Thread: Inexpensive Alum Block Alternative

For those of you on a tight budget or who want to save some space in your travel kit, there is another source for alum in your bathroom. An alternative to the alum block is the Crystal underarm deodorant rock (Crystal Body Deodorant). It's made of the same stuff. Two uses from one product saves space in your luggage. It's cheaper too. I think the deodorant runs about $6 at the drug store, and it lasts way longer than any stick type deodorant I've ever used (going on three years with mine).

I don't do malls, but in the past several have pointed out that crystal deodorants for alum substitutes are available for cheap at GNC.

Originally Posted by Utopian

I don't do malls, but in the past several have pointed out that crystal deodorants for alum substitutes are available for cheap at GNC.

You mean I'm not the first person to "discover" this? Damn! I guess that makes me the last person to find out again.

If I remember right, there are 2 versions of the crystal deodorant with slightly different ingredients. One is better for your face. I will see if I can dig up the thread.

BTW. Health Food stores should have these too.

Originally Posted by joesixpack

You mean I'm not the first person to "discover" this? Damn! I guess that makes me the last person to find out again.

If it's any consolation, I invented the electric motor in 5th grade using electromagnets, but it turned out it had already been done. I had no idea that was how the damn things worked!

All the deodorant sticks I've seen are made of ammonium alum. You need potassium alum for your face. Potassium alum would probably be ineffective as a deodorant for most folks.

cheap alum here:
Barber's Alum 'Þap' (70g - 2.5oz) (Barber's Alum 'Sap' (70g - 2.5oz)): Tulumba.com

Originally Posted by thebigspendur

All the deodorant sticks I've seen are made of ammonium alum. You need potassium alum for your face. Potassium alum would probably be ineffective as a deodorant for most folks.

plus, I'm not so sure I want something rubbed under these hairy arms rubbling on my face too.

Originally Posted by mainaman

cheap alum here:
Barber's Alum 'Þap' (70g - 2.5oz) (Barber's Alum 'Sap' (70g - 2.5oz)): Tulumba.com

Gentlemen:

A couple days ago I ordered a big stock of these alum blocks from Tulumba, a Turkish site. Anything over $25 and under 4 lbs. was free shipping. So I added a couple of their Arko aftershave balm tubes.

You can't beat these prices, especially if you can be creative about the shipping charges. I was going to write a comment or two on my good deals, but Stefan beat me to it. Thanks, Stefan, for the mentioning the site.

Regards,
Obie

That's where I get mine. When I bought a few years ago I got a lifetime supply.