Alum Stone

What is an alum stone?

An alum stone (also known as a styptic pencil or alum block) is a block consisting of potassium aluminum sulfate. Alum is obtained by heating iron-free clay with 50% sulfuric acid. As a result, the ingredients of an alum stone are to be considered salt crystals. Alum is mostly used to make modeling clay. However, it is also used in the garden. Here, it serves as a fertilizer for hydrangeas to color the blossoms. Its most common everyday use, however, is as a styptic agent for shaving.

With a classic shave, especially using a safety razor or a straight razor, it can easily happen, particularly for beginners, that you cut yourself. In this case, the alum stone helps to effectively stop the bleeding and treat the cuts. Furthermore, it can also be used as a pre-shave when shaving with an electric razor to prepare the skin, and to soothe the skin as an aftershave during a classic shave with a safety or straight razor. Its final function is its use as an alum stone deodorant. It ensures long-lasting natural freshness and contains no aluminum salts such as ammonium, as is the case with conventional spray deodorants.

Why the alum stone is an all-around aftershave

In addition to its function as a styptic agent for small cuts, the alum stone has a whole range of other functions that benefit your skin after shaving. Even though a classic shave is much better for your skin than shaving with a cartridge razor, every shaving process irritates and stresses your skin. With the alum stone, you get an aftershave that is completely free of chemical additives and a true all-rounder. It can be used both before shaving as a pre-shave, for example for a dry shave, to provide the skin with the necessary moisture, and after shaving as an aftershave.

The effect of the alum stone is fundamentally described as antiseptic and astringent. This means that the wound is securely sealed by the alum stone. This promotes the healing of the injury and helps to stop bleeding faster. In addition, it has an antibacterial effect and thus helps to prevent the cut from becoming inflamed. Although the area stings briefly when using the styptic pencil, as the saying goes: if it stings, it's healing. The alum stone also provides the skin with enough moisture before and after shaving, and even the wet block feels very pleasant and soothing on the skin, providing a natural freshness.

The antibacterial effect also becomes clear when used as a deodorant, as it kills the bacteria that are responsible for body odor. The alum stone can therefore be described as a true all-rounder; its breadth of effects and useful everyday functions make your beard care much easier, which is why it should not be missing from any bathroom.

How is the alum stone used?

There are a few steps to follow when using the alum stone so that you and your skin can enjoy your block for a long time. This is also because it has even more areas of application than just for alum stone shaving. If you still shave with an electric razor (which we strongly advise against), the alum stone is very suitable for moisturizing your skin before shaving. To do this, hold the alum stone briefly under running cold water and then rub it over the areas you want to shave. The alum stone application works the same way if you use it as a natural aftershave for a classic shave. Again, hold it under cold water and then run it over the shaved areas.

The main area of application, however, is stopping bleeding and cuts that occur when shaving with a safety razor or straight razor. Once again, hold it under cold water and rub it over the injured area. It will stop bleeding almost immediately. It is important to hold the alum stone only under cold water, as its effectiveness can be lost under warm water and holes can also form in the crystals. After each application, you should rinse the alum stone thoroughly, as skin deposits and impurities can accumulate on the surface. But how should you store the alum stone after use? After rinsing, you should place it on a smooth surface and let it air dry. It is best not to cover it until it has dried. Afterward, you can put it back in its packaging.

The alum stone as a natural deodorant replacement

In addition to its healing properties for the skin and its use as an alum stone styptic agent, the block can also be used as an alum stone deodorant. Compared to other deodorants, an alum stone deodorant does not suppress perspiration, which allows the skin's heat regulation to remain intact. The potassium aluminum sulfates contained in the alum stone prevent body odor because they effectively combat the bacteria responsible for the unpleasant smell—since unpleasant body odor is caused by bacteria breaking down sweat on the skin and coming into contact with skin and underarm hair.

Furthermore, using the alum stone in the underarm area minimizes sweat pores, rather than completely closing and clogging them like aerosol deodorants. The alum stone deodorant also acts in the same astringent and antibacterial way as when applied to the face, which is why body odor is completely neutralized. The alum stone deodorant therefore keeps you fresh and clean throughout the day. Our alum stone is bought not only by men for shaving, but especially by women who prefer a sustainable and natural deodorant.