Compare the Raw Materials of Synthetic and Natural Crystal Deodorant

There are two types of raw materials used in the manufacturing of crystal deodorant: naturally occurring mineral salt, potassium alum; and synthetic potassium alum which is chemically manufactured by synthesizing Aluminum hydroxide (ATH) with acid and the addition of potassium sulfate.  The difference is visually clear.  Deodorant crystals made of pure and natural potassium alum crystal are completely translucent.  Synthetic deodorant crystals are opaque due to the presence of Aluminum hydroxide (ATH), which is a cosmetic opacifying agent.  See the side-by-side comparison below.

Synthetic Potassium Alum Crystal________________ Natural Potassium Alum Crystal

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The degree of translucency for each deodorant crystal, as well as opaqueness, is directly related to the natural purity or impurity of the mineral crystal.  Natural and pure potassium alum crystal appears as a completely translucent and solid crystalline rock.  When synthetic deodorant crystals contain aluminum hydroxide, or additional synthetic ingredients, it appears opaque, and the more aluminum hydroxide (ATH) used the more opaque it appears.

The manufacturing of potassium alum is a complex synthesis of chemicals. The final synthesis creates a very fragile synthetic potassium alum powder.  In order to solidify the product and replicate  natural potassium alum crystal aluminum hydroxide must be added to the synthesis process to create a solid synthetic potassium alum. The final synthetic product is a white, opaque, compacted stone.

Side-by-Side Potassium Alum Crystal Comparison: Synthetic Vs. Natural

For more information read the article Synthetic and Natural Deodorant Crystals Compared.