Formulation and Physicochemical Evaluation of an Eco- Friendly Topical Deodorant and Antiperspirant Preparation Utilizing Potassium Alum and Borax Mineral Systems

Abstract

Body odor (bromhidrosis) results from the microbial degradation of apocrine sweat secretions on the skin surface into volatile organic compounds. Commercial deodorants frequently rely on synthetic bactericides like Triclosan, while standard antiperspirants contain acidic synthetic aluminum chlorohydrate salts, which are linked to chemical skin irritation and fabric staining. This study focuses on the systematic design, formulation, and comprehensive physicochemical and biological evaluation of an eco-friendly, cost-effective topical liquid spray deodorant. The system utilizes naturally derived Potassium Alum as a multi-functional astringent and mild antiperspirant base, combined with Borax as an alkaline buffer and auxiliary antimicrobial agent, and Glycine as a cellular protective agent, skin conditioner, and structural stabilizer. The liquid preparation was synthesized via a controlled thermal dissolution process. Physicochemical and performance characterization revealed outstanding organoleptic properties, establishing a completely transparent, sediment-free translucent fluid with a pleasant herbal odor. The measured pH value was 4.6, remaining perfectly aligned within the human acid mantle boundary (pH 4.5–5.5) to maximize dermatological compliance. In vitro antimicrobial assays using the agar well diffusion method against the representative axillary pathogen Staphylococcus epidermidis demonstrated excellent efficacy, yielding a broad 16 mm zone of inhibition, primarily driven by the synergistic action of the mineral salts and a 20% ethanol vehicle. Accelerated stability testing conducted across 12 weeks at 40°C/75% RH demonstrated rigorous physical and chemical robustness, showing no phase separation, color shifts, or crystal precipitation. Human patch testing on volunteers confirmed complete biocompatibility, with zero edema or erythema observed over 72 hours. Collectively, these outcomes prove that the formulated alum-borax-glycine system offers a viable, safe, and robust alternative to standard synthetic personal care preparations.

Keywords: Potassium Alum, Borax Buffer, Glycine Skin Conditioner, Bromhidrosis, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Anti-irritation.