The ingredient narratives reshaping clean beauty.
Alumina
aka aluminum oxide · corundum · Al2O3
Used as a mechanical exfoliant in physical scrubs and professional-grade resurfacing products. Alumina microcrystals are the active medium in microdermabrasion devices.
- Mechanical exfoliation — removes corneocytes via physical abrasion
- Smooths surface texture
- Chemically inert
- Uniform particle geometry allows controlled abrasion
- No bacterial contamination risk unlike organic scrubs
- Physical face exfoliating scrubs
- Microdermabrasion creams
- Body buffs
- Foot scrubs
- Resurfacing masks
Particle size critical — cosmetic grade typically 50–150 microns. Does not dissolve in water; requires thickener to maintain suspension.
Micro-laceration risk with over-use or aggressive pressure. Not appropriate for active acne, rosacea, or sensitised skin.
Neutral to mildly negative in clean-beauty. Largely replaced by enzyme exfoliants and AHAs in clean-positioned ranges.
The ingredient narratives reshaping clean beauty.
Alumina
aka aluminum oxide · corundum · Al2O3
Used as a mechanical exfoliant in physical scrubs and professional-grade resurfacing products. Alumina microcrystals are the active medium in microdermabrasion devices.
- Mechanical exfoliation — removes corneocytes via physical abrasion
- Smooths surface texture
- Chemically inert
- Uniform particle geometry allows controlled abrasion
- No bacterial contamination risk unlike organic scrubs
- Physical face exfoliating scrubs
- Microdermabrasion creams
- Body buffs
- Foot scrubs
- Resurfacing masks
Particle size critical — cosmetic grade typically 50–150 microns. Does not dissolve in water; requires thickener to maintain suspension.
Micro-laceration risk with over-use or aggressive pressure. Not appropriate for active acne, rosacea, or sensitised skin.
Neutral to mildly negative in clean-beauty. Largely replaced by enzyme exfoliants and AHAs in clean-positioned ranges.