I have a dirty little secret that I need to confess: I still use regular, mainstream antiperspirant and deodorant.
Whew. There, I said it. But before you recoil in horror at the thought, let me explain myself.
I do have some natural deodorant, and I try to use it as much as I can. I don’t use the antiperspirant all the time; I know it’s full of toxins. Sometimes I go for a few months in the winter with just the natural stuff. But then summer rolls around, and well, to put it nicely, the natural stuff just doesn’t cut it.
I’ve read a lot of other blog posts about natural deodorant and even homemade deodorant, but I’ve noticed that all of these people seem to live up in the Pacific Northwest or Canada or the Arctic Circle (okay, kidding)…but none of them are anywhere even remotely close to the most humid, hottest, most stifling heat of Central Texas, where I make my home. Y’all, it has already been in the upper 90s here. And it’s so very very muggy. And so I pull out the toxin-filled antiperspirant once again.
But I’m ready to say no! There are just too many risks associated with the aluminum compounds in mainstream antiperspirants, as well as many other ingredients commonly found in antiperspirants and doedorants. I’m ready to find a healthier, non-toxic alternative that won’t leave me stinky by the end of the day. I’m ready for the Simple Organic Natural Deodorant Challenge. The only question is: are you?
Natural Deodorant Challenge Rules
If you’d like to join me in the Natural Deodorant Challenge, there are a few rules that we’ll need to follow together.
Photo by Richard
1. No aluminum compounds allowed. An aluminum compound is the main ingredient in an antiperspirant that prevents sweating by blocking the pores in the underarms. But sweating is good and healthy, allowing for the release of toxins and build-ups. And more and more research is showing a possible link between aluminum, breast cancer and Alzheimer’s. So get rid of the aluminum compounds.
2. No parabens or propylene glycol. Parabens are preservatives but they are known to be hormone disruptors, and propylene glycol is designed to break down the skin’s natural barriers for more effective product penetration, thereby entering the bloodstream and bringing a bunch of other chemicals along with it.
3. No added fragrance. Synthetic fragrances are also hormone disruptors, and some are even cancer-causing.
4. No triclosan. This anti-bacterial agent is sometimes added to “natural” deodorants, but as Katie Kimball taught us, it’s bad news.
5. You can use store-bought or home made. There are quite a few store-bought brands that meet these safety standards. If you’re not sure, you can look it up on the Skin Deep cosmetics safety database. You can also find plenty of home made deodorant recipes online; check here, here, and here.
6. Give it one month. Yes, a whole month is really necessary. If you’ve never used natural deodorant, you will probably experience some detox, which could include itchiness, rash, and unfortunately, an odor that gets worse before it gets better. You may need to try a few brands or recipes, too. So, be prepared to commit for one month.
Photo by Jek Bacarisas
Are You In?
• If you’re ready to join in the Simple Organic Natural Deodorant Challenge, leave your commitment in the comments section.
• If you already use natural deodorant and you’re happy with your brand/recipe, leave a comment letting us know what you use so we can get some ideas from the rest of you.
We’ll check in again in about a month to see how the Challenge went. To be honest, I am not sure that I will continue using natural deodorant after this month if I can’t find something that leaves me smelling halfway decent. So don’t feel like you have to commit to this forever; we’re all in this together, and we have to start somewhere!
Are you ready to join the Simple Organic Natural Deodorant Challenge? Do you have a brand or recipe to recommend?
About Katie
I’ve been using homemade deodorant for months already, but I’m one of those Canadians you referred to
I honestly have never used an antiperspirant or deodorant as effective as the homemade coconut oil, baking soda, cornstarch concoction I use now. I never stink!! I can’t see a reason I will ever go back.
So even though this challenge isn’t much of a challenge for me, since I’m already doing it and loving it, you can know I’ll be here cheering for you!
.-= Kim’s last blog: 192: Slice of Life =-.
