What type of Deodorant do you use?

[dulaney0330]

I have yet to find an effective deodorant without aluminum. I do sweat a lot and I have odor. But, sweating is the body's way of releasing toxins so I understand the use of it. But, any options for the odor and limitations of wetness?

[HeartExalted]

I would recommend The Crystal. It's basically a huge chunk of salt that you rub on the desired area to neutralize the bacteria that cause odor. It works, and it lasts a ridiculously long time.

[elucidate]

I don't have a bottle of it with me now, but there is a really effective spray deo that uses mineral crystal and purified water. It is the only thing that has ever completely killed all the bacteria which causes the odour in the first place.

I've used crystal sticks before and it usually requires a period of unpleasantness as it draws all the odour out of your system, which can be quite confronting.

This spray seems to skip that process and just kills all the bacteria...and lasts all day too. It's quite amazing. I'll see if I can find it and get back to you. Otherwise, there are quite a few natural roll-ons that are pretty effective as well and contain essential oils which act as disinfectants. I'm sure you could google for them.

[dulaney0330]

Originally Posted by elucidate

I don't have a bottle of it with me now, but there is a really effective spray deo that uses mineral crystal and purified water. It is the only thing that has ever completely killed all the bacteria which causes the odour in the first place.

I've used crystal sticks before and it usually requires a period of unpleasantness as it draws all the odour out of your system, which can be quite confronting.

This spray seems to skip that process and just kills all the bacteria...and lasts all day too. It's quite amazing. I'll see if I can find it and get back to you. Otherwise, there are quite a few natural roll-ons that are pretty effective as well and contain essential oils which act as disinfectants. I'm sure you could google for them.

Very interesting, thanks. I look forward to your reply!

[dulaney0330]

Originally Posted by HeartExalted

I would recommend The Crystal. It's basically a huge chunk of salt that you rub on the desired area to neutralize the bacteria that cause odor. It works, and it lasts a ridiculously long time.

how often have you used it?

[moonrambler]

That link HeartExalted posted has a spray, but I don't if that's the one you use, elucidate.

I use the crystal and haven't ever had any problems with it. I'm very well pleased at how well it works and I can definitely notice the difference if I don't bother to use it.

[rei]

The crystal does work well for odor, though my personal experience is that it is a deoderant, not an antiperspirant. You live in the states, so perhaps now that fall is starting you would be okay without an antiperspirant? Maybe just go sleeveless if you're going to do something strenuous like working out and see whether it's not that bad? (Most of us think our own 'wetness' is worse than it is. Forgot where I heard that. I think I heard it in relation to a clinical strength option, based on market research.) Oh, and you might also just wear more loose-fitting shirts if you're concerned about wet spots on your clothes. (People will still be able to tell how slim you are.)

I am not so sure it is very good for the body to block sweat under the arms, though it just comes out on the rest of the skin. Sweat cools us off. Frankly, it would be nice if our culture was against odor but not wetness, because sweating is good for us.

[dulaney0330]

Originally Posted by rei

The crystal does work well for odor, though my personal experience is that it is a deoderant, not an antiperspirant. You live in the states, so perhaps now that fall is starting you would be okay without an antiperspirant? Maybe just go sleeveless if you're going to do something strenuous like working out and see whether it's not that bad? (Most of us think our own 'wetness' is worse than it is. Forgot where I heard that. I think I heard it in relation to a clinical strength option, based on market research.) Oh, and you might also just wear more loose-fitting shirts if you're concerned about wet spots on your clothes. (People will still be able to tell how slim you are.)

I am not so sure it is very good for the body to block sweat under the arms, though it just comes out on the rest of the skin. Sweat cools us off. Frankly, it would be nice if our culture was against odor but not wetness, because sweating is good for us.

I don't mind the sweat but it does ruin my clothes and it leaves a slight odor if my armpit sleeve is close to my body.

What do you use?

[elucidate]

Originally Posted by moonrambler

That link HeartExalted posted has a spray, but I don't if that's the one you use, elucidate.

I use the crystal and haven't ever had any problems with it. I'm very well pleased at how well it works and I can definitely notice the difference if I don't bother to use it.

