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POTASSIUM ALUMINUM POLYACRYLATE.

Valuable CAS 67785-56-2 / ABSORBENT, VISCOSITY CONTROLLING

Potassium Aluminum Polyacrylate is a versatile polymer recognized for its ability to tighten skin, control microbial growth, and enhance skin barrier function. Functioning as an astringent and antimicrobial, it contributes to clearer, healthier-looking skin while supporting cellular regeneration.

Summary

Astringent Antimicrobial Bacteriostatic Hemostatic Styptic Antifungal Skin Barrier Support Anti-inflammatory Absorbent Viscosity Controlling Agent

Science

Mechanism of Action

This ingredient, often discussed in relation to Potassium Alum, operates by creating a temporary, protective protein-lipid film on the skin's surface, which induces a contracting effect, leading to temporary pore size reduction and skin tightening. Its bacteriostatic and antimicrobial properties stem from its ability to disrupt bacterial cell wall synthesis, effectively preventing the proliferation of odor-causing bacteria and common skin pathogens, including S. aureus and C. acnes. Furthermore, it acts as a hemostatic agent to assist in clotting minor cuts, displays antifungal activity by inhibiting fungal growth, and promotes human epidermal keratinocyte proliferation and improved skin barrier function via TRPM4 channel activation, concurrently suppressing inflammatory signals.

Research

Clinical Evidence

High confidence
Effective range 0.5–5%
Optimal

1%

Key findings

  1. 01 Demonstrates effective astringent properties across concentrations from 0.5% to 5%.
  2. 02 Exhibits gradual inhibitory antibacterial effects against Proteus mirabilis at low concentrations (0.005-0.09%).
  3. 03 At 1-3% in aftershave formulations, it leads to reduced microbial load, decreased bleeding and redness, enhanced skin hydration, and lower user irritation rates, with effectiveness potentially increasing up to 4%.
  4. 04 Research indicates its capacity to stimulate human epidermal keratinocyte proliferation, thereby improving skin barrier function, particularly under cooler conditions.
  5. 05 Identified as a suppressor of inflammatory signals originating from human epidermal keratinocytes.

Transparency

Dusting Analysis

Not commonly dusted

The Formula

Formulation

Solubility
Water
Optimal pH 4.8 – 5.5
0 7 14

Stability

Aqueous solutions, such as a 10% solution of Potassium Alum, are acidic (pH 3.0-4.0). However, alum-based creams formulated within a pH range of 4.8-5.5 demonstrate stability with less than 5% variation in pH and viscosity over a three-month period at 25°C. The polyacrylate component is inherently a superabsorbent polymer.

Conflicts

  • Organic acids (may protonate carboxyl groups, influencing solubility and reactivity)
  • Carbohydrates (potential for hydrolysis and complex formation with hydroxyl groups)

Safety

Safety Profile

CIR Status
Safe as used
Max tested
5%
Sensitization risk Low

The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel concluded that Potassium Aluminum Polyacrylate is 'safe as used when formulated to be nonirritating'. Potassium Alum, a related substance, is considered Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) by the FDA for specific applications. Due to its significant molecular size, skin absorption is negligible. While high concentrations of alum can be irritant or corrosive, proper formulation ensures its safe use in cosmetic products.

Your Skin

Skin Compatibility

Yes Normal
No Dry
Yes Oily
Yes Sensitive
Irritancy Unknown
Comedogenicity Unknown

Our Assessment

Verdict

Valuable

Potassium Aluminum Polyacrylate is a valuable, multi-functional ingredient offering significant benefits such as astringency, antimicrobial action, and skin barrier support, making it particularly beneficial for oily, normal, and sensitive skin types.

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