Anyone reconsidering use of Alum? What other options?

[DevonReviewer]

Evenin,
Once again I have read about the risks of aluminium, particularly in deodorant, and it has got me thinking about my use of Alum (Osma Alum Block).

I know the risks are not clearly known and "under arm" use is the highest potential risk, but rubbing over face and neck may not be the best idea?

Sadly, it has become part of my ritual, it brings a very refreshing zing to the process and works wonders for small cuts.

So is there another product without aluminium, that I could swap to, a lotion, or tonic that could provide zing, antiseptic, and styptic properties?
Best regards,
Chris

 

[thackeray]

the quantity of aluminium in a bloc of potassium alum is tiny, i think you may be worrying unduly. it is a material widely used in cosmetics, cooking and medicine.

 

[tuxxdk]

I have discarded daily use just because of those risks. Better save than sorry. I'll not stand 80 years old with dementia thinking "I wonder if I'd be healthy if I haven't used alum daily".

I now use it only on bad spots, eg. a zit torn off or a small cut etc. I double-used it as a deodorant also, but no longer.

I'm so anal about it I check all products used on a daily basis for alum/aluminium-traces.

 

[Whosthedaddy]

I like the taste of alum...odd I know?

 

[Fuzzyian]

when I was young, every pan used was Aluminium, I will not worry about rubbing an alum block on my face.

 

[Blademonkey]

I only use Alum if I Nick myself otherwise I use Witch hazel after each shave.

 

[MarkB]

I probably get more metals in my body from my daily salt intake than my alum block

 

[riverrun]

Deodorants often contain aluminum chlorohydrate. This is not the same as aluminum chloride which is a neuotoxin.
Despite lot of research no link between aluminium chlorohydrate and Alzheimers has be established.
Feel free to avoid it anyway.
Alum is normally potassium alum, which is harmless. It's even used in food. Just because there are a few atoms of aluminium in this salt, doesn't mean it's toxic.
Sodium and chlorine are both highly toxic, yet most people use sodium chloride (table salt) daily without being poisoned.
If my brain goes funny in old age, I'll blame it on beer and wine, not shaving. If I remember.

 

[Pat-W]

I've recently stopped using my alum block after my shave .I now only use it if I nick myself and for that reason it's handy to have around.

 

[James_1872]

Alum has helped me alot especially with nicks and the like. It also gives good feedback for newer DE shavers such as myself. I was unaware of any health risks of using this product before now.

 

[Scotshave]

I use it after every shave. It's use as a deodorant seemed to increase around the time of the paraben panic. I use it after every shave and shall continue to do so.

 

[James_1872]

Ye im the same its became part of my shaving ritual and dont think i will stop using it.

 

[dowsing]

I used to use it quite religiously but have personally found witch hazel to work a lot better. I do use it occasionally if I'm trying out something new just to give me some feedback, or if I've a cut to clear up.

 

[Blademonkey]

I use it after every shave. It's use as a deodorant seemed to increase around the time of the paraben panic. I use it after every shave and shall continue to do so.

I've been using it as a deodorant for about a year now, very effective and so cheap!! It lasts and lasts.

 

[Palmolive fox]

I use it occasionally with my post shave ritual, but like other people have said, i use it mainly for when i get nicks, witch hazel is what i nearly always use...a cold water rinse is another favourite of mine.

 

[Whosthedaddy]

I use it occasionally with my post shave ritual, but like other people have said, i use it mainly for when i get nicks, witch hazel is what i nearly always use...a cold water rinse is another favourite of mine.

Yep, same here