Both as I have stated earlier have their uses. Alum, antiseptic, deodorant, styptic .... Witch Hazel, cleanser, anti-inflammatory , mild astringent cleanser, I keep both but for traveling I would take my alum block even before Atershave. It is a necessary staple in my Dopp kit whereas witch hazel is more of a home medicine cabinet staple for me. it's good for sore muscles and varicose veins for us older dudes but there are many other uses as well. Witch-hazel - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia