What is Fitkari?
Fitkari, also spelled phitkari (फिटकरी), is the Hindi name for alum: a colourless, crystal-like mineral salt that dissolves in water. Most people in India know it as the translucent stone that sits in a kitchen drawer or a bathroom shelf.
What fitkari is made of
The fitkari sold in India is usually potassium alum, whose chemical name is potassium aluminium sulphate. It forms clear to white crystals and has a dry, slightly sharp taste. Other alums exist, such as ammonium alum, so the label matters if you want a particular type.
How fitkari has traditionally been used
Fitkari has been part of household routines for a long time. Common traditional uses include settling mud in cloudy water, touching a small shaving nick, using it as an aftershave rub and applying it under the arms as a deodorant. These are traditional practices, and results and comfort vary from person to person.
Why people use fitkari for underarm odour
Sweat itself has little smell. Odour appears when bacteria on the skin break sweat down. Alum is an astringent, and many people reach for it because they feel it keeps underarm odour in check. Strong clinical research on alum deodorants is limited, so it is fair to treat fitkari as a familiar, simple routine rather than a guaranteed fix.
Fitkari today: stone, powder and spray
Besides the classic stone, fitkari is now available in other forms. Vibe Fresh is a liquid spray made with potassium alum, so there is no wetting or rubbing. You can read the full explanation of a fitkari deodorant in this guide.
Basic safety
Do a patch test before first use, avoid broken or freshly irritated skin and stop using fitkari if it irritates you. Alum is a mineral salt that contains aluminium, which is worth knowing if you prefer to avoid aluminium compounds.