ...
  2. Stop shaving. Try waxing or laser hair removal instead.
  3. Exfoliate. ...
  4. Wear loose-fitting clothes.
  5. Try to quit smoking, if you do.

How long does alum last as deodorant? ›

Alum and Aloe Mineral Deodorant: In roll-on format, its astringent, protective action is effective against foul odours for 6 to 12 hours.

What does soaking in alum do? ›

Alum has astringent, antiseptic, antihemorrhagic, and anti bacterial properties making it very effective for treating many skin problems and has many beauty uses. Alum has been used since ancient times in both Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine as it has many wonderful medicinal uses.

How do you detox your armpits? ›

How to Detox Your Armpits
  1. Drink Plenty of Water: Water helps your body remove everyday toxins in an efficient, natural way. ...
  2. Mind What You Eat: Believe it or not, certain foods can change the way that your body odor smells. ...
  3. Dry Off Carefully After a Shower: Think back to high school science.
Aug 16, 2022

Why is it better to use aluminum free deodorant? ›

Underarm sweat can be smelly, sticky and annoying. Antiperspirants contain aluminum salts to prevent sweat from reaching the skin's surface, while aluminum-free deodorants help fight odor without blocking pores.

What happens when you stop using deodorant with aluminum? ›

When you stop using antiperspirant you will experience a substantial increase in growth of odor-causing bacteria in the underarm area. You may also feel additional moisture because your body is sweating, which is completely normal and natural.

Can alum tighten skin? ›

Alum is considered to be helpful for tightening the skin. Plus, it has astringent properties that remove excess oil from the skin, which is a major cause for acne or pimples. When mixed with glycerin, this toner can work effectively to improve the skin.

How do you stop armpit sweat permanently? ›

Oral medications, Anticholinergics reduce sweating. Botox (botulinum toxin)-A, has been approved in the U.S. by the FDA for treating excessive axillary (underarm) sweating. miraDry. This technique uses microwave energy to permanently kill sweat glands.

Is alum good for hair growth? ›

Alum powder soothes the burning skin and brings relief. It also helps in diminishing hair growth if you use this for a long time.

Does alum remove wrinkles? ›

2- Phitkari for Wrinkles

Alum is a wonder ingredient to fight your face problems and wrinkles are one of them. If you are worried about the wrinkles on your face, take a piece of Phitkari and rub it on your face.

What is alum side effects? ›

What are the side effects of alum? Dry skin, skin irritation, burn, dizziness, throat tightness, fluid accumulation around the eye, hives, hypersensitivity reaction, allergic reaction, puffy face from water retention, skin ulcer and throat swelling are the side effects of alum.

Does alum remove facial hair permanently? ›

Alum when rubbed on the skin acts as a mild abrasive and helps get rid of facial hair permanently.

Can I apply alum overnight? ›

An Alum crystal is a great, natural product to combat greasy skin, spots and acne. After showering or washing the face, gently apply an Alum stone on the affected area. The Alum Block will dry the skin and spots leading to a better appearance. Alternatively, apply to spots and pimples last thing at night.

What helps extreme body odor? ›

If you're concerned about sweating and body odor, the solution may be simple: an antiperspirant or deodorant. Antiperspirant. Antiperspirants contain aluminium-based compounds that temporarily block sweat pores, thereby reducing the amount of sweat that reaches your skin.

How can I stop body odour permanently? ›

The best way to prevent smelly armpits is to wash daily and after sweating. Using antiperspirant or deodorant and shaving the armpits can also help. Avoiding alcohol and certain foods, such as onions and garlic, will also help prevent smelly armpits in some cases.

Can very dark underarms be cured? ›

Your dermatologist can prescribe medications to help lighten the skin under your arms. Popular options include: Retinoid creams or pills. Tretinoin (Retin-A) is considered the first-line treatment for AN.

What causes super dark armpits? ›

Acanthosis nigricans is the name for dry, dark patches of skin that usually appear in the armpits, neck or groin. It could be a sign of an underlying condition, so it needs to be checked by a GP.

What causes black underarms? ›

Dark areas of skin may occur when pigment cells in the skin multiply faster than usual. This can occur as a result of repeated hair removal. Regularly shaving the underarms can lead to excessive production of pigment cells.

