Non-aluminum Dedorant

[Mango04]

Hmpf...the mystery of natural deodorant. lol.

I don't know--I'd never heard that. (Good thing, or I may not have tried the crystal!). In my case, I had never used anything except regular deodorant/antiperspirant before. The crystal worked for me right away--it actually lasts longer than the regular for me. Which brand did you try?

I had tried the crystal (the one in the pink container). I didn't think it worked. Maybe I got a faulty one lol or maybe I'm just paranoid. I just ordered one called FloralActive. It gaurentees 12 hour protection. I'm determined to not have to poison myself with aluminum!

[Green12]

Can someone explain to me why aluminum deodorant would be bad for you?

"Even though aluminum is not considered to be a heavy metal like lead, it can be toxic in excessive amounts and even in small amounts if it is deposited in the brain. Many of the symptoms of aluminum toxicity mimic those of Alzheimer’s disease and osteoporosis. Colic, rickets, gastrointestinal problems, interference with the metabolism of calcium, extreme nervousness, anemia, headaches, decreased liver and kidney function, memory loss, speech problems, softening of the bones, and aching muscles can all be caused by aluminum toxicity.

Aluminum is excreted by the kidneys, therefore toxic amounts can impair kidney function. Aluminum can also accumulate in the brain causing seizures and reduced mental alertness. The brain is normally protected by a blood-brain barrier, which filters the blood before it reaches it. Elemental aluminum does not pass easily through this barrier, but certain compounds contained within aluminum, such as aluminum fluoride do. Interestingly, many municipal water supplies are treated with both aluminum sulfate and aluminum fluoride. These two chemicals can also combine easily in the blood. Aluminum fluoride is also poorly excreted in the urine.

When there is a high level of absorption of aluminum and silicon, the combination can result in an accumulation of certain compounds in the cerebral cortex and can prevent nerve impulses being carried to and from the brain properly. Long term calcium deficiency can further aggravate the condition.

It is estimated that the normal person takes in between 3 and 10 milligrams of aluminum per day. Aluminum is the most abundant metallic element produced by the earth. It can be absorbed into the body through the digestive tract, the lungs and the skin, and is also absorbed by and accumulates in the bodies tissues. Aluminum is found naturally in our air, water and soil. It is also used in the process of making cooking pots and pans, utensils and foil. Other items such as over the counter pain killers, anti-inflammatory products, and d%$#@#$ preparations can also contain aluminum. Aluminum is also an additive in most baking powders, is used in food processing, and is present in antiperspirants, toothpaste, dental amalgams, bleached flour, grated cheese, table salt, and beer, (especially when the beer is in aluminum cans). The biggest source of aluminum, however, comes from our municipal water supplies."

[Green12]

I just came across some information that said when you first start using aluminum-free natural deodorants, your skin detoxes for several days, which can cause a strong odor. I wonder if this is true. Does anyone know? I'm wondering if some of the natural brands seem like they don't work so well in the beginning for this reason....

This actually would not surprise me. Sweating is our bodies natural way of excreting toxins and etc. from the body through the pores in our skin, our skin being the largest organ of the body. The aluminum in anti-perspirants inhibits the perspiration so I would imagine if/when you stop using it a detox would happen?? Makes sense to me

[Girl Ninja]

Wow. Thanks Julie. I had no idea. I didn't use any sort of deodorant/ antiperspirant for a few years while I was vegetarian. I found that I didn't really have a detectable body odor or accumulate much, if any, plaque on my teeth while avoiding meat. Just strange side effects I noticed. I went back to using it when I went back to eating meat and started a more physical job. Maybe I'll try to stop again. Hmmm...

[Guest OyVay]

Very interesting posts. I have been using Old Spice deoderant for years. I just switched to the high endurance one and I'm wondering if I might be having a problem with it. I know I have an allergy to antiperspirants, but is it possible to have my celiacs act up because of a deoderant?

[HawkFire]

There is much good information on line about the cancer causing effects of commercial deodorants. The FDA is responsible for approving the antipersperant chemicals in the standard deod/antiPer on the market. The antibacterial qualities of a deodorant do not require FDA regulation. The (cancer causing) antipersperant in your average product is what requires FDA approval... need more proof that it's dangerous to your health????? I use a mineral rock. I sweat and have sweat marks on my shirts. I've learned to live with them and not give a rat's behind what others are thinking. So what if someone thinks it's gross. I'm not clogging my pores with cancer causing/ FDA approved chemical.

[Michi8]

This actually would not surprise me. Sweating is our bodies natural way of excreting toxins and etc. from the body through the pores in our skin, our skin being the largest organ of the body. The aluminum in anti-perspirants inhibits the perspiration so I would imagine if/when you stop using it a detox would happen?? Makes sense to me

I've had luck with using crystal antiperspirants before....many years ago. I can't remember why I stopped using it. I find that deoderant doesn't work well for me, antiperspirant is better...but I think I need to give crystal another shot.

In terms of detox, you may find your sweat smells less if you make sure you sweat thoroughly on a regular basis. Since I started hot yoga (twice per week) I find that my sweat has less odour...my body sweats thoroughly for the full 1.5 hour class. Definitely a great way to help one's body detox.

Michelle

[aquamarine-queen]

New here, but I've tried virtually all the "natural" deodorants out there and thought I'd chime in.

Most of what I tried wasn't effective for me. I'd say I'm fairly "normal" as per sweat/odor issues, so I believe it was product ineffectiveness (possibly combined with my natural chemistry) that was the problem, not any inordinate sweatiness or stinkiness on my part.

What DID work (and very well, I might add): the Thai crystal stone and Kiss My Face Liquid Rock, but however well they worked, they weren't 100% perfect. Liquid Rock was effective all day, but took forever to dry once applied and I felt the product liquify during the day, which made me feel like as if I were perspiring when I wasn't. I didn't mind this as much in the summer as I was usually sleeveless and the coating didn't cling to my clothing. The crystal stone dried reasonably quickly and thoroughly but stung like the Dickens when first applied (especially right after shaving), and it took several months (yes, you read that right!) for the scaly redness to subside, even with daily use. My underarms were like sandpaper! That said, I stayed dry in most conditions (the exception being a mid-summer run) and I never detected any odor - and I have a keen nose.

Ultimately, I returned to aluminum-based deodorants simply because I can't stand to feel that icky wetness, not from sweat, but from the product. (I hated using the hairdryer 4 or 5 times during the day!) And the crystal was simply too brutal on my skin.

An honorable mention is Aubrey's calendula spray-on deodorant; it kept odor at bay for about 8 hours, it DID sting a bit when applied (grain alcohol), and it never completely dried. But it was still better than the Nature's Gate, Tom's of Maine, Dr. Haushka (sp) (which was REALLY expensive), etc, that I've tried. My husband uses Burt's Bees Herbal Deodorant and LOVES it. But he doesn't have much of a problem with perspiration and he doesn't mind feeling "damp" throughout the day.

I'm of the opinion that, no matter the brand, "natural" deodorants are a big compromise. Over the past five years, I've gone back and forth between natural and aluminum-based because I hate the thought of absorbing all of that aluminum. But I hate the thought of feeling disgusting or uncomfortable more.

AquaQ

[Mango04]

I'm of the opinion that, no matter the brand, "natural" deodorants are a big compromise. Over the past five years, I've gone back and forth between natural and aluminum-based because I hate the thought of absorbing all of that aluminum. But I hate the thought of feeling disgusting or uncomfortable more.

I'm sooo with you there.

The best option I found was Crystal Stick combined with a couple sprays of Aubreys, but I tend to switch back and forth as well.

[jerseyangel]

I'm still using the crystal deodorant stick--and I love it!

My husband even uses one now

[Felidae]

I have tried so many natural deoderants without any luck. But finally Nature's Gate has come to my rescue. I don't smell anymore.

[HawkFire]

As long as you apply it right after a shower, there's a good chance you won't smell. I find if I forget to apply it directly after showering, I will get smelly. The bacteria must not have an opportunity to accumulate. The sweat doesn't smell. It's the bacteria. I will not apply anything to my body that has chemicals I can avoid with a bit of effort. We use only cocoa butter sticks for mosturizer, crystal sticks for deod, free shampoos, soaps, detergents, - but also avoid the plant estrogen laden lavenders,etc. Essential oils are not truely essential.. More harmful than given credit for.

[Felidae]

As long as you apply it right after a shower, there's a good chance you won't smell. I find if I forget to apply it directly after showering, I will get smelly. The bacteria must not have an opportunity to accumulate. The sweat doesn't smell. It's the bacteria. I will not apply anything to my body that has chemicals I can avoid with a bit of effort. We use only cocoa butter sticks for mosturizer, crystal sticks for deod, free shampoos, soaps, detergents, - but also avoid the plant estrogen laden lavenders,etc. Essential oils are not truely essential.. More harmful than given credit for.

I always apply it right after I shower, but I am just a potent girl. Oh well Nature's Gate works for now.

I try to limit the chemicals in my house too.

[Arlek]

This may come as a surprise to everyone, but those crystal deodorants that say they're made out of mineral salts are generally made out of 100% alum (despite the fact that they list mineral salts as a separate ingredient). Alum actually is a mineral salt