I looked at the link, and even tried to see about purchasing one, though the shipping to australia made it $46.50...I'll pass. The one I get here is probably exactly the same, it seems like the same thing as the one I spoke of, though it is a different brand.

As for rei's comments, it's true that sweating is our natural cooling function. Aren't people supressed enough without supressing natural body functions? That's just how I feel about it though.

Maybe you could take a special towel with you to wipe under your arms if they get too sweaty Dulaney?

[rei]

Originally Posted by dulaney0330

I don't mind the sweat but it does ruin my clothes and it leaves a slight odor if my armpit sleeve is close to my body.

What do you use?

It ruins your clothes? Interesting. For me, that pretty much only happens with white, close-fitting sleeved shirts that I have been wearing for years. Do you buy a lot of dry clean only clothing? Just wondering if the fabric has something to do with the difference. I get the slight odor as well but it comes out in the wash unless it's an item I've been wearing a lot over a long time.

Right now I'm using a mainstream product. I don't like the wetness and I live in an incredibly humid region so I've been using a clinical strength antiperspirant. Now that it's starting to cool down I'll probably go back to using the crystal (the chunky one, never used the spray). I think it is pretty much the aluminum-free standard, and I know it's been around for a pretty long time as an option so I'd guess most people are happy with it.

[dulaney0330]

Originally Posted by elucidate

I looked at the link, and even tried to see about purchasing one, though the shipping to australia made it $46.50...I'll pass. The one I get here is probably exactly the same, it seems like the same thing as the one I spoke of, though it is a different brand.

As for rei's comments, it's true that sweating is our natural cooling function. Aren't people supressed enough without supressing natural body functions? That's just how I feel about it though.

Maybe you could take a special towel with you to wipe under your arms if they get too sweaty Dulaney?

The sweat does not seem to be as much of a problem as the odor. For some reason, since I turned 24 years old the odor has been pretty pugnant. My husband sweats much more but does not have any odor! Quite irritating..

Its more about the odor than the sweat.

[rei]

By the way, I remember from your posting history that you've resonated with the HSP material. Is there a chance your own sense of smell is more finely tuned than those around you? I'm wondering if the smell is likely less noticeable to most people you would be interacting with, as I think that's happened in my case.

[rei]

Originally Posted by dulaney0330

The sweat does not seem to be as much of a problem as the odor. For some reason, since I turned 24 years old the odor has been pretty pugnant. My husband sweats much more but does not have any odor! Quite irritating..

Its more about the odor than the sweat.

Is there anything different about your diets? I am not sure there is anything conclusive on this, but I have heard that diet can affect our chemistry and that would include things like odor.

[dulaney0330]

Originally Posted by rei

It ruins your clothes? Interesting. For me, that pretty much only happens with white, close-fitting sleeved shirts that I have been wearing for years. Do you buy a lot of dry clean only clothing? Just wondering if the fabric has something to do with the difference. I get the slight odor as well but it comes out in the wash unless it's an item I've been wearing a lot over a long time.

Right now I'm using a mainstream product. I don't like the wetness and I live in an incredibly humid region so I've been using a clinical strength antiperspirant. Now that it's starting to cool down I'll probably go back to using the crystal (the chunky one, never used the spray). I think it is pretty much the aluminum-free standard, and I know it's been around for a pretty long time as an option so I'd guess most people are happy with it.

Well, i meant the white, close fitting sleeved shirts. There's this yellow stain around the corners. The odor does come out but I was hoping for a deodorant that was more effective than the one I've been using.

[rei]

Originally Posted by dulaney0330

Well, i meant the white, close fitting sleeved shirts. There's this yellow stain around the corners. The odor does come out but I was hoping for a deodorant that was more effective than the one I've been using.

Ah, okay.

moonrambler, any chance you're willing to share whether you get that same thing for your white, close-fitting sleeved shirts? My thinking is it may just be par for the course but perhaps the crystal makes this issue disappear? I would think you'd have to completely seal off your underarms to remove this issue...

I read somewhere the stains are from mainstream deodorant, not from sweat. No idea if that is valid.

[dulaney0330]

Originally Posted by rei

Is there anything different about your diets? I am not sure there is anything conclusive on this, but I have heard that diet can affect our chemistry and that would include things like odor.

I've been eating healthier since 24 years old. More veggies,spices, peppers and I have heard that can contribute...like onion and garlic.

[dulaney0330]

I've been thinking...my breath and armpit odor does somewhat undermine my self-esteem and its hard to NOT look at the body as flawed, disgusting, in need of fixing..you know?

The sweat and odor is seen in both of my sisters so it seems hereditary.

[elucidate]

Originally Posted by dulaney0330

I've been eating healthier since 24 years old. More veggies,spices, peppers and I have heard that can contribute...like onion and garlic.

Onions and garlic will come out through your pores...that's unavoidable. Counteracting with things like peppermint tea can help with digestion of these foods and may help with the smell factor, though don't quote me on it.

[elucidate]

Originally Posted by dulaney0330

I've been thinking...my breath and armpit odor does somewhat undermine my self-esteem and its hard to NOT look at the body as flawed, disgusting, in need of fixing..you know?

The sweat and odor is seen in both of my sisters so it seems hereditary.

Again, peppermint tea will help with your digestive system and this will work on your breath as bad breath can indicate digestive issues. It doesn't always happen just in the mouth.

Maybe do a 30 day peppermint tea trial and have 2-3 cups a day (or as much as you can handle) and see if there is a marked improvement? You can ask your husband for feedback if you aren't sure...sort of like a before and after experiment?

[Curtis2011]

Originally Posted by dulaney0330

I have yet to find an effective deodorant without aluminum. I do sweat a lot and I have odor. But, sweating is the body's way of releasing toxins so I understand the use of it. But, any options for the odor and limitations of wetness?

I use Old Spice.


Its true... the ladies do love it.

[HeartExalted]

Originally Posted by dulaney0330

how often have you used it?

Usually daily. Works pretty well.

[moonrambler]

Originally Posted by rei

Ah, okay.

moonrambler, any chance you're willing to share whether you get that same thing for your white, close-fitting sleeved shirts? My thinking is it may just be par for the course but perhaps the crystal makes this issue disappear? I would think you'd have to completely seal off your underarms to remove this issue...

I don't get any underarm stains at all. I don't know what causes them. My theory is it isn't necessarily antiperspirant, because I do get stains around the collar sometimes. Spray 'n Wash or something similar gets those out.

[MidasGirl]

Unless you sweat a lot and are bothered by it, then you want a deodorant, not an anti-perspirant. Luckily I don't have the sweaty problem, cuz I wouldn't want to anti-perspire. It's like anti-urinating

In any case, I've used The Crystal (spray) listed above, and that worked fine. Now I use Naturally Fresh, and it works fantastically to kill bacteria. I've put in many many hours scouring the shelves looking for deodorant that does not have aluminum and is hypoallergenic and all that good stuff. Most don't work, you still stink. Even with the one I use, I find it's only the spray that seems to work perfectly with me.

[dulaney0330]

Originally Posted by elucidate

Again, peppermint tea will help with your digestive system and this will work on your breath as bad breath can indicate digestive issues. It doesn't always happen just in the mouth.

Maybe do a 30 day peppermint tea trial and have 2-3 cups a day (or as much as you can handle) and see if there is a marked improvement? You can ask your husband for feedback if you aren't sure...sort of like a before and after experiment?

Hmm...interesting! I was drinking dandelion tea for 2 weeks but Whole Foods, for some reason, did not have it today. I did see Peppermint tea there so I will pick that up.

Thanks for the suggestion.

[dulaney0330]

I did pick up Thai crystal at whole foods and I haven't noticed too much of a difference, although I haven't showered today. I'll try it for a week and will switch to something different.

[dulaney0330]

Originally Posted by MidasGirl

Unless you sweat a lot and are bothered by it, then you want a deodorant, not an anti-perspirant. Luckily I don't have the sweaty problem, cuz I wouldn't want to anti-perspire. It's like anti-urinating

In any case, I've used The Crystal (spray) listed above, and that worked fine. Now I use Naturally Fresh, and it works fantastically to kill bacteria. I've put in many many hours scouring the shelves looking for deodorant that does not have aluminum and is hypoallergenic and all that good stuff. Most don't work, you still stink. Even with the one I use, I find it's only the spray that seems to work perfectly with me.

