Thread: Alum on the cheap

Just wanted to pass this on after seeing some relatively expensive prices for alum blocks. I was at Whole Foods the other day browsing the shaving section and they didn't really have much I wanted, including an alum block. So I asked the guy standing there offering to help if they sold alum. He said no. But I went ahead and looked around anyway and found some. Not in shaving, not in Asian cuisine, but in the deodorant section. Apparently alum is one of the key ingredients in deodorant and for the close-to-nature folks they had pure little cubes of alum, about 2"x2"x2" with rounded edges. I think it was around $2.25 for the cube.

Works like a charm and I don't see it dissapearing very soon. I actually like the size of it because it doesn't take up too much precious counter space and it fits along the nooks in my neck nicely.

Other local natural grocery type stores (Sprouts, Natural Grocers, etc.) may have them as well, just don't forget to check the deodorant section.

Spencer

I use a Shavex alum bar, the size of a bar of soap, I use it every shave & it lasts about 1 year,,, $8.00 a bar,,,

Originally Posted by Hirlau

I use a Shavex alum bar, the size of a bar of soap, I use it every shave & it lasts about 1 year,,, $8.00 a bar,,,

Alright John! Come Clean! Tell others where you got it and if there are other outlets! Not everyone lives in the land of the Everglades

SRD sales the small travel size bars,,, I get mine from MaMa Bears.

Originally Posted by Hirlau

SRD sales the small travel size bars,,, I get mine from MaMa Bears.

I think I found it;

Shavex Alum Block Shavex Alum Block [other08] - $8.99 : Mama Bears Soaps and Gift Shop , Mama Bears Shaving Soaps and Bath Products for the Discerning Gentleman and Lady

Yes, No, Maybe So?

Yes,,,,,,,,,,,

There are two types of Alum. Potassium and Ammonium. Usually the deodorant is the Ammonium type which is kind of strong for the shave. Potassium is way more gentle and is what we use for shaving.

The cheapest Alum I've found is from Tulumba a turkish retail site in Brooklyn N.Y. You can get a bunch of bars for a song.

That's good info about Whole Foods. We have one of their stores in the area and I' ll surely check it out. I usually use a RazorRock every day and it lasts a very long time.
Pete <:-}

Asian markets,$1.29/lb

Originally Posted by thebigspendur

There are two types of Alum. Potassium and Ammonium. Usually the deodorant is the Ammonium type which is kind of strong for the shave. Potassium is way more gentle and is what we use for shaving.

True there are two types. Crystal brand, that sells deodorant stones, sells both kinds, so you might want to read the labels before purchasing. I personally have the Crystal stone that is Ammonium alum and use it on my face without issue. It stings no more than aftershave.