[P.J.]

<p>I don't think I'm a particularly stinky or strong-smelling person, but I have noticed that thus far none of the non-toxic deodorants I've tried work. Some (like Tom's) work sometimes, but then on days when I really sweat forget about it. So far the best I've found is Aubrey's 'E Plus High C' .</p>
<p> </p>
<p>I'm in Germany, the world leader in natural cosmetics, and yet still all the brands I've tried here (Dr. Hauschka, Lavera, etc) leave me smelling after a long day at work. So do I have to just resign myself to this if I want to avoid harsh chemicals? I suppose I can just bring it with me and reapply throughout the day, but if possible I'd rather not. Please share if you've found a deodorant that actually leaves you not smelling after a long day. I'll be in the US soon and can stock up.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>And while we're on the topic, I avoid anti-perspirants as they all contain aluminum (as far as I know), but yet sometimes I notice I have sweat stains under my arms at work, which is not very nice in that situation. I don't mind sweating per se, I think the body needs to and I don't want to stop that, but for work sometimes I'd love to find a non-aluminum, non-toxic anti-perspirant. Does such a thing exist?</p>
<p>TIA!</p>

 

[jimblejamble]

<p>Try a deodorant crystal.  I love mine!  <img alt="smile.gif" class="bbcode_smiley" src="http://files.mothering.com//images/smilies/smile.gif"></p>

 

[ASusan]

<p>I also do very well with my crystal, but I'm not generally a sweaty person to begin with.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>One thing I learned (at MDC, I believe) is that to apply the crystal, you should wet it, then swipe it <span style="text-decoration:underline;">back and forth on your armpit 20-30+ times</span>. Once I started doing this, it worked a LOT better.</p>

 

[Scarlettmoon]

<p>I wasn't sure if you would want to make your own, but this is the one I make.  Hubby and I both use it, and I've been super happy with it.  I have always had trouble with deodorant's and anti-perspirants, so I decided to try this one after the rave reviews.  There was a short adjustment period, where I didn't think it was working (a few days), and then it was over and it's been wonderful ever since.  Here it is incase you would be interested.</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p><a href="http://www.passionatehomemaking.com/2010/02/homemade-all-natural-deodorant.html" target="_blank">http://www.passionatehomemaking.com/2010/02/homemade-all-natural-deodorant.html</a></p>

 

[P.J.]

<p>Thanks for the replies. My question is: what are those deodorant crystals made of? I was under the impression it was some kind of aluminum salt, which we're trying to avoid in the first place. If it's really nontoxic, then I'll give it a try.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>I may also try making some from that recipe, thanks!</p>

 

[Aubergine68]

<p>Baking soda mixed with the body cream of your choice, whatever you are not sensitive to.  Best deodorant I've ever used.  Takes care of stinky adolescent pits too.  V. cheap and easy to make, just mix some skin cream and baking soda in, as much as you can and have it still be creamy, not crumbly.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>That recipe above with the coconut oil looks really great, similar concept.</p>

 

[jimblejamble]

<p>From their website (<a href="http://www.thecrystal.com/faq.cfm" target="_blank">http://www.thecrystal.com/faq.cfm</a>)</p>
<p> </p>
<p><em>As always, much of the confusion centers on the term Alum vs. aluminum chlorohydrate and aluminum zirconium. Aluminum chlorohydrate and aluminum zirconium are the ingredients found in most antiperspirants. Crystal™ deodorants do not contain these ingredients. Crystal™ deodorants are made of the mineral salts, potassium alum in the liquids and ammonium alum in the solids. These compounds are very different from the ingredients found in antiperspirants. Alum is a completely different compound that has a larger molecular weight. Our data shows that molecules of alum are too large to be absorbed through the skin and in any case, even if it were possible for alum molecules to be absorbed into the skin, such amounts would be inconsequential in daily use.  According to a study of our deodorant properties by Aigner McLaughlin Associates, an independent testing, consulting and research lab based in Portland, OR (please note that this study was not commissioned by Crystal™ but, instead, by one of our customers), it is not meaningful to conduct an absorption test because the possibility of absorption of aluminum ions through the skin “is miniscule compared to everyday intake through food, water (and inhalation), thus making any analysis data statistically insignificant.”  We believe in the absolute safety of Crystal™ deodorants.</em></p>

 

[adorabelle]

<p><a href="http://ultimatemoneyblog.com/how-to-make-deodorant" target="_blank">http://ultimatemoneyblog.com/how-to-make-deodorant</a> I use this recipe and it works very well!</p>

 

[YinYang]

