Alum-what is it for?

[flyingfool]

not sure if this is the right place for this question, but it is used after a shave. So it made sense to me to put it in the "aftershave" heading.

I was wondering what is the purpose of Alum block?

Does it dry the skin?

Is it good or bad for the skin?

What is it actually? I think it is an aluminum sulphate or something and isn't there some controversy as to the safety of aluminum sulphate antiperspirants etc and causing cancer or other skin irritations or otherwise bad for you?

Just started DE shaving and debating whether it makes sense to order up an alum block along with some other goodies?

Right now I'm using Nievia shave balm after shaving and that seems to stop any irritation or slight nicks I have. So wondering if alum is reallly necessary or will be of some other benefit. One YouTube video I saw indicated that it provides "feedback" to you to better learn technique of shaving of where I may have gotten to aggressive.

 

[Ron Scott]

Good for razor burn and as a general aneseptic. It's got a little sting to it if you shaved too hard so I use it to check technique too. Call it The Alum Test...no sting, BBS, perfect shave...

 

[rascally]

It is usually either Potassium Aluminum Sulfate or Ammonia Aluminum Sulfate.

It can also be used as a very effective deodorant, as it is effective against the bacteria that cause your sweat to smell.
I say it's effective from personal experience as I use an Alum deodorant myself.

However, it is a product that has Aluminum in it, albeit tied into a larger molecule compound, and there is apparently a link between aluminum ingestion and Alzheimer's, though I believe currently their is no proven link between Alum and Alzheimer's you might want to do some research before using it. I'm currently re-evaluating my usage of it, I still do use it but I'm wondering.
Scratch that, current Alzheimer's organisations say there is no proof that Aluminium causes or increases risk of Alzheimer's, my apologies, I was looking at out of date information. If in doubt, please do your own research.

 

[musicman1951]

I only use it after producing a bodacious amount of razor burn or a weeper. As I've been using the same razor and cream for a while I'm happy to report that I can't remember the last time I used it.

Some use it to check the lack of razor burn after a shave. Some use it after every shave, before WH and aftershave. Some use it after every shave by itself.

Like most things here, YMMV.

 

[Dusty1]

Some guys use it daily as their aftershave, or at least before it. It is also a skin toner.

 

[Thomas Martin]

It helps stop bleeding, which for me, helas, is often necessary!

 

[tomcj2]

Where is it purchased? What form is it in (solid, powder et cetera), and what are the popular brand names, if any?

 

[Jasman]

Many online stores dedicated to wetshaving carry alum for sale in block form, in several brand names. I know RazoRock offers one that's packaged like a solid antiperspirant, but for use as a post-shave styptic and skin toner.

 

[VerbaVolant]

Where is it purchased? What form is it in (solid, powder et cetera), and what are the popular brand names, if any?

Any online stores carry alum blocks. As long as you make sure it is Potassium Alum you are using.
The best value is this Lafe's Natural and Organic Deodorant Crystal Stone

You can buy powder, crystal "stone" or solution. The common form is crystal block.

Its solubility triples with the increase of water temperature so when you put it on make sure you use cold water. Otherwise you end up with too much on skin.

It will stain marble countertops if left wet on them.

If this is your first time using it I would recommend to try on inner wrist or elbow skin first , before you smudge it all over your face.

Osma Bloc is popular and very good quality.

This is how a good quality stone should look like Verdan crystal

These are few thoughts from my very limited experience. Others might bring more knowledge.

 

[flyingfool]

I refuse to use anything with "osama" in it's name!

I hear a lot of people the block slips from their hands and busts. So maybe the Razorrock stick would be a good way to go!

 

[Lmarkow]

I use it on my finger tips to anchor/stretch my skin tight for the straight razor. I didn't find that was quite as necessary for DEs. I also use it as an aftershave/toner, now that I (mercifully) no longer need it to stop weepers or worse. Final use is as something to pick up in bits and pieces from the bathroom floor periodically.

 

[JazzyJ]

I refuse to use anything with "osama" in it's name!

I hear a lot of people the block slips from their hands and busts. So maybe the Razorrock stick would be a good way to go!

That shouldn't be a problem, as it's "Osma," not Osama.

 

[Slash McCoy]

Whole Foods stocks both the Crystal and the Thai Crystal brands in convenient stick form. I get mine overseas wherever there are a lot of Indians. Such as India. Or Dubai. Or Bangladesh or Pakistan. It is about 50 cents a block there. The Crystal is I think $4.99 at Whole Foods. Don't worry, though... it will last a year or more. P&G hates that stuff, I am sure. In that year, you would have spent maybe $30 on spray deodorant. Take that, P&G!

I seldom use it on my face any more. I do use it for deodorant. I absolutely cannot stand scented deoderants. They simply mask one stench with another equally repulsive one, if you ask me. The alum block creates an inhospitable environment to body odor causing bacteria and has no scent of its own.