Thread: Alum use...

I used an Alum block for the first time yesterday. Now I have a few questions. Does it sting like the dickens for everyone else, or is it just me? Are there different brands that act differently? I have an Osma Alum Block I picked up from the Polish guy on ebay. From what I've been reading there are Aluminum and Potassium Alum blocks. Osma is a Potassium. I just don't think Aluminum would be a good substance on the skin. Are there any brands that don't sting like a hornets nest? I used cold water on the block and my face. And is it just something that takes time to build up a tolerance to? And man was I shocked to see the tiny size. Maybe it's just me!

I use Crystal Underarm deoderent. Which is alum, potassium i think.

It will only sting if your technique is off. So Alum talks to you, tells you where you are putting too much pressure, wrong angle, what have you.

I use it everyday and at $2.99 for a travel size that I purchased from a Hippie megastore here, it can't be beat. I know that they also make one with aloe and alum so I may try that when I can find it.

of course YMMV.

Alum, the specific compound, is potasium aluminum sulfate (aka potasium alum). The term alum is also used for a clase of compounds: bisulfates containing both a monovalent metalic cation (potasium in the case of potasium alum) and a trivalent metalic cation (usually aluminum, but there are others such as vanadium or cobalt).

Your alum block is almost certainly potasium aluminum sulfate. Who told you aluminum would be bad for your skin?

The alum block, for me, is one of the best feedback givers you can use. If you use a alcohol based aftershave or a balm of some kind, you just might not be aware of how your technique is evolving or what you are doing right or wrong. The alum block only stings if you are rough of your skin while shaving and you can account for a number of factors involved: preasure, blade angle and even prep. The alum block does "talk" to you and teach you a lot about perfecting your shave. Not only that but it also works as a great aftershave. If you go easy on it you just won't need anything else. At least that's what I think...
The first time I used an Alum block was trying out a new DE blade... The DE is far to agressive to my skin and I did get a lot of sting. Not a good feeling. However, when I use it after a straight razor shave, it tells me where I've been ham-fisted and where I've exeled...
Good luck!

I have been using an alum block for a couple months .I purchased at Classic Shaving. It stings some times but only slightly. Not like alchohol based products. I agree with the previous posters that it will tell you if you have been too harsh on your skin. My suggestion is to use helium on your blade when you shave, this will keep the lightest touch possible.JUST KIDDING but I try to imagine it so that the pressure on the skin from the blade is very little. Could also be that the blade is not quite as sharp or smooth as you need.

Originally Posted by fccexpert

Alum, the specific compound, is potasium aluminum sulfate (aka potasium alum). The term alum is also used for a clase of compounds: bisulfates containing both a monovalent metalic cation (potasium in the case of potasium alum) and a trivalent metalic cation (usually aluminum, but there are others such as vanadium or cobalt).

Your alum block is almost certainly potasium aluminum sulfate. Who told you aluminum would be bad for your skin?

I've seen it in the posts here, not exactly where.

Originally Posted by fccexpert

Alum, the specific compound, is potasium aluminum sulfate (aka potasium alum). The term alum is also used for a clase of compounds: bisulfates containing both a monovalent metalic cation (potasium in the case of potasium alum) and a trivalent metalic cation (usually aluminum, but there are others such as vanadium or cobalt).

Your alum block is almost certainly potasium aluminum sulfate. Who told you aluminum would be bad for your skin?

Originally Posted by mkevenson

I have been using an alum block for a couple months .I purchased at Classic Shaving. It stings some times but only slightly. Not like alchohol based products. I agree with the previous posters that it will tell you if you have been too harsh on your skin. My suggestion is to use helium on your blade when you shave, this will keep the lightest touch possible.JUST KIDDING but I try to imagine it so that the pressure on the skin from the blade is very little. Could also be that the blade is not quite as sharp or smooth as you need.

That's probably what I did, just way to much pressure! Thanks!

Alum can be an ammonia based compound too. I can't speak from experience but believe this would sting somewhat more. Perhaps this is the confusion.

Alum has been used in cosmetics for a long time because it acts as an astringent and has antibacterial properties, you may find this article interesting: Alum - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
However, recently there have been a completely unproved and controversial proposal for a "linkage" between aluminum and Alzheimer's disease. This theory probably comes from the observation that people with Alzheimer's disease have elevated levels of Aluminum in their brain. Of course, nobody knows whether it is this condition that allows the accumulation of the metal ion in the brain or whether intake of the metal ion caused this disease.

Does Aluminum Increase Your Risk For Alzheimer’s Disease? | The Diet Channel

There is also old research that suggests that aluminum is toxic to the nervous tissues in animals.

Alzheimer's Again Linked To Aluminum

However, to date, the linkage between aluminum and Alzheimer's has not been scientifically demonstrated.

Aluminium and Alzheimer's disease - Alzheimer's Society

The only reason why I would say that aluminum could be bad for your skin is that it may over dry it. In fact, I was growing very fond of the alum in styptic pens and wanted to buy an alum block. I have since discovered that alum is not good for my very sensitive skin, and gives my a rash but sodium chloride has the same effect. This should not be reason for you not to use it, many people do with good results.

Al raz.

Originally Posted by AlanII

Alum can be an ammonia based compound too. I can't speak from experience but believe this would sting somewhat more. Perhaps this is the confusion.

Yes, Ammonium, Methyl ammonium and hydroxylammonium can all act as the monovalent cation. So can hydrazinium. The trivalent cation will still most likely be aluminum.