Thanks! Do you use the spray or stick? I was using Alba and it seemed to make it worse!

[MidasGirl]

The spray mist. I do the unscented one -- these days I seem to have become very sensitive to strong smells, and not in a good way. The stick does leave a residue and for whatever reason, doesn't seem to be effective.

BTW, more likely than not you can get it at your local health food store.

[elucidate]

Dulaney: The deoderant I was talking about earlier is called DeoNat. it's awesome.

[naossoan]

You guys do realize deodorant and antiperspirant are different, yes?

None of the deodorant's I've used have aluminum in them. Antiperspirants almost always have aluminum in them.

Deodorant simply masks the smell. I still sweat from my pits while using deodorant. I've never used antiperspirant.

I've used Old Spice original scent for as long as I can remember.
Ingredients:
Dipropylene Glycol, Water , Propylene Glycol , Sodium Stearate , Fragrance , PPG-3 Myristyl Ether , Tetrasodium EDTA , Violet 2 , Green 6

Now, I looked up these ingredients and none of them seem like anything I would particularly like having on my skin as they all have some sort of toxicity level, but it's a very low toxicity and is apparently harmless.

Maybe it's different for women's deodorant, because I've also read that many women's deodorants have both Triclosan and aluminum chlorhydrate (or some form of it, eg: Aluminum Zirconium Trichlorohydrex GLY in men's Old Spice antiperspirant.) maybe because it's apparently socially unacceptable for women to perspire? I have no idea.

My point is that people get so worked up about deodorant, shampoo, and whatever other beauty products and insist on using organic, all-natural brands. While I don't think it's a bad thing to use the all natural options, I don't think people should be freaking out about something that is probably very insignificant and will have no impact on their life or health. I'm certainly not saying that those compounds are not health concerns - because they certainly are. I'm just saying that not all non-organic products have chemicals that cause any kind of health concern.

[elucidate]

Did you happen to read a post by Lakshmi in the thread "for women..." where she spoke about a woman who loved lipgloss...and years later had a doctor show her how many pounds of petroleum jelly she had consumed just from using this one brand of lipgloss?

The amount in deoderant that is harmful is probably minimal. Using that product over and over for several years tends to build up deposits of chemicals from this source...which can then become significant, and harmful. It would be hard to know though, if someone got cancer , whether it was from their deoderant, from the air they breathe, radiation from their computer used over a span of 20 years, and all the other unhealthy influences in the world today. Humans adapt to these pollutants of course, and become resilient...but not impermeable.

There's nothing wrong with attempting to have some control at least over the amount of toxic chemicals you allow into your world, particularly on your body. Some people are more sensitive than others are...so they feel the effects of highly chemicalized products moreso than other less sensitive people.

Originally Posted by naossoan

You guys do realize deodorant and antiperspirant are different, yes?

None of the deodorant's I've used have aluminum in them. Antiperspirants almost always have aluminum in them.

Deodorant simply masks the smell. I still sweat from my pits while using deodorant. I've never used antiperspirant.

I've used Old Spice original scent for as long as I can remember.
Ingredients:
Dipropylene Glycol, Water , Propylene Glycol , Sodium Stearate , Fragrance , PPG-3 Myristyl Ether , Tetrasodium EDTA , Violet 2 , Green 6

Now, I looked up these ingredients and none of them seem like anything I would particularly like having on my skin as they all have some sort of toxicity level, but it's a very low toxicity and is apparently harmless.

Maybe it's different for women's deodorant, because I've also read that many women's deodorants have both Triclosan and aluminum chlorhydrate (or some form of it, eg: Aluminum Zirconium Trichlorohydrex GLY in men's Old Spice antiperspirant.) maybe because it's apparently socially unacceptable for women to perspire? I have no idea.

My point is that people get so worked up about deodorant, shampoo, and whatever other beauty products and insist on using organic, all-natural brands. While I don't think it's a bad thing to use the all natural options, I don't think people should be freaking out about something that is probably very insignificant and will have no impact on their life or health. I'm certainly not saying that those compounds are not health concerns - because they certainly are. I'm just saying that not all non-organic products have chemicals that cause any kind of health concern.