Bloc Osma Alum Block, 2.65 Ounce

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!

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.

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

Just don't drop it!