<p>I swear by <a href="http://oyinhandmade.com/shop/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=2&products_id=7&zenid=bcq498gcajm3dc0nuouo76rio6" target="_blank">Funk Butter</a>.  I always get the Black Cedar Fig scent as it works best for me and I like the smell (and it doesn't irritate me).  I've used it exclusively for over 4 years now.  I AM a stinky person otherwise.  I use this daily, run marathons, and do ashtanga yoga.  If it can work for that, it can work for anything!</p>
<p>Good luck!</p>

 

[mambera]

<p><br><br>
 </p>
<div class="quote-container"><span>Quote:</span>
<div class="quote-block">Originally Posted by <strong>JessicaRenee</strong> <a href="/community/forum/thread/1278547/is-there-a-non-toxic-deodorant-that-actually-works#post_16042901"><img alt="View Post" class="inlineimg" src="/community/img/forum/go_quote.gif" style="border-right:0px solid;border-top:0px solid;border-left:0px solid;border-bottom:0px solid;"></a><br><br><p>From their website (<a href="http://www.thecrystal.com/faq.cfm" target="_blank">http://www.thecrystal.com/faq.cfm</a>)</p>
<p> </p>
<p><em>As always, much of the confusion centers on the term Alum vs. aluminum chlorohydrate and aluminum zirconium. Aluminum chlorohydrate and aluminum zirconium are the ingredients found in most antiperspirants. Crystal™ deodorants do not contain these ingredients. Crystal™ deodorants are made of the mineral salts, potassium alum in the liquids and ammonium alum in the solids. These compounds are very different from the ingredients found in antiperspirants. Alum is a completely different compound that has a larger molecular weight. Our data shows that molecules of alum are too large to be absorbed through the skin and in any case, even if it were possible for alum molecules to be absorbed into the skin, such amounts would be inconsequential in daily use.  According to a study of our deodorant properties by Aigner McLaughlin Associates, an independent testing, consulting and research lab based in Portland, OR (please note that this study was not commissioned by Crystal™ but, instead, by one of our customers), it is not meaningful to conduct an absorption test because the possibility of absorption of aluminum ions through the skin “is miniscule compared to everyday intake through food, water (and inhalation), thus making any analysis data statistically insignificant.”  We believe in the absolute safety of Crystal™ deodorants.</em></p>
</div>
</div>
<p><br>
Alum is aluminum sulfate, AlSO4.  It is actually a much much smaller MW compound than the aluminum chlorohydrate Al₁₂Cl₁₂(OH)₂₄  and aluminum zirconium (tetrachlorohydrex gly, a gamish of various anionic and cationic complexes).  The Al in aluminum sulfate is 2+ and I think it is 3+ in the other two ions but I'm not sure whether that should make a difference to absorption.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>I'm actually not clear on what the concern with the aluminum is in the first place (other than it closes your pores which doesn't seem like a good thing), but overall I think if you are concerned about aluminum-containing antiperspirants then you should be equally concerned about the crystal.  Which is extremely effective IME, it seems to work just as well as the commercial antiperspirants which is totally not surprising since it contains a very similar active ingredient. </p>
<p> <br>
 </p>

 

[jennlyn]

<p>I'll second Scarlettmoon's suggestion.   I've had great success with the recipe, mind you, you will perspire, but it won't stink.  I live in a hot and humid climate and I've also discovered that if I eat semisweet chocolate ( you know, chips right out of the bag that don't make it into the cookies) my perspiration stinks. That is the only time  I seriously notice  a change. </p>

 

[Scarlettmoon]

<br><br><div class="quote-container"><span>Quote:</span>
<div class="quote-block">Originally Posted by <strong>jennlyn</strong> <a href="/community/forum/thread/1278547/is-there-a-non-toxic-deodorant-that-actually-works#post_16049361"><img alt="View Post" class="inlineimg" src="/community/img/forum/go_quote.gif" style="border:0px solid;"></a><br><br><p>I'll second Scarlettmoon's suggestion.   I've had great success with the recipe, mind you, you will perspire, but it won't stink.  I live in a hot and humid climate and I've also discovered that if I eat semisweet chocolate ( you know, chips right out of the bag that don't make it into the cookies) my perspiration stinks. That is the only time  I seriously notice  a change. </p>
</div>
</div>
<p><br>
Agreed, this recipe is wonderful- I was shocked by how well it worked.  I am thrilled to be using something that I know is not harming my body in anyway.  </p>

 

[Thyme Mama]

