Potash Alum (KAl (SO₄) ₂·12H₂O) As a Multifunctional Cosmeceutical Ingredient for Topical Applications: A Narrative Review

Soumya G. Katre; Jaykishor A. Chhangani

doi:10.52711/2321-5844.2026.00027

Research Journal of Topical and Cosmetic Sciences

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2321-5844 (Online)
0976-2981 (Print)

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Potash Alum (KAl (SO₄) ₂·12H₂O) As a Multifunctional Cosmeceutical Ingredient for Topical Applications: A Narrative Review

Author(s): Soumya G. Katre, Jaykishor A. Chhangani

Email(s): saumyakatre48@gmail.com

DOI: 10.52711/2321-5844.2026.00027

Address: Soumya G. Katre*, Jaykishor A. Chhangani
Bio-processing and Herbal Division, Mahatma Gandhi Institute for Rural Industrialization, Wardha - 442001, Maharashtra, India.
*Corresponding Author

Published In: Volume - 17, Issue - 2, Year - 2026

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ABSTRACT:
The increasing demand for safe, effective, and multifunctional topical products has accelerated interest in cosmeceutical ingredients derived from natural and mineral sources. Potash alum (KAl(SO4)2·12H2O) is a naturally occurring inorganic salt with long-standing use in personal hygiene, traditional medicine, and modern cosmetic formulations. It is widely employed in deodorants, antiperspirants, aftershave products, skin toners, and anti-acne preparations, yet its cosmeceutical relevance has not been comprehensively consolidated. This narrative review critically evaluates the cosmeceutical potential of potash alum, drawing evidence from formulation studies, pharmacological investigations, applied cosmetic research, and traditional medicinal literature. Alum exhibits significant astringent, antimicrobial, antiperspirant, deodorizing, anti-inflammatory, anti-acne, and wound-healing properties, which directly address key dermatological and cosmetic concerns. Its physicochemical characteristics such as water solubility, acidic pH, protein-precipitating ability, and high stability support its suitability for topical applications. Additionally, alum demonstrates a favorable safety profile for external use and offers advantages of affordability, formulation versatility, and consumer acceptance as a natural cosmetic ingredient. The review concludes that potash alum represents a potent, multifunctional cosmeceutical ingredient with complementary medicinal value, and holds substantial promise for further development in topical and cosmetic formulations.

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Cite this article:
Soumya G. Katre, Jaykishor A. Chhangani. Potash Alum (KAl (SO₄) ₂·12H₂O) As a Multifunctional Cosmeceutical Ingredient for Topical Applications: A Narrative Review. Research Journal of Topical and Cosmetic Sciences. 2026; 17(2):185-1. doi: 10.52711/2321-5844.2026.00027

Cite(Electronic):
Soumya G. Katre, Jaykishor A. Chhangani. Potash Alum (KAl (SO₄) ₂·12H₂O) As a Multifunctional Cosmeceutical Ingredient for Topical Applications: A Narrative Review. Research Journal of Topical and Cosmetic Sciences. 2026; 17(2):185-1. doi: 10.52711/2321-5844.2026.00027 Available on: https://rjtcsonline.com/AbstractView.aspx?PID=2026-17-2-12

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Research Journal of Topical and Cosmetic Sciences (RJTCS) is an international, peer-reviewed journal, correspondence in the fields of skin and cosmetic research....... Read more >>>

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DOI: 10.5958/2321-5844