What Is Pumice Powder Used For?

Pumice powder is made from pumice, a kind of igneous rock that is formed when a volcano erupts. Pumice is abrasive, which is where much of pumice powder's usefulness comes from.

Pumice powder is used as an additive in cement. It makes the concrete lighter than traditional concrete.

Pumice powder also is often added to hand soap, exfoliants and toothpaste to help scrub away foreign substances, dead skin or plaque.

Heavy-duty cleaners and polishes also have pumice powder added to them to help remove foreign substances or tarnish.

Pumice powder is absorbent. It can be sprinkled on spills of oil, tar or other residues to absorb them. It is then swept up for easier cleanup, according to the Mr. Pumice website.

Traditional Chinese medicine encourages ingesting small amounts of pumice powder to clear up phlegm from infections, promote urination and treat gallstones among other things, according to the Acupuncture Today website.