Alumina
What Is It?
Alumina, also known as aluminum oxide, is an inorganic compound consisting of oxygen and aluminum. In cosmetic and personal care products, it is used in cleansing products, lipsticks, blushers and other products.
Why Is It Used?
Alumina is used in cosmetic and personal care products as an abrasiveIngredients used for abrading, smoothing or polishing, such as emery or pumice., anti-caking agent, anti-bulking agent and as an absorbentIngredients that have the capacity to absorb or soak up liquids..
Scientific Facts
Aluminum is the most abundant metal in the earth’s crust. It is always found combined with other elements such as oxygen, silicon, and fluorine. Aluminum, as the metal, is obtained from aluminum-containing minerals. Small amounts of aluminum can be found dissolved in water. Alumina is found in any of several forms of aluminum oxide, occurring naturally as corundum, in a hydrated form in bauxite, and with various impurities as ruby, sapphire, and emery, which is used in aluminum production and in abrasives, ceramics, and electrical insulation.
Safety Information
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the use of Alumina as a color additive for direct addition to drugs.
FDA: Link to Code of Federal Regulations for Alumina
http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfcfr/CFRSearch.cfm?fr…
More information about aluminum.
More Scientific Information
Aluminum metal is light in weight and silvery-white in appearance. Aluminum is used for beverage cans, pots and pans, airplanes, siding and roofing, and foil. Aluminum is often mixed with small amounts of other metals to form aluminum alloys, which are stronger and harder.
Resources
Search the Code of Federal Regulations http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfcfr/cfrsearch.cfm
EU Cosmetics Inventory http://ec.europa.eu/consumers/cosmetics/cosing/