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Beauty & Personal Care Skin Care

Best Alum Blocks

Kyle Schurman
Written by Kyle Schurman
Updated January 2022
Bottom line
Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
Osma Alum Block 2.65 oz. – Pack of 2
Osma Alum
Block 2.65 oz. – Pack of 2

All-natural product that soothes irritated skin and closes nicks from shaving.

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Bottom Line

All-natural product that soothes irritated skin and closes nicks from shaving.

Pros

Provides a good value per ounce, as you’ll receive two alum blocks in one order. Versatile product that’s a good choice for toning the skin or serving as a deodorant. Works best as a pre-shave application for electric shaving or as a post-shave application for mechanical shaving. Sourced from France for a high level of quality.

Cons

Five-plus ounces of product may be more than some people need.

Best Bang for the Buck
Gentleman Jon 3.7 oz. Alum Block in Plastic Case
Gentleman Jon
3.7 oz. Alum Block in Plastic Case

Desirable price per ounce for a product that ships inside a plastic case to provide a good value.

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Bottom Line

Desirable price per ounce for a product that ships inside a plastic case to provide a good value.

Pros

Gives your irritated skin a soothing feeling after a shave. Helps to quickly heal nicks from shaving. Block is a little larger than some other brands, giving you a longer-lasting product. Corners and edges won’t break off if you keep it in the protective case. Tones the skin without causing pores to clog.

Cons

Texture is odd, as it seems softer than some other alum blocks.

Parker Safety Razor's Large Alum Block with Travel Case
Parker Safety
Razor's Large Alum Block with Travel Case

One of the larger alum block products you’ll find, so it should last a long time, even in a busy home.

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Bottom Line

One of the larger alum block products you’ll find, so it should last a long time, even in a busy home.

Pros

Ships inside a plastic case, which will prevent the corners and edges from cracking. Works perfectly after a shave to cool irritated skin and to close any minor nicks. Uses only pure potash alum with no added chemicals. Works nicely for men or women after shaving. Reasonable price per ounce.

Cons

Plastic case may crack if it’s placed under stress.

B.I.G. Beard Balm 3.52 Oz. Large Alum Rock
B.I.G. Beard Balm
3.52 Oz. Large Alum Rock

Perfect product to reduce skin irritation after shaving and to tighten pores in the skin.

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Bottom Line

Perfect product to reduce skin irritation after shaving and to tighten pores in the skin.

Pros

Quickly closes nicks from shaving. Ships inside a hard container to prevent the alum block from cracking. Reasonable price per ounce. Includes an option to download an e-book with shaving advice and tips. Works nicely for women or men after a shave. Doesn’t cause unwanted reactions with other grooming products.

Cons

This alum block may absorb some unwanted odors over time.

Caravelle Alum Stone
Caravelle
Alum Stone

Doesn’t ship as a formed rectangular block, so it’s offered at a very low price per ounce.

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Bottom Line

Doesn’t ship as a formed rectangular block, so it’s offered at a very low price per ounce.

Pros

Some people find the small chunks of alum block in this product to be easier to hold and use than a large block. Good value for those who don’t want a rectangular block. Consists of ammonium alum, which means it works better as an anti-perspirant than as a product to help with skin suffering from razor burn.

Cons

Doesn’t ship in a protective plastic case. Some pieces are very small.

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BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.About BestReviews 
HOW WE TESTED

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First Reviewed
January 01, 2022
30
Models
considered
30
Hours
researched
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Kyle Schurman
Written by Kyle Schurman

Updated January 2022

An alum block is a natural healing product that’s primarily used as aftershave. Men use this block to calm sensitive skin post-shave and also heal minor nicks and cuts. These blocks are made of potassium alum and have natural antiseptic qualities. Part of a multi-step grooming routine that should be used before applying aftershave and/or face balm. Alum blocks have been used for thousands of years to calm irritated skin in a natural way. Ancillary benefits include using the block as a deodorant. Have other medical products on hand in the event you have an atypical shaving cut. Preventive qualities also help to reduce future shaving accidents.

Our Top Picks
Osma Alum
Best of the Best
Osma Alum
Block 2.65 oz. – Pack of 2
Bottom Line
All-natural product that soothes irritated skin and closes nicks from shaving.
Shop Now
Gentleman Jon
Best Bang for the Buck
Gentleman Jon
3.7 oz. Alum Block in Plastic Case
Bottom Line
Desirable price per ounce for a product that ships inside a plastic case to provide a good value.
Shop Now
Parker Safety
Top Pick
Parker Safety
Razor's Large Alum Block with Travel Case
Bottom Line
One of the larger alum block products you’ll find, so it should last a long time, even in a busy home.
Shop Now
B.I.G. Beard Balm
Top Pick
B.I.G. Beard Balm
3.52 Oz. Large Alum Rock
Bottom Line
Perfect product to reduce skin irritation after shaving and to tighten pores in the skin.
Shop Now
Caravelle
Top Pick
Caravelle
Alum Stone
Bottom Line
Doesn’t ship as a formed rectangular block, so it’s offered at a very low price per ounce.
Shop Now
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