What is Borax? For the uninitiated, this might be a pretty obvious question to ask. But for those in the beauty business, especially when it comes to skincare, Borax (or sodium borate, sodium tetra borate, or disodium tetra borate as its chemical names go) has had experts and enthusiasts divided over its pros and cons. Some tend to believe that all the hue and cry being raised over its potentially harmful effects is nothing but an exaggeration, while others continue to maintain that their concerns are genuine. No matter which side you're on or are looking to choose, it wouldn't be wise to go either ways unless you're well-informed on the matter. So we decided to do some basic research on the mineral compound in order to help you answer the pertinent question 'What is Borax?' and here's what we came across. What is Borax ? As for its chemical composition, Borax is compound of the element 'Boron' and a mineral salt of Boric acid (mind you though, both Boric acid and Borax have different chemical compositions) that is most commonly found naturally deposited in lake beds and in runoffs alongside mountains. Hav* been in use since ancient times, even its discovery has certain controversy associated with it (some claim that the mineral was discovered in 8th century AD in the dry lake beds in Tibet while there are some that place its discovery much further back, about 4000 years ago, probably in the Sumerian region which now belongs to modern-day Iran). The multi-functionality of Borax Borax finds utilization in a number of household activities such as doing laundry, cleaning (including as a pesticide), keeping those flowers in the vase fresh, maintaining the pH value of your swimming pool and cooking (as a food additive). Outside the house, there are even more uses for Borax , with the mineral compound finding application in activities such as glass making, pottery, forge welding, clearing blockages in car engines and radiators and also as a fire retardant. Now you must be wondering why we're trying to** explain what borax** is to a bunch of beauty enthusiasts. Well, one area where the compound finds perhaps its most extensive application is in the case of cosmetics and other beauty products. Right from creams and body lotions to shampoos, bath gels and even the in-vogue bath bombs, just about every product associated with skincare has Borax as one of its components. Given its mild and antiseptic nature, quite a few natural cosmetic products tend to include Borax as an essential ingredient as well.
