Bloc Osma Alum Block, 2.65 Ounce

I use this block as both an underarm de-odorizer and an aftershave treatment on my face. Yup. I use the same block for both. The reason it works on your pits is because it creates a hostile environment for odor causing bacteria. That's just by getting its residue on your skin. Imagine how much the bacteria would hate to live on a solid block of the stuff. Thus, it takes on no odor and does not cause any bacterial razor bumps or anything. As an aftershave treatment, it stops bleeding from tiny cuts and weepers that are not leaking much, and it disinfects the whole surface that it is applied to. For a substantial cut, it won't stop the bleeding and you will need a styptic pencil, so if you have a tendency to hack your face up, this won't be your best solution. However, you will find this soothing as a daily application, so it should definitely be a part of your tool kit. This is good for what it's good for, and the styptic pencil handles the rest. Keep both on hand. As a deodorant, it surprises me how effective this is. I use it daily, and it prevents odor all day if I don't sweat, or a partial day if I do. This is not an anti-perspirant, so if you decide to go out and chop some wood, don't be surprised if you need to reapply some alum. Or you can do what I do, which is keep a stick of deodorant around for emergencies. As it is though, I would say this works better than the organic deodorants I have had to use for years because of skin allergies to anti-perspirants. This is a solid chunk of alum, so it isn't wearing down much. I think this thing could probably last a couple years with daily use. I want to point out that this does not leave a visible residue on your face. You do not need to rinse or wipe it off. I apply it while my face is still wet after I rinse off my shaving cream remnants, and I let it dry. Then I put on an aftershave splash and lotion and head out the door.

The only alum block I could find that is quality cut stone, rather than compressed powder. You might be asking why that matters. The reason is because alum blocks made of compressed stone or powder have a tendency to crumble and break down, essentially ruining the remainder of the block. This whole cut stone is far more effective and it's only a couple of dollars more than its competitors, so the value proposition is there. It also feels great and I find that it is far less painful that applying a swig of aftershave.

I got tired of other brands that are made of inferior grade minerals, or of powder that’s pressed together only to eventually start crumbling with frequent use. This is by far the best quality alum block I have ever used. I’ve even forgotten to dry it off on numerous occasions, but it just keeps going without any issues. It may cost a bit more but it’s worth it to me to not have to throw away broken chunks that start to break down which is basically the same as wasting money. My only minor gripe is that this is a much smaller block than i thought it would be. It is fairly small compared to some of the more inexpensive alum blocks I’ve used, and there is no storage case of any kind for travel so I use a small Rx pill bottle to keep it in once it dries. Even so, I will be buying some again!

While this is a high quality product and while it works well, it is on the expensive side. Pros: * Works on Nicks and Cuts - This product works well on my face for the occasional (and sometimes not so occasional as when my toddler comes in and pokes me while I'm shaving) nicks and cuts and for soothing razor burn. I use a double-sided safety razor, but this would work equally well after shaving with any device. Small cuts cease bleeding rapidly after application and razor burn is soothed after gliding this block over the area. * Natural product - this is simply a block of alum. For those who wish to keep their cosmetic and toiletry products as natural as possible, this is the way to go. No manufactured chemicals here! * Unisex - A browse through some of the reviews of this and competing products leads me to believe that this is a product used mostly by wet-shaving men. Ladies: This will work just as well, just as soothingly, on any areas where you happen to shave and leave nicks, cuts, or irritation. As some areas are more sensitive than others, you will appreciate that this is a natural product that works very well with sensitive skin. (For those who are wondering, my wife has attested to me that the forementioned is true) Cons: * Value - While it does perform well, it has to be understood that this is, after all, just a block of alum, as any other. This is the same substance being sold under other brands, at wildly varying prices. It doesn't make sense, then, to pay for an antiseptic alum block when the very same thing can be had for a fraction of the cost under a less sexy label... discounting the benefit of snob-appeal, of course. Considering also that this really does come in a diminutive size, (approx. 2" X 1" X about 1" thick) I have to conclude that better value can be had elsewhere. * Fragile - Not specific to this particular brand, alum blocks are exceedingly fragile if dropped on a hard surface. If dropped on the sink or a tile floor, this block WILL shatter, leaving you with many tiny pieces of alum that - while retaining their effectiveness against nicks and cuts - are especially difficult and impractical to use. If used with care and if the block is in one piece when you receive it (mine was not), it ought to last years. As with any alum block meant for use after shaving, or any similar crystal deoderant, take care not to drop it on a hard surface. Other Thoughts: I enjoy using this for cuts and nicks after shaving, but prefer witch hazel for a soothing, antiseptic aftershave treatment because I find it easier to splash my face rather than rubbing this block all over. That is partly due to the fact that I can't get a solid enough grip on the thing to keep it from slipping from my grasp and shattering into smaller bits. If you are not a wet-shaving connoisseur, styptic pens from the drugstore stop bleeding nicks in their tracks for a fraction of the cost. If you are one who appreciates using the same natural, effective post-shave astringent as the ancients, go with this product or similar, less well known name brands or non-name brands. This particular product by Osma is priced fairly well; There are much more expensive name brand items, and there are a few, slightly lower priced products... all containing the exact same ingredient. My rating is actually a composite, as follows: Effectiveness of the product/material: Five stars; Pricing of the product relative to alternatives: Three stars; Ease of use: Four stars

This is my second time purchasing the Osma alum block, and I’m officially hooked. It’s the perfect size for travel and fits seamlessly in my dopp kit. More importantly, it’s highly effective at preventing razor bumps and irritation. It lasts a long time and works really well with my skin. Honestly, it’s become a staple in my grooming routine. Definitely a keeper—I’ll be buying again!

