How to compare styptic powders.

1. Ingredient list

Cheap styptic powders cut their potassium alum with talc, ferric subsulfate, or other fillers. Some brands use aluminum chloride or aluminum sulfate instead of potassium alum. Pure potassium alum is the gold standard — same ingredient that's been used in shaving since the 1800s.

2. Container quality

Plastic shakers spill, lose their seal, and absorb moisture from your bathroom. Aluminum tins with screw-top lids stay sealed indefinitely. StyptiQ ships in a proper 2 oz aluminum tin.

3. Country of origin

A surprising amount of styptic powder is imported from manufacturers with limited quality control. Look for products manufactured in countries with strong cGMP requirements. StyptiQ is manufactured and packed in the USA in an FDA-registered facility.

4. Price per application

Don't look at the tin price — look at the applications-per-dollar. A a cheap tin with a tiny scoop is short-term math. A 2 oz aluminum tin lasts. Long-term value matters.

5. Shelf life

Potassium alum is indefinitely stable. Any brand that prints an expiration date under 3 years is being conservative for legal reasons or has added unstable ingredients. Pure powder doesn't expire.