Quick answer
Type of volcanic rock characterized by its porous nature; Often used to scrub rough, calloused patches of skin; Pumice powder (pumicite) is sometimes used as a manual exfoliant; Poses a significant risk of skin irritation and barrier disruption
Pumice
Updated
Pumice is a substance of volcanic origin consisting chieffly of complex silicates of aluminium and alkali metals
Purpose
This volcanic rock is highly abrasive and can cause skin barrier damage.
Rating
WORST
Category
Exfoliant, Irritant
INCI Purpose
ABRASIVE, BULKING, VISCOSITY CONTROLLING
Alternative Names
At a Glance
Type of volcanic rock characterized by its porous nature
Often used to scrub rough, calloused patches of skin
Pumice powder (pumicite) is sometimes used as a manual exfoliant
Poses a significant risk of skin irritation and barrier disruption
Article
Pumice is a type of volcanic rock characterized by its highly porous nature. In skin care, pumice stones are often used to scrub rough, calloused patches on feet; pumice powder (also known as pumicite) is also sometimes used in facial and body scrubs as a manual exfoliant.
Whether used as a stone or a powder, pumice poses a significant risk of causing skin irritation, especially if used on delicate areas of the body such as the face, neck, and chest. This irritation can lead to barrier damage, which can cause a cascading effect of skin problems. It’s best to avoid pumice in skin care products.
Note: Various sizes of pumice powder are available for use in cosmetics, some of which are indeed less abrasive than what you’d experience from a pumice stone. Despite this, it’s not possible to ensure the ground-up stone’s powder particles are of a spherical, non-jagged shape. This means that even so-called “gentle” scrubs with pumice can tear at skin’s barrier, especially if used with great zeal.
See: Irritants
References