Would't/could't be without alum.
On occasion i have neglected to rince off before applying balm.
I have purchased 3 different brands in order to make a comparison.
I read someplace that the most transluscent alum is best so of the three purchased, one very transluscent, one less transluscent and the other very white my verdict is,.............
that they all offer the same great feel to the face, the only difference is price.
With these three blocks i doubt i'll be buying more alum in my lifetime.