<br><br><div class="quote-container"><span>Quote:</span>
<div class="quote-block">Originally Posted by <strong>Scarlettmoon</strong> <a href="/community/forum/thread/1278547/is-there-a-non-toxic-deodorant-that-actually-works#post_16052693"><img alt="View Post" class="inlineimg" src="/community/img/forum/go_quote.gif" style="border:0px solid;"></a><br><br><br><br><div class="quote-container"><span>Quote:</span>
<div class="quote-block">Originally Posted by <strong>jennlyn</strong> <a href="/community/forum/thread/1278547/is-there-a-non-toxic-deodorant-that-actually-works#post_16049361"><img alt="View Post" class="inlineimg" src="/community/img/forum/go_quote.gif" style="border:0px solid;"></a><br><br><p>I'll second Scarlettmoon's suggestion.   I've had great success with the recipe, mind you, you will perspire, but it won't stink.  I live in a hot and humid climate and I've also discovered that if I eat semisweet chocolate ( you know, chips right out of the bag that don't make it into the cookies) my perspiration stinks. That is the only time  I seriously notice  a change. </p>
</div>
</div>
<p><br>
Agreed, this recipe is wonderful- I was shocked by how well it worked.  I am thrilled to be using something that I know is not harming my body in anyway.  </p>
</div>
</div>
<p><br>
it's true! i finally made this recipe and OH WOW! it really does work! i checked out the funk butter and i liked the black fig suggestion, so i made my deoderant with tea tree oil, cedarwood oil and jasmine absolute oil. dh loves it and was all over me <span><img alt="orngtongue.gif" src="http://files.mothering.com/images/smilies/orngtongue.gif"></span></p>
<p> </p>
<p>i was stinking soooo bad! i have all those nursing hormones going and even though i shower once or twice a day and eat all natural/organic foods and have no chemicals in my home, my underarms smelt like i had been touring with the dead and hadn't showered in a month! <span><img alt="ROTFLMAO.gif" src="http://files.mothering.com/images/smilies/ROTFLMAO.gif"></span></p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>

 

[Aubergine68]

<p>Kinda makes one wonder about how the mainstream deodorant industry even *happened*, when the baking soda based homemade deodorants are just *so* effective????  Plus being so cheap and easy to make???</p>

 

[Ravensong13]

<p>I use Herban Cowboy and it works fairly well. I wanna try the baking soda one now though! I sweat a TON in the winter and I'm not sure how the one I use now will hold up.</p>

 

[P.J.]

<p><br>
 </p>
<div class="quote-container"><span>Quote:</span>
<div class="quote-block">Originally Posted by <strong>mambera</strong> <a href="/community/forum/thread/1278547/is-there-a-non-toxic-deodorant-that-actually-works#post_16048243"><img alt="View Post" class="inlineimg" src="/community/img/forum/go_quote.gif" style="border:0px solid;"></a><br><br><p><br><br>
 </p>
<div class="quote-container"><span>Quote:</span>
<div class="quote-block">Originally Posted by <strong>JessicaRenee</strong> <a href="/community/forum/thread/1278547/is-there-a-non-toxic-deodorant-that-actually-works#post_16042901"><img alt="View Post" class="inlineimg" src="/community/img/forum/go_quote.gif" style="border:0px solid;"></a><br><br><p>From their website (<a href="http://www.thecrystal.com/faq.cfm" target="_blank">http://www.thecrystal.com/faq.cfm</a>)</p>
<p> </p>
<p><em>As always, much of the confusion centers on the term Alum vs. aluminum chlorohydrate and aluminum zirconium. Aluminum chlorohydrate and aluminum zirconium are the ingredients found in most antiperspirants. Crystal™ deodorants do not contain these ingredients. Crystal™ deodorants are made of the mineral salts, potassium alum in the liquids and ammonium alum in the solids. These compounds are very different from the ingredients found in antiperspirants. Alum is a completely different compound that has a larger molecular weight. Our data shows that molecules of alum are too large to be absorbed through the skin and in any case, even if it were possible for alum molecules to be absorbed into the skin, such amounts would be inconsequential in daily use.  According to a study of our deodorant properties by Aigner McLaughlin Associates, an independent testing, consulting and research lab based in Portland, OR (please note that this study was not commissioned by Crystal™ but, instead, by one of our customers), it is not meaningful to conduct an absorption test because the possibility of absorption of aluminum ions through the skin “is miniscule compared to everyday intake through food, water (and inhalation), thus making any analysis data statistically insignificant.”  We believe in the absolute safety of Crystal™ deodorants.</em></p>
</div>
</div>
<p><br>
Alum is aluminum sulfate, AlSO4.  It is actually a much much smaller MW compound than the aluminum chlorohydrate Al₁₂Cl₁₂(OH)₂₄  and aluminum zirconium (tetrachlorohydrex gly, a gamish of various anionic and cationic complexes).  The Al in aluminum sulfate is 2+ and I think it is 3+ in the other two ions but I'm not sure whether that should make a difference to absorption.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>I'm actually not clear on what the concern with the aluminum is in the first place (other than it closes your pores which doesn't seem like a good thing), but overall I think if you are concerned about aluminum-containing antiperspirants then you should be equally concerned about the crystal.  Which is extremely effective IME, it seems to work just as well as the commercial antiperspirants which is totally not surprising since it contains a very similar active ingredient. </p>
<p> <br>
 </p>
</div>
</div>
<br><br><p>For me it's the plugging the pores that bothers me...I mean, the body expels sweat for a reason and it seems like purposely clogging your own plumbing to do that! Also, the fact that aluminum is theoretically linked to Alzheimer's (although in the brain, not necessarily through the skin) makes me want to cut it as much as possible out of things entering my bloodstream.</p>

