Alumina
A cosmetic ingredient used as abrasive, absorbent, anticaking in skincare, haircare, and personal-care products sold in the European Union.
What is it?
Aluminium oxide
What does it do?
Alumina is listed in the EU cosmetic ingredient inventory with the following declared functions:
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Abrasive
removes material from the skin or other surface, used in scrubs and toothpaste
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Absorbent
takes up water-based or oil-based substances
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Anticaking
prevents powders from clumping or caking, keeping them free-flowing
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Bulking
adds volume or mass to a product without significantly changing its other properties
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Opacifying
makes a transparent or translucent formulation opaque or pearlescent
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Viscosity controlling
adjusts the thickness or flow of a formulation
EU regulatory status
Alumina is allowed for use in cosmetic products in the European Union under Regulation 1223/2009. It is not subject to a specific Annex restriction at the time of writing.
Frequently asked questions
What is Alumina?
Alumina is a cosmetic ingredient catalogued in the EU CosIng database. Aluminium oxide
Is Alumina allowed in cosmetics in the EU?
Yes. Alumina is allowed for use in cosmetic products in the EU under Regulation 1223/2009.
What does Alumina do in cosmetic products?
Alumina is declared in the EU cosmetic ingredient inventory with these functions: abrasive, absorbent, anticaking, bulking, opacifying, viscosity controlling.
What is the CAS number of Alumina?
The CAS (Chemical Abstracts Service) number for Alumina is 1344-28-1.
Related ingredients
Source: EU CosIng database (European Commission). This page is derived from public-sector information published by the European Commission. · Last updated: 15/10/2010