Common Name(s): Volcanic pumice,lava stone powder
CAS Number: 1332-09-08
DESCRIPTION
What It Does: Provides moderate physical exfoliation for foot care from porous volcanic mineral.
Why It's Used: Standard foot exfoliant from natural volcanic pumice โ the porous structure provides moderate abrasion appropriate for thick foot skin without danger to more delicate areas.
How It Works: Porous aluminosilicate glass from rapid volcanic gas cooling provides irregular porous surface for abrasion. mohs hardness 6 provides effective exfoliation of calloused skin. pore structure provides gentle abrasion from multiple small contact points rather than solid edge cutting.
Typically Found In: Foot scrubs,heavy-duty exfoliants,pumice bars
TECHNICAL DETAILS
Primary Category: Functional ingredient โ volcanic rock exfoliant
Secondary Functions: Skin conditioning
Application Areas:
Facial Skincare
Body Care
Hair Care
Beard Care
Color Cosmetics (Makeup)
Dietary/Oral Supplements
Typical Concentration Range: 5%โ40%
SOURCING & ETHICS
Vegan Status: Yes โ natural volcanic mineral
Halal Status: Yes
Source Notes: Commercially produced for cosmetic use. verify vegan/halal status with supplier.
SKIN COMPATIBILITY
Irritancy Rating: 1/5 โ very low
Comedogenicity Rating: 0/5 โ non-comedogenic
Sensitivity Concerns: Well-tolerated by most skin types.
Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes
SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY
Safety Profile: Too harsh for facial skin. appropriate only for thick calloused skin (feet, elbows). particle size critical โ very fine pumice for body; coarse for foot exfoliation.
Works Well With: Standard skincare actives
Avoid Combining With: No known significant incompatibilities
SCIENTIFIC NOTE
Pumice's extraordinary lightness (density 0.3-0.9 g/cmยณ vs water 1.0 g/cmยณ โ it floats on water) arises from its highly porous gas-bubble structure formed when rapidly cooling lava traps volcanic gases. the same pore structure that makes pumice float provides its unique exfoliant character: the pores create multiple small exfoliant contact points that distribute abrasive force over greater area than solid mineral particles of equivalent size, making pumice an effective but relatively controlled exfoliant.
Last Verified: Cosing database,cir safety assessment
Primary Sources: 2026-03-12