Tawas

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"Ammonium Alum" redirects here. For , see .

Tawas (Ammonium alum) is a popular "Natural Crystal Deodorant" in common use around the globe. It works by inhibiting bacterial growth (without killing the bacteria) and allowing the elimination of toxins without clogging the pores in your skin. Since it does not kill the bacteria, it has somewhat shorter effectiveness when compared to other commercial anti-perspirant or deodorants. Tawas is referred to as natural because unlike other underarm products, it does not contain possibly harmful chemicals. It is organic and is very effective as long as it is applied to wet underarms. It often must be used twice a day. Tawas comes in spray, roll-on, cream or the original crystallized rock form.

Ammonium alum has the molecular structure: NH₄Al(SO₄)2·12H₂O. It has been used as an organic deodorant in China and Egypt for thousands of years. It is present in large amounts in planet Earth's crust, which is composed of 8% alum. Alum is the 3rd most abundant element in the earth's crust, after silicon and oxygen. It is in the food we eat, the water we drink, and in most other cosmetic products

Ammonium alum molecules are physically large so it cannot be absorbed by the skin. The pH of the solution resulting from the topical application of potassium alum with perspiration is typically in the slightly acid range, from 4 to 5.

Tawas is especially popular in South America and Asia, because of its high availability even in the smallest stores. It is inexpensive and a 120 grams of Tawas rock (the regular size of a Tawas rock) lasts for at least a year of daily usage - much longer than other deodorants and anti-perspirants. It is hypo-allergenic, non-staining, talc-free, and alcohol-free. It has gained popularity in Europe and in the U.S.. It is also available in a format shaped like typical non-crystal deodorants available in the market.

Natural Crystal Deodorants are imported from Thailand and in the Philippines, where it is widely known to prevent darkening of underarms and other skin irritations - which is commonly caused by alcohol and oversweating.

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