Thread: Alum as a Deodorant?

Ok here's a question. In doing some research on alum based products some sources say you can use an alum block as an under arm deodorant. Aluminum compounds are the active ingredient in most deodorants...
Aluminum chloride
Aluminum zirconium tricholorohydrex glycine
Aluminum chlorohydrate
Aluminum hydroxybromide

So it makes sense that perhaps pure alum can be used effectively. Though, I assume you'd want to have a seperate block for the face...

Basic instructions are to dampen the block and apply in the fashion you would a stick deodorant. Having used alum on my face for a couple years, I would think that this could be a longer lasting replacement for standard issue you buy in stores.

Does anyone here use alum for this purpose? Call is sheer curiosity.

JR

True alum is Aluminum Potasium Sulfate, sometimes also referred to as potasium alum. This is indeed an effective anti-perspirant. I'm not sure what the alum blocks are actually made of, but in many cases materials referred to as alum are in fact aluminum sulfate, a related compound, but not a true alum. aluminum sulfate has been used as an anti perspirant for many years, but it is not recognized by the USFDA as an effective anti-wetness agent.

I believe most modern anti-perspirants use aluminum chlorhydrate as their principle anti-wetness agent.

The 'aluminum' is sometimes also an irritant, and with old pots/pans has been fingered as a possible culprit for the onset of altzheimers disease..... Adsorption and injestion of aluminum is, well, not looked up on as something wise to do.

BUT each to their own, right?

C utz

Alum works as an anti-perspirant, but not a deodorant. You could mix in some baking soda with the alum...

I'm allergic to the sprays and roll ons. I found some crystal deoderants that are basically alum and have been using them for at least six months. No problems.

Rick

Just thought I'd chime in here as I use my "alum" as both an aftershave and a deodorant.

I buy the Crystalux brand and they used to have a very interesting and informative website so of course it is now under re-construction.

What I remember from their site is that alum blocks do not contain Aluminum, ie. do not cause alzhiemers.

They are also not an anti-perspirant (believe me this I can attest to). But control oder by destroying the bacteria that cause it. They do work quite well as a deodorant. You do have to get used to the fact that there is no scent, not even as much as a non-scented stick. I am alergic to the common aluminum salts used in most deodorants (hives and such) but have no reaction to these.

Found a link to some info about the contents and way alum blocks control odor.

http://www.thecrystal.com/product_information.cfm

The Alzheimer's thing has been debunked, but it's probably still not a good idea to consume too much.

Originally Posted by Wildtim

They are also not an anti-perspirant (believe me this I can attest to). But control oder by destroying the bacteria that cause it. They do work quite well as a deodorant. You do have to get used to the fact that there is no scent, not even as much as a non-scented stick.

+1
I tried one of these out when my usual antiperspirant starting making me itchy, the oder control was a little better than most deodorant only sticks.

This stuff works quite well for me on all but the hottest days.

A stick also lasts forever - unless you drop it

Its also an inexpensive option for those who like to use alum as a post shave treatment - not to mention the stick is a more convenient format than a block.

One thing to remember is to rinse and dry the stick before you put it away.