Isopropyl Rubbing Alcohol as an antiperspirant.

[OvenSeeksBun]

When I was at the chiropractor's office a few weeks ago, I saw a spray-bottle of Isopropyl Rubbing Alcohol (70% USP) on his desk. The label stated that it is a topical antiseptic for relief of muscle stiffness or excessive perspiration. Now, I've been experiencing excessive perspiration (generally just under my arms) for a long time. I hate using regular antiperspirants because the only ones that do anything contain large amounts of aluminum.

Yesterday I picked up a bottle of the alcohol, and the pharmacist recommended that I try Drysol instead. I told her I tried it, and it itched so badly it drove me crazy. She said I could try to alcohol, but to apply it sparingly and only once or twice a week.

SO my question is, what do you know about using Isopropyl alcohol for perspiration? Is it safe? Also, DH and I currently trying to conceive, so I wouldn't want to use anything that would be harmful while pregnant.

Thanks in advance for any insight you're able to offer

[maggiemae]

I sometimes use alcohol before deodorant if I know I am going to sweat a lot (I speak in front of large goups often and I sweat out of nervousness). I don't think it helps with the actual sweating but cuts down on the stink. Drysol made me itch too! It hink it won't hurt you unless you drink it.

[Meiri]

I've never heard of this application for it, but I can see the wisdom of the recommendation to only use it that way once or twice/week. Alcohol is very drying to the skin.

I've read to use it as a foot rub too, for stinky feet. For what that's worth.

[AbbieB]

I don't use alcohol regularly, but I do when I am particularly stinky. I think it kills all of the stinky bacteria living in the area (it works great on my husband's occasionally stinky feet too.)

I usually can get by without wearing any deodorant at all by doing this.

[OvenSeeksBun]

Thanks for the replies. I was hoping it would work as an antiperspirant, but it sounds like it is more of a deodorant?

[amcal]

It's definitely a deodorant - I used it daily for years with no problems at all - no drying or irritation and it really worked on stink.

It does seem to cut down on the sweat as well. I'm in Phoenix and I'm a sweaty gal and I have less sweat in my pits with alcohol over other natural deodorants.

[OvenSeeksBun]

Originally Posted by amcal

It's definitely a deodorant - I used it daily for years with no problems at all - no drying or irritation and it really worked on stink.

It does seem to cut down on the sweat as well. I'm in Phoenix and I'm a sweaty gal and I have less sweat in my pits with alcohol over other natural deodorants.

How often do you apply it?

[georgia]

Does it burn??? I only have 90% isopropyl, and I'm afraid that would burn

[amcal]

Originally Posted by OvenSeeksBun

How often do you apply it?

I was using it daily - in the morning after my shower. I also kept a small travel size with me in case I needed to freshen up during the day. I generally didn't need it but, on super hot days where I was really active, I did spritz again in the afternoon.

I have used both commercial alcohol body sprays and made my own with rubbing alcohol and essential oils. They work equally well.

Does it burn??? I only have 90% isopropyl, and I'm afraid that would burn

I've never used 90% isopropyl - mine is 70% and it doesn't burn. There is maybe a slight sting when I use it right after I shave but, it's really nothing I even notice anymore.

But, like I said, I never used 90% so I can't tell you how that would feel. But, I have used vodka and that burned like the pits of he**. My pits were red for days. DO NOT USE GRAIN ALCOHOL! Ok, sorry for yelling but, seriously, it was so painful.