 

[~~Sarah~~]

<p>Weleda, Weleda, Weleda!</p>
<p>They make great spray deodorants that really work. I find their Rose one works fantastically.</p>
<p>I had great success with those rock crystal deodorants, until one day it stopped working, never to return again.</p>
<p>But frankly - if you are not worried about powder on your pits, use straight baking soda, it works miracles.</p>

 

[P.J.]

<p><br>
 </p>
<div class="quote-container"><span>Quote:</span>
<div class="quote-block">Originally Posted by <strong>Scarlettmoon</strong> <a href="/community/forum/thread/1278547/is-there-a-non-toxic-deodorant-that-actually-works#post_16039194"><img alt="View Post" class="inlineimg" src="/community/img/forum/go_quote.gif" style="border:0px solid;"></a><br><br><p>I wasn't sure if you would want to make your own, but this is the one I make.  Hubby and I both use it, and I've been super happy with it.  I have always had trouble with deodorant's and anti-perspirants, so I decided to try this one after the rave reviews.  There was a short adjustment period, where I didn't think it was working (a few days), and then it was over and it's been wonderful ever since.  Here it is incase you would be interested.</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p><a href="http://www.passionatehomemaking.com/2010/02/homemade-all-natural-deodorant.html" target="_blank">http://www.passionatehomemaking.com/2010/02/homemade-all-natural-deodorant.html</a></p>
</div>
</div>
<p><br>
 </p>
<p>So I made this and have been using it four days now, and so far <strong>it works!</strong> I wore it one day when I was carrying baby all through the city all day, and I get really hot in that situation and normally my shirt is all smelly under the arms, but this time it wasn't! Wow!</p>
<p> </p>
<p>One thing: it seemed a little too oily as I was making it so I added more cornstarch and a little more baking soda, and it seemed perfect. Well, after packing it into a jar and waiting a day to use it, I realized it really hardens a lot when left to sit. So now it's a little too hard and gets kind of crumbly when I scoop it out....I guess packing it in an old deo stick holder would work the best in this case, so I'll do that next time.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Thanks for all the recommendations, if I ever need to buy deodorant again I now know which ones, and I'm really psyched in the meantime to be making my own cheaply and easily, and it works!!!!</p>

 

[sdm1024]

<p>I can't wait to try the deodorant recipie! Hopefully I will be able to get the coconut oil this week.  Not to sound silly, but is it the same coconut oil in the grocery store? I found an organic one made by spectrum, it was about $8.50/jar.</p>

 

[Scarlettmoon]

<br><br><div class="quote-container"><span>Quote:</span>
<div class="quote-block">Originally Posted by <strong>sdm1024</strong> <a href="/community/forum/thread/1278547/is-there-a-non-toxic-deodorant-that-actually-works#post_16099480"><img alt="View Post" class="inlineimg" src="/community/img/forum/go_quote.gif" style="border:0px solid;"></a><br><br><p>I can't wait to try the deodorant recipie! Hopefully I will be able to get the coconut oil this week.  Not to sound silly, but is it the same coconut oil in the grocery store? I found an organic one made by spectrum, it was about $8.50/jar.</p>
</div>
</div>
<p><br>
Hubby and I use Nutiva Organic unrefined coconut oil for our cooking purposes, and so we buy it in bulk and that is what I use for the deodorant and moisturizing purposes.  But I'm sure the stuff at Walmart would work fine.  </p>