Alumina; Aluminum Oxide

(in 10,020 products)

1. Anti-caking Agent - Prevents lumps from forming in food due to excess water. They usually function as a water repellent or by absorbing excess moisture.

2. Bulking Agent - Non-nutritious or inactive substances added to increase stability of the mixture.

3. Colorant - Pigments or dyes that are added in order to change or enhance the color.

4. Gelling Agent / Thickener - Increases the viscosity by thickening the liquid to give it more texture

5. Opacifier - Makes the mixture less transparent or translucent

6. Viscosity Controlling Agent - Maintains or alters the thickness of a liquid, mostly used in cosmetics

Aluminium oxide (British English) or aluminum oxide (American English) is a chemical compound of aluminium and oxygen. It is the most commonly occurring of several aluminium oxides, and specifically identified as aluminium(III) oxide. It is commonly called alumina (regardless of whether the element is spelled aluminum or aluminium), and may also be called aloxide, aloxite, or alundum depending on particular forms or applications.

Being fairly chemically inert and white, aluminium oxide is a favored filler for plastics. Primarily used as an abrasive and thickening agent, but also functions as an anti-caking agent and absorbent, it can be found in cosmetic products like blush, powder foundation, lipstick and facial cleanser. It also acts as an insoluble carrier for mineral pigment, and is frequently mixed into mineral powder makeup.

1. PubChem: https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/14769

1. US FDA Color Additives Status List [2015]

- §73.1010

2. Cosmetic Ingredient Review

- Alumina