Can an Alum Block...........

I've used an Alum Block as part of my "routine". Recently I noticed that after application, it does all that it is supposed to do, BUT it seems to irritate\redden my face before I wash it off.

Has anyone here had a reaction to the Alum? If yes, what happened and how did you treat it? Do you still use the Alum Block?

Thanks for your input!

I have rosacea and I have had that same problem occasionally. So now I only use it if I think an area needs it, and I do rinse it off very quickly.

I have the same issue
What have you changed to ??


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I have the same issue
What have you changed to ??


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How about a witch hazel based splash and a styptic pencil for touch up if needed? I like alum, but lots of folks prefer the witch hazel. Pretty similar in function.


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I have the same issue
What have you changed to ??


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My sincere apologies for missing this question, ltproduction. And Season's Greetings to you!

Jamolay stated what I now do. On occasion I will hit an area with alum, but not often and not a large area. If I get a nick or cut that won't close up with cold water, then I use a styptic pencil on that area. 

Also, as Jamoly mentioned, I am a fan of Thayers witch hazel tonic, which is alcohol-free, so no sting. It feels amazing and is readily available where I am in both grocery stores and drug stores. There are some lightly scented versions, but I prefer the Aloe one and the unscented one. 

Currently I use an unscented Recovery Splash from Zingari Man.

May I ask a genuine question?

I know that this does not sound diplomatic but I can't think of any other way to phrase it:

In the era of alcohol based aftershaves, does an alum block still serve any purpose?

If the answer to this is obvious, please excuse my ignorance.

I personally use only hot water, cold water and lot of alum after each shave. After just rinse with cold water and apply hazel witch. Best combination in long term for me, no other after shave at all.

I prefer alum to a splash because I shave my head at the sink before showering. So shave, cold water splash, alum. Then I wash off the alum in the shower and apply a lotion aftershave after that.

Seems a waste to splash a nice aftershave on and then shower. I guess I could use a plain witch hazel splash, but alum feels good to me.


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May I ask a genuine question? 

I know that this does not sound diplomatic but I can't think of any other way to phrase it: 

In the era of alcohol based aftershaves, does an alum block still serve any purpose? 

If the answer to this is obvious, please excuse my ignorance.

I never heard of alum until I found the shaving forums and I've been shaving daily since '71.  I tried it for awhile and never figured out what it's purpose was for.  For me I guess alum's main use is taking up shelf space.

I keep an alum block in my travel kit because, in a pinch, I can use it for an antiperspirant as well as not having to carry witch hazel.

At home, being a novice septuagenarian, I always use it to improve the grip on my Merkur Futur razor...