I bought this for use after shaving with a blade. The recommended process is to shave, then wet the block and rub it all over your face (which is comfortable, since the block is very hard and smooth - like a pebble). Let it stay on your face for a minute or two and rinse off with water and dry your face AND the block. It tightens up your skin and helps close any micro-scratches or cuts from the shaving process. It won't stop a large cut from bleeding - you'll still need a styptic pencil for that. But otherwise, you can literally feel your skin tightening up and your pores closing. As a side benefit, aftershave stings a lot less after using this block. Don't drop it - it will chip or shatter, and always store it completely dry. Leaving water on it will prematurely wear it out. Otherwise, this thing will likely last for years.

This product is GREAT FOR SHAVING bc it's a single cut CRYSTAL of alum and NOT a formed brick or posted powder. If you want to mix it with water, this probably isn't for you. If you want to rub the crystalline block on you, this is the one you want. It becomes smooth very quickly, so please understand that it might start out rough, it should smooth naturally in a short time. I've ordered this twice in 11 years and used it for post-shave facial conditioning. The first bar lasted 10 years (not daily use) but the second block lasted ONE because it arrived broken/shattered. It was in two main pieces with a bunch of pulverized parts which I can attribute to how Amazon delivered it (in a bag with no padding). The smaller pieces melted quickly. Unfortunately, a good experience and a bad experience average out to the stars. If the next one is better, I'll raise my review. That should tell you a lot.

I can't complain about this product. This is the first Alum Block that I have used. Other reviews have mentioned the size of this product, it is rather small. It is about the size of a zippo lighter, but twice as thick. In my opinion it is the perfect size though. It is not too large to grasp in my hand and not too bulky to slide around on my face and under neck area. I can see this alum block lasting a long time, I have used it probably 25 times and it still looks the exact same size it was when I purchased it. After shaving I rinse with cold water and then apply this all over my face. Any real small nicks or weepers stop bleeding and usually under my neck I will feel a slight sting. That is where I am the most sensitive and have to worry about razor burn at. If there is still any cuts that are bleeding I will touch up with a styptic pencil. This alum bloc is a little bit pricey, but from what I've heard Bloc Osma makes quality products. You get what you pay for and judging by how much I have used so far, this alum seems like it will last the better part of 6mos.

So this is sold as an aftershave and for razor nicks, but I saw people online saying it works great as a deodorant so I figured why not try it. I've always had problems with body odor. Didn't matter what soap or deodorant I used, I always ended up stinky. Started using this alum block as deodorant 3 days ago and honestly I can't believe it. Even 24 hours later, no smell at all. Nothing I've ever used has done that. It's cheap, the block will probably last me forever, and it actually works. I seriously don't get why more people don't know about this. Try it you will not regret it.

I love using it every morning after my shave.

Sono passato da poco più di un mese alla rasatura con un rasoio di sicurezza a doppio filo (chi volesse delucidazioni in merito può leggere la mia recensione sul rasoio Edwin Jagger DE89bl) e devo dire che nel "dopo rasatura" questa pietra in allume di potassio a forma di saponetta fa il suo. L'allume di potassio (o di rocca), come il nome ci dice, è un sale misto di alluminio e potassio ed è impiegato in ambito casalingo specialmente in qualità di deodorante antitraspirante. Le sue proprietà antibatteriche, astringenti ed emostatiche lo rendono perfetto per disinfettare e cauterizzare la pelle visto dopo subito una rasatura. La pietra in vendita è stata spedita dal Regno Unito e recapitata in 4 giorni. È piuttosto piccola (potete fare il raffronto nelle foto con la carta di credito affianco) e arriva inscatolata nella bustina di plastica (richiudibile) della prima foto. Il costo è un pochino alto, ma è in allume di potassio al 100% e, onestamente, in giro o non si trova o costa ancora di più. Credo che, utilizzandola circa 3-4 volte a settimana, la sua durata sia di circa un anno. Lascio a chi fosse interessato un piccolo vademecum sul suo utilizzo, basato sulla mia personale esperienza: 1. Dopo la rasatura, inumidire il viso con acqua fredda 2. Passare la pietra di allume anch'essa sotto l'acqua fredda 3. Passare la stessa lentamente (premendo delicatamente) su tutti i punti in cui si è effettuata la rasatura 4. Lasciare agire per un minuto circa ed effettuare un leggero risciacquo del viso. Similmente alle comuni pennette emostatiche (meno efficaci e piacevoli da usare di questa pietra, a mio avviso), l'unica piccola controindicazione è che pizzicherà un pochino sulla pelle (nei punti in cui la rasatura è stata più aggressiva), ma terminato il punto 4. ogni singolo tagliettino sarà chiuso e il viso sarà liscio come seta. Dopo, volendo, si può applicare un dopobarba (nel mio caso PRORASO per pelli sensibili) sempre sulla pelle umida per poi lasciar asciugare il viso naturalmente, arieggiandolo o, se proprio si va di fretta, tamponando con un panno pulito (mai sfregare, la pelle è già piuttosto irritata dopo la rasatura, non c'è bisogno di peggiorare la situazione). Bisogna porre particolare attenzione nel maneggiarla con cura poiché, se cade, si rompe in mille pezzi. Perciò, considerata la sua fragilità, consiglio di riporla in un posto sicuro dopo averla asciugata tamponandola con della carta igienica.

Llegó rápido y en buen estado. La piedra no es muy grande, pero da para muchos usos. Viene en una caja como de cartón ligero. Nunca había usado una piedra de alumbre pero la verdad es que funciona muy bien. Ayuda mucho contra la irritación y si te haces algún corte para el sangrado enseguida. Estoy contento con la compra, lo recomiendo.

Anti bacterial, soothing, nice results