Boric Acid: What Is It, What Is It Used For, and Where To Buy It?
Boric Acid: What Is It, What Is It Used For, and Where To Buy It?
Illustration of Boric Acid Powder |
Have You Heard of Boric Acid?
Maybe you have never heard of this name because it cannot be denied that there are still many people who do not know it. But, what if we told you that it has amazing properties and can help you in various fields? Getting rid of pests and insects in your home, deodorizing feet or fighting acne are just a few of the many benefits of this acid. In this post we will talk about what boric acid is, what it is for, what are its properties and uses, and where you can buy it. Are you interested? Discover all the benefits!
What Is Boric Acid?
Boric Acid is a white, tasteless, odorless, water-soluble chemical compound derived from boron. It has extraordinary properties and very diverse uses, which make it a very valuable compound in different fields. This chemical compound is also known as trixoboric acid, orthoboric acid, hydrogen borate, or boracic acid, and we can find it in some places in nature such as in volcanic areas. It can also be obtained from ulexite, a mineral that has great industrial applications and gives rise to valuable compounds such as borax or boric acid. As its name indicates, it is an acid that derives from boron, and has been studied over the years for its usefulness in different fields, such as medicine, agriculture, cosmetics, and in the industrial field.
Formulation of Boric Acid
The formulation of boric acid is H3BO3, which derives from the conjunction of 3 water molecules. B2O3 + 3H2O = H6B2O6 = H3BO3.
Chemical Formula of Boric Acid |
In its composition, we can find boron, oxygen and hydrogen, and its mineral formula is called a sassolite.
What Properties Does It Have?
The properties of boric acid are varied, among those properties are:
- Antifungal and antiseptic properties: thanks to its powerful qualities to destroy germs, the antiseptic and antifungal effectiveness of this light acid is very remarkable. It is a great ally to prevent and treat fungal infections such as athlete's foot. In addition, when used in a low concentration, its extraordinary disinfectant qualities can be used even in delicate areas such as the eyes, ears or face.
- Antimicrobial properties: its bactericidal properties make it very useful when treating certain problems. For example, those caused by bacteria and other microbes, such as some vaginal conditions that are resistant to other types of treatment. In this sense, it also highlights its effectiveness against acne and its infectious consequences on the follicular pores.
- Insecticidal properties: orthoboric acid also stands out for its properties when it comes to eradicating insects and pests. Thanks to its qualities as an insecticide and pesticide, it is effective not only against a wide spectrum of insects, but also against wet poverty that affects different plant species.
- Antivirus properties: finally, it also has some effectiveness against viruses. However, in this case it is to a lesser degree, since its antiviral properties are milder and reduced in relation to the others.
What Are Its Most Common Uses?
Boric Acid As Insecticide
Orthoboric acid is also well known for being used as an insecticide, due to its great effectiveness in attracting and eliminating insect pests such as ants, cockroaches, bed bugs or fleas. That is why this chemical compound is used in various cleaning products and insecticides, and it is a great option to get rid of annoying pests that sometimes invade our homes.
Boric Acid In Cosmetics
We cannot forget the role of trixoboric acid in cosmetics, in which it is present as an ingredient in some products. For example, in cosmetics to prevent the growth of bacteria, and to protect the products. Among its main functions for cosmetics and personal care products are:
- Prevent the development of microorganisms on the skin, thanks to its excellent antimicrobial properties.
- Regulate the pH of some cosmetics, acting as a buffering agent.
- Product denaturant, when added to some cosmetics that have ethyl alcohol.
Boric Acid In Pharmacy
Finally, it is important to mention the use of boric acid in the pharmaceutical industry. This light acid can be found in powder form in most pharmacies, as well as an ingredient in different pharmaceutical products. The main uses given to this acid in this area are the following:
- To control sweaty feet and bad odour. Due to its fungicidal properties, which give it a great efficacy for the treatment of these problems.
- As a remedy to combat acne, by helping to stop the expansion of this skin condition
- To disinfect burns and minor injuries, while regulating the pH of the skin.
- To treat some intimate conditions in women such as vaginosis, vulvovaginitis or some rare and drug-resistant varieties of candida.
- As an active ingredient to disinfect contact lenses, preventing the appearance of fungi.
Where To Buy Boric Acid?
Powdered boric acid can be purchased at pharmacies without the need for a prescription. The price of the 100-gram format usually ranges between 5 and 7 USD. It can also be purchased at some drugstores or supermarkets. However, it is necessary to consult a dermatologist before using this powdered chemical compound. If applied incorrectly, we can damage the skin due to its acidity and potency, and we risk poisoning ourselves.
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