Formulation and Evaluation of a Natural Deodorant Roll-On Using Alum Stone and Aloe Vera

Cosmetic products are agents used to enhance appearance, fragrance, and personal hygiene, thereby improving grooming and self-confidence⁽¹⁾. They are classified into skin care, hair care, oral care, and personal hygiene products⁽²⁾. Deodorants and antiperspirants are personal hygiene products designed to control body odour and perspiration⁽³⁾. Sweat is initially odourless but develops an unpleasant smell when skin bacteria break down lipids present in sweat. Deodorants prevent or mask body odour mainly by inhibiting bacterial growth, while antiperspirants reduce sweating by blocking sweat glands.

The present work aims to develop a natural deodorant roll-on containing alum stone and aloe vera to reduce body odour without blocking perspiration. Alum stone, a naturally occurring crystalline double sulphate, possesses astringent and antiseptic properties that tighten pores and inhibit odour-causing bacteria⁽⁴⁾. Aloe vera, obtained from Aloe barbadensis, contains constituents such as aloin and aloe emodin and exhibits antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and wound-healing properties, making it beneficial for skin care⁽⁵⁾.

 Ideal Properties of Deodorants

• It should not be irritant to the skin.
• It should not deteriorate clothing.
• It should be safe and nontoxic⁽⁶⁾.

Uses of Deodorant

• Deodorants help to neutralize and prevent body odor by eliminating odor-causing bacteria⁽⁷⁾.
• They provide a refreshing and cooling sensation, keeping the underarms fresh all day.
• Offer-long lasting protection against unpleasant odors.
• Many deodorants contain soothing ingredients like aloe vera that help to prevent irritation and keep the skin soft.
• They also serve as a mild personal fragrance, leaving a fresh scent⁽⁸⁾.

AIM AND OBJECTIVES

AIM:

The aim of the present work is to formulate and evaluate natural deodorant roll-on       containing alum stone and aloe vera.

OBJECTIVE:

The objective of present study include;

1. To collect potash alum and aloe vera.
2. To evaluate the formulated deodorant.
3. To ensure the formulation is safe, soothing and suitable for daily use.

REVIEW OF LITERATURE

1. Surjushe et al. (2008) reviewed the cosmetic and therapeutic uses of Aloe vera, emphasizing its moisturizing, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and wound-healing properties, while stressing the need for proper standardization and clinical validation⁽⁹⁾.

2. Alzomor et al. (2014) studied potash alum incorporated into various cosmetic bases such as deodorant lotion, gel, and after-shave cream. The formulations showed good stability and strong antimicrobial and deodorizing properties, indicating potash alum as a safe natural alternative to synthetic deodorants⁽¹⁰⁾.

3. Jabeen et al. (2024) formulated and evaluated a tamarind-based herbal roll-on deodorant. The product demonstrated good stability, skin compatibility, and antibacterial activity, highlighting the potential of plant-based ingredients for safe and long-lasting odour control⁽¹¹⁾.

4. Pakhare et al. (2024) developed a natural roll-on deodorant using cocoa butter, corn starch, and sodium bicarbonate. The formulation was found to be safe, stable, skin-friendly, and effective in controlling body odour without synthetic chemicals⁽¹²⁾.

5. Kasliwal et al. (2025) reported the successful formulation of herbal deodorant gel. Variation in gelling agent concentration significantly influenced product quality, with the optimized formulation showing good skin compatibility, smooth texture, and effective antimicrobial activity, supporting the safe use of herbal ingredients in deodorants⁽¹³⁾.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Ingredients: Alum stone, Aloe vera, Distilled water, Methyl paraben, Trisodium citrate, Citric acid, Essential oil, Tween 20, Xanthum gum.

Collection: Alum stone and Aloe vera were collected from the local market, Kanjirappally.

Equipment: The equipment used are mechanical stirrer, electronic balance, digital pH meter.

Preparation of potash alum: Potash alum crystals were crushed into a fine powder using a clean mortar and pestle. Then the powder was passed through a fine mesh sieve to remove any coarse particles.

Preparation of aloe vera gel: Firstly, wash the freshly aloe vera leaves, then the thorns are removed, slice the aloe vera leaf lengthwise from the top to bottom. Use a spoon or a small knife to scrape out the translucent gel from the inside of the leaf, after extracting the gel, place it into a blender. Blend the gel until it reaches a smooth, water consistency⁽¹⁴⁾.

Formulation of natural deodorant using alum stone and aloe vera: Accurately weighed required quantity of potash alum in a beaker and dissolved in distilled water completely by heating at a range between 60-70?. Required quantity of xanthum gum was agitated in water until uniformly distributed. Agitation was continued further for about 20 minutes. Take another beaker and mix aloe vera gel, and prepared xanthum gum. Then potash alum was added into this mixture with constant stirring until a homogenous mixture was formed. Dissolve methyl paraben in small quantity of ethanol and add to above formulation mixture. Required quantities of citric acid and trisodium citrate is dissolved in sufficient quantity of water and add this to above prepared mixture. Stir until homogenous mixture is formed. In another beaker mix equal amounts of lavender oil and tween 20. Stir continuously^(10,14).

Fig No.1: Formulation of deodorant roll-on F1                   Fig No.2: Formulation of deodorant roll-on F2

Table No:1 Composition of deodorant roll-on

RESULTS

1. Physical appearance

Table 2: Physical appearance

2. pH

The pH of the formulated deodorant roll-on was found to be in range of 4.12 to 4.27 which is in the range of skin pH. Therefore, these formulations are suitable for skin care.

              Figure No.3:  pH meter showing pH                              Figure No.4:  pH meter showing pH

    value of Formulation F1                                                     value of Formulation F2

Table 3: pH of formulated deodorant roll-on

3. Homogeneity:

The formulated deodorant roll-on was tested for homogeneity by the visual inspection for presence of any lumps, flocculates or aggregates. It was found that the formulations are homogenous and appearance, touch of these formulations was good.

4. Spreadability:

Using the parallel-plate method, 1 g of the sample prepared in 48 h before the test is placed between two glass plates 20 x 20 cm. A weight of 100 g is placed on top for 1 minute. Then the diameter of the sample between the plates is measured.

    Fig. No.5: Spreadability of                                       Fig. No.6: Spreadability of

                                     Formulation F1                                                          Formulation F2

Table No.4: Spreadability

5. Viscosity:

The viscosity of formulations F1 and F2 was found to be 331.5mPas and 331.9mPas respectively, which lies within the optimal range for roll-on deodorants. F2 is considered the most acceptable formulation.

          Fig No.7: Brookfield viscometer showing                    Fig No.8: Brookfield viscometer showing

viscosity of F1                                                                    viscosity of F2