Does aluminum in deodorant get absorbed through the skin? ›

Results indicate that only 0.012% of the applied aluminium was absorbed through the skin. At this rate, about 4 microg of aluminium is absorbed from a single use of ACH on both underarms. This is about 2.5% of the aluminium typically absorbed by the gut from food over the same time period.

Does alum destroy bacteria? ›

Strong antibacterial activity of white alum compared with control was shown against tested bacterium. In conclusion, white alum can be used as an inhibitor of bacterial growth, especially for Escherichia coli O157:H7.

How long does it take for your armpits to detox from aluminum deodorant? ›

Expect to Detox

If you've been using conventional deodorant or antiperspirant for years, it can take 2-4 weeks to detox and release all of the aluminum in your pits that's been preventing you from sweating. During this time, you might notice that you're a little more stinky than usual.

Why do armpits smell like onions? ›

When the bacteria break down the sweat they form products called thioalcohols, which have scents comparable to sulfur, onions or meat. "They're very very pungent," says Bawdon.

Why do my armpits smell with aluminum-free deodorant? ›

"When switching from an antiperspirant to a deodorant, you are removing the aluminum and releasing waste which has been blocked. This is a natural process as part of our body's built-in mechanisms, but it may contribute to releasing some slightly unusual body odor in comparison to what you are used to.

How long do you stink after switching to aluminum-free deodorant? ›

During this 'detox' or transition period - which typically lasts about 2 weeks - you may find yourself sweating more and notice a different, pungent odor from your sweat.

Does alum darken skin? ›

Alum, which is also known as fitkari or phitkari, has amazing skin lightening benefits that can help to fade acne scars and dark spots.

How can I lighten my armpits fast? ›

Your first steps to lighter underarms
  1. Change your deodorant or antiperspirant. Seek out a different brand. ...
  2. Stop shaving. Try waxing or laser hair removal instead.
  3. Exfoliate. Use a gentle body scrub or exfoliant on the area two to three times per week. ...
  4. Wear loose-fitting clothes.
  5. Try to quit smoking, if you do.

Does alum remove odor? ›

Alum addition was effective in reducing odors in anaerobically digested biosolids. Addition of 4% alum to anaerobically digested liquid biosolids prior to dewatering resulted in a 60% reduction in the peak odor concentration in the laboratory dewatered cake, relative to the control sample.

Can alum turn white hair to black? ›

Yes, you can colour your hair easily at home using alum, which is essentially a chemical compound found in many minerals. It can be easily purchased in the market. You can use to make your grey hair turn black.

Does alum shrink pores? ›

Additionally, it helps to reduce inflammation, tighten pores, and eliminate dead skin cells. Alum can also be used as an astringent to help clean the skin and get rid of surplus oil.

What do dermatologists recommend for dark underarms? ›

retinoid creams to thin and lighten the skin. hydroquinone cream to lighten the color of the skin. chemical peels containing trichloroacetic acid (TCA) to remove damaged skin cells. calcipotriene (Dovonex), a vitamin D-based cream to reduce pigmentation.

What is the best underarm whitening? ›

Best Underarm Whitening Creams For You
  1. Qraa Advanced Lacto Dark Underarm Whitening Cream. ...
  2. Dot & Key Underarm Colour Correction Serum. ...
  3. Deaux Intense Glowing Underarm. ...
  4. Sanctus Underarm Whitening & Sweat Reduction Cream. ...
  5. Seer Secrets Active Silver Ion Deodorant Cream. ...
  6. Beautilo Advanced Brightening Whitening Cream.
Sep 23, 2022

How can I whiten my armpits in 3 days? ›

Baking Soda And Lemon

Mix a tablespoon of baking soda and lemon to make a paste. Massage it over your underarms for about a few minutes and then wash it off using lukewarm water. Baking soda is an excellent exfoliator while lemon is a natural bleaching agent. Both work great in lightening your underarms.

How can I tighten my Virginia? ›

To strengthen your vagin*l muscles using a pelvic tilt exercise:
  1. Stand with shoulders and butt against a wall. Keep knees soft.
  2. Pull bellybutton in toward your spine. When you do this, your back should flatten against the wall.
  3. Tighten your bellybutton for 4 seconds, then release.
  4. Repeat several times a day.

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