Thread: Alum blocks

Actually there are two kinds. Potassium and Ammonium. The Ammonium type is more the deodorant kind and probably shouldn't be used on your face. The Potassium is the face kind.

I just got an alum block off ebay last night as I haven't seen any around here.



It felt fantastic after my shave. Dirt cheap too :-)

I hear it doubles as an unscented deodorant. Cool, now I can tone down my manly musk as well as feeling fantastic after a shave.

Originally Posted by thebigspendur

Actually there are two kinds. Potassium and Ammonium. The Ammonium type is more the deodorant kind and probably shouldn't be used on your face. The Potassium is the face kind.

I asked a pharmacist about the differences between the two types. She said that basically the Ammonium type would sting more on a cut but that is about all. Been using the Ammonium deodorant type post shave for a couple of years now with no problem.

Bob

Originally Posted by BobH

I asked a pharmacist about the differences between the two types. She said that basically the Ammonium type would sting more on a cut but that is about all. Been using the Ammonium deodorant type post shave for a couple of years now with no problem.

Bob

Good to know...the more sting the better as far as I'm concerned!

Originally Posted by BobH

I asked a pharmacist about the differences between the two types. She said that basically the Ammonium type would sting more on a cut but that is about all. Been using the Ammonium deodorant type post shave for a couple of years now with no problem.

Bob

I do believe ultimately your pharmacist is correct, but from a chemists stand point is completely wrong. Ammonium alum has a smaller molecular composition opposed to Potassium; that is why it burns more. The problem here is it also absorbs into freshly shaved ( cut ) skin and aluminum is not good for the nervous system nor, a slew of other other organs. This debate has been going on for years, and is the "foder" for Alzheimer's disease smoking gun advocates....bottom line moderation is key don't use it unless needed, and don't by from unreliable sources so you know the true content Ie. SRP !!!! But the thing is they sell Potassium alum which has a larger molecular structure, and is less like to absorb into you freshly shaven skin. This will sting the bejesus out of you still don't worry !!! I know cause' I use it very day ! And there folks is the science plain and simple.