Alum stone, commonly known as fitkari, is one of those traditional beauty ingredients that has been used for generations. This translucent mineral stone is best known for its astringent properties, which means it can temporarily tighten the appearance of the skin and help reduce excess oil.
Alum is also commonly used after shaving and as a natural deodorizing ingredient. However, because it can be drying or irritating when overused, a little goes a long way. If you have sensitive or very dry skin, always do a patch test first.
Here are 5 simple ways to use alum stone in your skincare routine.
If your skin becomes oily quickly or your pores look enlarged, this simple alum toner can leave your face feeling fresh and clean.
Take the alum stone and gently rub it against a clean grater or crush a tiny portion into powder. You only need a small pinch of alum powder.
Mix the alum with rose water and drinking water. Add aloe vera gel and glycerin and stir until everything is properly combined.
Transfer the mixture into a clean spray bottle.
After washing your face, spray a little toner onto a cotton pad and gently wipe it over your skin.
Use it 2–3 times a week rather than every day, especially when trying it for the first time.
Follow with a lightweight moisturizer.
One of the oldest uses of an alum stone is as an after-shave treatment.
After shaving, rinse the skin thoroughly with cool water.
Wet the alum stone with clean water and very gently glide it over the freshly shaved area. Do not repeatedly rub the same area.
Leave it on for approximately 30–60 seconds, then rinse your skin with water.
Finish by applying aloe vera gel or a fragrance-free moisturizer.
Alum can sometimes sting after shaving, particularly if there are tiny cuts. If you experience strong burning, wash it off immediately.
This DIY combines the astringent nature of alum with moisturizing ingredients so that your skin does not feel excessively dry.
Mix aloe vera gel, honey, rose water and cucumber juice in a small bowl.
Add just a tiny pinch of alum powder and mix thoroughly.
Apply a thin layer to clean skin, avoiding the eyes and lips.
Leave it on for around 5–8 minutes and rinse with plenty of water.
Use this pack once a week.
During hot and humid weather, oily skin can feel greasy within just a few hours of cleansing. A very diluted alum solution can occasionally be used as part of an oil-control routine.
Boil the water and allow it to cool until it is lukewarm.
Dip the alum stone into the water for a few seconds, remove it, and stir the water. The goal is to make a very weak alum solution, not a concentrated one.
Once cool, mix in rose water.
Apply a small amount using a cotton pad, leave it for a minute or two, and rinse.
Finish with aloe vera gel or your usual moisturizer.
Avoid using concentrated alum water because stronger does not mean better and may simply leave the skin irritated and dry.
Alum stones are often used as a traditional mineral deodorant because they can help reduce odor-causing bacteria on the surface of the skin.
After bathing, wet the alum stone with clean water.
Very gently glide it over clean underarms once or twice.
Allow the area to dry naturally before putting on clothes.
Wash and dry the alum stone after use.
Avoid applying alum immediately after shaving if your skin tends to sting or become irritated.
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