Deodorant compositions comprising ferric alum

The present invention relates to the field of cosmetic compositions, especially deodorant composition.

The use of existing natural deodorants or antiperspirants mainly made from ammonium alum ((NH4)AI(SO4) ₂ ) or potassium alum (KAI(SO ₂ )2) can be challenging due to the presence of aluminum metal in their chemical structure.

It may not be possible to say with certainty that aluminum is carcinogenic (particularly breast cancer) to humans, but what can be said for sure about this element is that unlike iron, zinc or copper, there is no known physiologic need for aluminum in human body.

The aluminum ions in deodorants are found to affect the collagen in the skin samples. They are absorbed through skin, and do have a biological reaction therein. Therefore, severe skin allergies or respiratory problems may arise as a result of using products that contain aluminum metal. On the other hand, the US Food and Drug Administration has stated that people with kidney problems should not use compounds containing aluminum because it puts them at risk of developing kidney disease. Aluminum can also increase the risk of inflammatory and neurodegenerative disorders such as Crohn's and Alzheimer's diseases respectively, in future.

Alum salts have been disclosed as suitable for use in a range of deodorant compositions and, indeed, such products have been marketed.

PH1/2017/000146 (Cuasay. Ronalyn Bagus, 2019) discloses a cosmetic product, containing potassium alum along with plant extracts (such as aloe vera), which acts as antiperspirant, deodorant, and skin lightening in a form of a solution.

W02013/045270, WO2013/045269, and WO2014/161792 (Unilever, 2013-14) disclose antiperspirant compositions, containing mainly an alum salt (ammonium and potassium alum as preferred alum salts) and calcium chloride as well as selected further components.

EPl, 974, 716 A (Sara Lee, 2007) and W008/120976 (Sara Lee, 2008) disclose cosmetic compositions, for instance deodorant compositions, comprising at least partially dehydrated aluminum sulphate and a carrier liquid other than water.

The purpose of this invention is to use ferric alum (NH4Fe(SO4h) as an alternative to deodorant/antiperspirant products containing aluminum metal. In addition, the use of plant extracts with antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and fragrant properties, has greatly contributed to the effectiveness of this product.

A further objective of the present invention is to provide high efficacy deodorants with relatively low cost. They can be used for quite a long time (several months) and are thus economical. Further, the present invention discloses deodorant compositions with no irritancy properties on application to the human skin. The solid deodorant composition of the present invention will be described.

The ferric alum used in the present invention will be described.

NH4Fe(SO4)2 also known as ferric ammonium sulfate or iron alum, is a natural double salt in the class of alums. It can also be prepared by crystallization from a solution of ferric sulfate and ammonium sulfate. Ferric alum, like other types of alum, produces sulfuric acid in contact with skin moistened with water, which can be effective in killing underarm bacteria by providing an acidic pH.

Ferric alum (2) (prepared in a cylindrical shape with a diameter of 3cm and a height of 5cm) is fixed in a plastic base (4) and is covered with a PVC cap (1) that closes in a screw (2).

The herbal extracts used in the present invention will be described.

Extracts that can be used are derived from aromatic medicinal plants of Lamiaceae family which include sage, oregano and Asian mint.

All the mentioned herbs work as antioxidant, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, antifungal and antibacterial remedies. They can effectively help diminish the armpit bacteria and stop users from stinking as well as help to heal and soothe minor skin irritations. These are the characteristics which make the herbal extracts an ideal natural solution for body odor and skin care.

Ferric alum is coated with at least one of the mentioned herbal extracts.

Figure 1 shows an overview of the product.

One of the advantages of ferric alum deodorant is that this product contains iron in its chemical structure instead of aluminum. This is very important because this type of alum does not cause any of the serious risks associated with the aluminum element found in current deodorants or antiperspirants. In addition, ferric alum, like other types of alum, produces sulfuric acid when it reacts with water on the skin. Creating an acidic environment helps kill underarm bacteria. Another notable advantage of this invention is the use of herbal extracts related to the aromatic family of Lamiaceae, which with their prominent antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and anti-fungal properties, contribute to the effectiveness of ferric alum. Further, this product is free of harmful chemical compounds, has no allergenicity and is cost-effective meaning that it is usable for several months. Finally, it can be said for sure that this product is user-friendly.

Ferric alum deodorant is a safe health product which is classified in the field of cosmetics items.

After showering, it should be applied on damp skin for 5 to 10 seconds. This can be repeated every two or three days by moistening the armpits with water before application.