Alumina - Descrizione

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2024-Sep-17 12:34

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Alumina is an inorganic chemical compound, aluminium trioxide.

Alumina (Al₂O₃), is a naturally occurring mineral that is widely used in various industrial applications. In cosmetics and personal care products, it serves as a thickening agent, abrasive, and absorbent.

Chemical Composition and Structure:

Composition: Composed of aluminum and oxygen, alumina is often found in nature as corundum.
Structure: It has a crystalline structure that contributes to its hardness and durability, making it effective as an abrasive in cosmetic formulations.

Physical Properties:

Appearance: Fine, white powder or crystalline solid.
Odor: Odorless.
Solubility: Insoluble in water; does not react with most solvents.

Production Process:

Mining: Bauxite ore is mined, which contains aluminum minerals, including alumina.
Refining: The bauxite undergoes the Bayer process to extract alumina from the ore.
Processing: The alumina is then processed into a fine powder for use in various applications.
Quality Control: The final product is tested for purity and consistency before packaging.

Applications:

Medical: Used in some medical applications for its inert properties.
Cosmetics: Commonly used in makeup, exfoliants, and skincare products for its thickening, absorbent, and abrasive properties.

It appears in the form of a white granular powder.

INCI Functions:

Abrasive agent. This ingredient contains abrasive particles to remove stains or biofilm that accumulate on the stratum corneum or teeth. Baking soda, kieselguhr, silica and many others have abrasive properties. Peeling or exfoliating products used in dermatology or cosmetic applications contain abrasive agents in the form of synthetic microspheres, however these microspheres or abrasive particles are not biodegradable and create pollution in aquatic ecosystems.

Absorbent. Absorbs substances dispersed or dissolved in aqueous solutions, water/oil, oil/water.

Anticaking agent. This chemical compound facilitates free flow and prevents aggregation or clumping of substances in a formulation by reducing the tendency of certain particles to stick together.

Bulking agent. It regulates the water content, dilutes other solids, can increase the volume of a product for better flow, acts as a buffer against organic acids, helps to keep the pH of the mixture within a certain level.

Opacifying agent. This additive is inserted into formulations that may be translucent or transparent to make them opaque and less permeable to light.

Environmental and Safety Considerations:

Generally regarded as safe for topical application, however it should be used in accordance with established guidelines to avoid potential allergic reactions or skin irritations. People with allergies or very sensitive skin should be careful. It is important to ensure that the extract is sustainably sourced and free from harmful chemicals.