Alum stone

We all know that natural materials are all the rage when it comes to cosmetics. The more economical and ecological they are, the more people use them. That's the case with this large stone that looks like a rough diamond (only less shiny).

An ancient stone

This mineral (a double sulphate of aluminium and potassium), whose name means salt in Greek, has been used for centuries in a wide variety of fields, from dyeing fabrics to protecting wooden houses. But today it's another aspect of this stone that interests us and makes it a bathroom must-have. It's THE natural solution to the problems of excessive perspiration and unpleasant odours. Its chemical composition makes this mineral salt a beauty ally. It is also known as double aluminium salt, because of its chemical compound.

A beauty asset

Alum stone has several strings to its bow. It can be used in a number of ways in the bathroom.

Did you know? Alum stone is a fantastic astringent. It can be used directly on the skin as a deodorant or after-shave care. It is also useful for acne-prone skin.

Alum stone comes in a variety of formats. Raw, it often has a sharp edge, making it difficult to use without injuring yourself. It is generally polished. It should be used on wet skin to reveal its full potential. It can also be moistened directly before use.

After-shave care.

We all know about razor burn, that sensation of heat when shaving. Small cuts are often the result. Whether they appear on the face, under the armpits or even on the legs, alum stone can be used on irritated skin. It has what's known as "haemostatic" properties, meaning that it stops the flow of blood from small cuts. Moisten the stone, rub it over the irritated skin and you'll find your skin has healed.

Anti-acne care

This is a little-known use of alum stone that we're going to talk about here. Although it has astringent and haemostatic properties, it combines these with an anti-bacterial function, well known from its use as a deodorant. This anti-bacterial effect is particularly useful for acne-prone skin. In fact, daily application will reduce the multiplication of bacteria, which is very common in acne-prone skin. Rubbing alum stone into the damp skin of your face will not only reduce the proliferation of bacteria, but also reduce the scarring of small acne pimples.

Deodorant stone

Everyone has had at least one sceptical reaction to this stone, this transparent crystal with mineral veins that looks anything but deodorant. It looks more like a souvenir you can buy in a mountain shop, alongside a green or purple stone. Although it is most often found polished and smooth, it is sometimes present in its raw form.

Many of us had a sceptical, even incredulous reaction to the discovery of this product. But using the stone will make everyone agree: it works. Yes, rubbing a stone under your armpits will prevent you from sweating and, what's more, from smelling bad.

Its astringent properties tighten the skin's pores and its antibacterial properties stop the creation of unpleasant odours. It's the combination of these factors that makes it so remarkably effective.

A solution for special situations

Sensitive skin, particularly under the arms, is sometimes a barrier to the use of deodorants containing alcohol and other fragrances that are harsh on the skin in general, and under the arms in particular. Many people find themselves without a solution to this problem, preferring to leave their underarms unprotected against unpleasant odours and irritations. Alum stone is an effective solution for all these people.

The ban on the use of perfume during certain religious rites, in particular those of the Muslim pilgrimage (the hajj) or the small pilgrimage (the omra), calls for the use of this fragrance-free deodorant. Muslims all over the world often turn to this alternative, which does not cancel their rite, an essential pillar of the Muslim religion.

User reviews

- I don't know where to start: the quality, the price, how long it lasts... I have sensitive skin under my armpits due to the use of numerous deodorants, each more harmful than the last. The combination of razor and deodorant didn't help to heal this particular area of my skin either. So I ended up with red patches under my arms, unable to wear deodorant. When I saw the alum stone I said to myself, I've got nothing left to lose, I might as well give it a try. I'm more than satisfied with its effectiveness: no unpleasant odour, controlled perspiration and skin that's gradually regaining its human form. What about the price? I have the impression that the stone will stay as it is for the rest of my life, it doesn't reduce, or only slightly, so the value for money is indisputable!

- Going on pilgrimage last year, I knew that the use of scented products was forbidden during certain days of my trip. Not wanting to sacrifice certain aspects of my hygiene, starting with body perspiration, I looked into the use of fragrance-free deodorants. Alum stone was one of the first things I looked for. On the spot, it proved to be very practical and effective, and I'd recommend it to anyone who wants to comply with religious regulations without making any concessions to their personal hygiene

- Hormonal treatments put a strain on the perspiration odours my body produced. None of the deodorants worked properly, even those from the chemist. I was won over by the effectiveness of alum stone. I add a few drops of peppermint essential oil and that's it. I'm delighted".