Is it me, or are these two things the same?

[Tolduonce]

Crystal type deodorant sticks and alum blocks. I see no difference between them except for price. Can somebody please enlighten me? I've used the deodorant stick as a finger wiper to help me get good traction between fingers and face when stretching soapy skin, but haven't tried it on any weepers yet. No adverse reactions.

 

[Bertilak]

Probably not exactly. There are two common kinds of alum: Potassium Alum and Ammonium Alum (among other less common forms).

The first is probably Potassium Alum and the second is probably Ammonium Alum, but I don't know for sure without reading the ingredients on the labels.

It is generally Potassium Alum that is used with shaving. The attached looks similar to the second picture but I know foir sure it is Potassium Alum.

 

[mretzloff]

They are the same. I would not purchase an alum block from any of these fancy English vendors.

 

[mretzloff]

There are two common kinds of alum: Potassium Alum and Ammonium Alum (among other less common forms).

Could anyone elaborate on this? I am curious because some have said they use the alum blocks in place of antiperspirant.

 

[Tolduonce]

Thanks for the quick reply guys. The deo. stick is indeed ammonium alum. I'm going to try it on my next weeper and see if it melts my face off. Note: I don't get weepers very often so please, if you don't get an update soon it may not necessarily mean I'm in hospital.

 

[mretzloff]

Thanks for the quick reply guys. The deo. stick is indeed ammonium alum. I'm going to try it on my next weeper and see if it melts my face off. Note: I don't get weepers very often so please, if you don't get an update soon it may not necessarily mean I'm in hospital.

Ok, let us know. If this stuff is safe for your armpits, I doubt putting it on your face will put you in the hospital

 

[Bertilak]

I have not done an exhaustive study on this but I do know that at least one of the alum deodorants, often found in "natural" stores is Ammonium Alum. I have *heard* that Ammonium Alum is usually what is sold as deodorant, but obviously not exclusively as I have the "Thai" deodorant I pictured and it is definitely Potassium Alum. I have also seen Ammonium Alum deodorant in Whole Foods but don't remember the exact packaging.

I have never used Ammonium Alum but again, I have *heard* that the Potassium Alum is better for shaving.

I prefer the alum blocks packaged as deodorant because of the convenient packaging. The alum block is attached to a plastic base which makes a great hand hold.

Note that alum does contain aluminum despite misleading advertisements to the contrary. That's where the name "alum" comes from.

 

[mretzloff]

Bob, thank you for the information. I will do some more searching on B&B. I have a feeling this has been discussed before.

 

[Tolduonce]

Matthew, if you find anything, could you post a link?

 

[mretzloff]

Matthew, if you find anything, could you post a link?

Two interesting threads:

One

Two



I am sure there are plenty more.

 

[ofelas]

If the natural Thai crystal contains aluminum, would this have the same negative connotations as aluminum in anti-perspirant?

 

[Bertilak]

If the natural Thai crystal contains aluminum, would this have the same negative connotations as aluminum in anti-perspirant?

No.

It is in a compound and it is the chemical properties of the compound that count.

For example, hydrogen is an extremely dangerous element when in its pure form but in the compound water (H[sub]2[/sub]O) it is harmless.

EDIT: Cool! I figured out how to make the "2" as subscript!

 

[mmack66]

Aluminum Chlorohydrate is the substance in most anti-perspirants that may have negative side effects. It is not present in crystal deodorants. Either type of alum can be used for shaving or deodorant purposes.

 

[ofelas]

No.

It is in a compound and it is the chemical properties of the compound that count.

For example, hydrogen is an extremely dangerous element when in its pure form but in the compound water (H[sub]2[/sub]O) it is harmless.

EDIT: Cool! I figured out how to make the "2" as subscript!

Ya know, I have yet to figure that one out...

Aluminum Chlorohydrate is the substance in most anti-perspirants that may have negative side effects. It is not present in crystal deodorants. Either type of alum can be used for shaving or deodorant purposes.

Appreciate the info that the two quoted posts above provided.

 

[JPDyson]

As I understand it, either will work, but the those who prefer one over the other, prefer Potassium Alum. I've even seen it remarked as the gentler of the two. The RazoRock guy (vendor here) talked a fair bit about why his product is Potassium Alum. I haven't used his particular packaging, but it looks nice.

 

[Thebigspendur]

Potassium alum is what you use in facial applications. yes you can use the other. It will work but it's not designed for that purpose. But then again there are many products you can use for one purpose though it wasn't designed for it. Personally I'm careful about what I use on my face.

 

[baba]

The alum blocks that are sold as such for a princely sum are indeed the same substance as some of the "crystal type" deodorants.

Most of the solid forms seem to be Ammonium alum, so you have to read labels to find one that is Potassium alum. It is my understanding that the potassium alum is a bit more gentle on the face.

Many of the roll on types and misting types of "crystal type deodorants" are potassium alum, but if you look hard enough, you can find some block style or solids that are potassium alum.

Here is a whopping 9oz block for 12.50.

http://store.thecrystal.com/shared/...t2=319144845&ProductID=17&Target=products.asp

Here is a product that I use that is Potassium alum... I love it and it works well for me, I found it at Whole Foods for $5.99. It Ingredient list says Natural Mineral Salts (Potassium Alum), Aloe Vera (Aloe Barbadensis Extract)
http://www.naturallyfreshdeodorantc...-crystal-wide-stick-w-aloe-vera-3-oz-85-grams

 

[kzoo1]

I have been using the Crystal deo. as an alum block for shaving for some time now. No ill effects, in fact, I think it helps. I use it after every shave, the feedback is immediate if you've had a rough shave, but the effects are very short lived. Followed by a cold water splash, and some A/S, works great.

(as a side note - I also use it on my (clean) feet, it really helps keep the odor in check...)

 

[rummwa]

Correction it is used as a deoderant not as a antiperspirant.