Alum question ?

[Picaro]

Hi folks,
I'm doing a few home brew aftershaves and balms at the moment, and wanting to add alum. Do I just crumble some from an alum block is there a powdered product I should be looking for?

 

[LinuxMintyFresh]

I'm not sure if there is a powdered variety, by if you crush it I don't see it being problematic. It may take a little longer to disolve is all.

 

[Picaro]

Thanks for the reply. I guess unless theres further guidance I can crush a pinch into some alcohol based splash. If worse comes to worse, I can filter any residue out again.

 

[Robxcarlson]

Would you still get the benefit of alum doing it this way?

 

[BCatl]

The US Pharmacopeia says neither Ammonium Alum nor Potassium Alum are soluble in alcohol. http://pharmacopeia.cn/v29240/usp29nf24s0_alpha-2-10.html

However, allantoin is very slightly soluble in alcohol. Proraso splash I think contians allantoin. I think I'd probably go with a little of this instead of alum if you are using an alcohol based splash.

 

[RichGem]

You can get powdered alum in some bakery sections (it's used also for pickling), but alum is much easier to use in solid block form. Just wet the block and rub it on your face. The article in our wiki on alum will be helpful too.

edit; OTOH, "Earth Science" has a post-shave splash (can't remeber the exact name right now) that contains alum in a liquid AS (ie: not a balm or lotion, but a liquid) base.

 

[nate]

OTOH, "Earth Science" has a post-shave splash (can't remeber the exact name right now) that contains alum in a liquid AS (ie: not a balm or lotion, but a liquid) base.

Yeah, same with Speick.

 

[BCatl]

I should mention that allantoin is not the same as alum. I just mention allantoin because it's a skin goody.

 

[Picaro]

Thank you very much for these replies. After going through your information, I am going to try 2 methods.
1 is dissolve the alum in a little water , then mix with glycerine before adding to the AS.
2 is alum straight in glycerine and wait for it to dissolve ( not sure how long this takes ) then add to AS

I suspect #2 will be the better option off the top of my head.

The Earth Science product is similar to tha aloe based toner I've used for years which contains alum, and is the reason I want to make it work in my own lotions.

Speik is an alcohol product with alum, but doesnt have glycerine. I suspect it could be the sorbitol. Curiously, if the ingredient list I read is correct, glucose is the 4th ingredient in the Speik. Or maybe thats a typo of glycerine.

Anyhow thanks again, I've got something to work on now.

 

[LinuxMintyFresh]

Alum may not be soluable in alcohol, but it is soluable in water with which most splashes are diluted. Even if you mix it all at the same time the alum will disolve.

By the way, use the potassium alum if you can. I find it better for AS than the other kind.

 

[alanbarnes]

Hi folks,
I'm doing a few home brew aftershaves and balms at the moment, and wanting to add alum. Do I just crumble some from an alum block is there a powdered product I should be looking for?

You can get powdered alum at any grocery store in the spice section. Lots easier than waiting for your alum block to dissolve...

 

[ferroburak]

I have also considered this. Dissoliving it would probably require melting but melting may spoil the alum I don't know.. A chemist friend would be useful

 

[Wingnut]

I have also considered this. Dissoliving it would probably require melting but melting may spoil the alum I don't know.. A chemist friend would be useful

I once tried melting my broken alum block in the microwave to try re-integrating it. Didn't go well, I wouldn't recommend it.

 

[Alacrity59]

This thread takes me back to early science class where we grew alum and copper sulphate crystals. At that time alum was available in drug stores.

 

[Swampfox]

I once tried melting my broken alum block in the microwave to try re-integrating it. Didn't go well, I wouldn't recommend it.

You should have put it in your shoe.

 

[Bertilak]

Back in the '60s powdered alum was all I had. Used it with a dampened Q-Tip as applicator. Provided the same function as a styptic pencil. The powdered alum is much more powerful than the crystalline form we are familiar with for shaving and/or deodorant. Much closer to a styptic pencil.

Also used for canker sores.

 

[Picaro]

Thanks folks, I'm on the trail of powdered alum now. Looks like its pretty widely available and should suit my purpose better.

I once tried melting my broken alum block in the microwave to try re-integrating it. Didn't go well, I wouldn't recommend it.

Are new microwaves cheaper than alum blocks in the States?

 

[JohnnyC]

Does anyone know if a broken Alum block can be repaired? Can it be rewet and stuck back together???