I’m in! I’ve been trying some of the off the shelf natural deodorants, but I don’t like any of them much. I’m going to try angry chicken’s recipe. So I’m not really new to natural deodorants, but I’m ready to try homemade for a month (for my daughter as well, I think- don’t know if I can get hubby on board).
.-= Charissa’s last blog: Here’s Something You Probably Don’t Know About Me =-.
I live in the DC area, which is just starting to get really humid for the season. I, too, switch between regular and natural deodorant.
I will commit to one month of natural/homemade deodorant. I hope my husband and coworkers will forgive me!
If you can do it in Central Texas, I will do it in humid, hot south Florida! I do switch off and on too based on “necessity” but I agree that it will probably take a month of heat to really test it out. Got to go get those clothespins out!
I make my own and I can’t believe how good it works! Our area was recently struck my nasty tornados and I spend a day helping to clean up. After a day of cutting down trees and hauling branches, I was definitely sweaty, by my pits still smelled like the eucalyptus I put in the deodorant!
.-= Angie’s last blog: Forever and a Day… =-.
I have been using a natural crystal deodorant since January. I was really happy with it during the winter, but now that it is hot and humid I am having more odor, so I am going to try a dusting of baking soda after I apply the deodorant.
.-= Elizabeth G’s last blog: Teacher Gifts =-.
I switch winter and summer between natural crystal and (hangs head in shame) aerosol (with fragrance!). I will commit to using only natural preparations for a month. In desperate need of an alternate recipe(s) to try as the crystal doesn’t really do the trick in the summer.
Hi! I’m in NJ, and while it isn’t Texas, it has been in the 90s and HUMID since the end of May. Granted, it doesn’t last all year, but in the summer it is in the 80s, 90s, and sometimes it tops 100. I use a cornstarch/bakingsoda/coconut oil mixture and it works! Even on those gross days. The only thing I have found is that on hot, stressful, or long days, a reapply is necessary towards the end. I can’t help but think that regular deodorants, at least ones without strong fragrances, would also need to be reapplied.
Hope that helps!
.-= Jackie’s last blog: Mac n Cheese n Peas =-.
Hi Katie, You and your viewers may like to try Pit Putty by Bubble & Bee: http://www.bubbleandbee.com/servlet/the-92/natural-deodorant%2C-organic-deodorant%2C/Detail . Antiperspirant was one of the hardest items for me to give up too but, I swear, your system gets used to it. I definintely do not sweat any more without anitperspirant than with, and if I do the scent of a natural deod is much “cleaner” than synthetic fragrance. Pit Putty is white, so you’ll need to rub it in a little bit, but it is my fave thus far. My husband uses it too. Good luck witht the challenge — can’t wait to see the results!
.-= Liz Thompson’s last blog: It’s Here…the First OBS Giveaway =-.
I’m with ya’. Actually, I’ve been using homemade since last December. It seems to be no problem for my husband, but unfortunately, it’s not been working so great for me. However, part of that is because right after we switched, I became pregnant, and trust me, even those store-bought ones can’t cut it when I’m pregnant, so I’m not caring about a little stink. (Oh, gee, please don’t burn me at the stake for that.) Yeah, and it’s a Texas summer for me, too. But maybe I don’t exude stink as much as I think because I haven’t had anyone (including dh) tell me so. The real test will be in a few months when baby arrives and it cools down a tad.
Yeah!!! This is awesome. I’ve been going through the detox myself in the past two months, and I think I can safely say I’m past the worst of it.
I’ve found that with a natural deodorant, I can’t use the same one day in and day out… they seem much more effective if I alternate. So I have a Tom’s of Maine one, and a block of deodorant from LUSH, and I switch ‘em out every other day. It seems to work! Not as well as my old Secret, to be sure, but I’m okay with that, given the true cost of conventional stuff. Good luck with the challenge! 
.-= Laura’s last blog: The Crazy Cleanup House Tour Game =-.
I am in on this challenge. Someone started a thread at the MDA forum about using homemade toiletry items. Deodorant was brought up so I will have to venture back over there for some ideas.
I still have 2 unnatural ones left so I will have to use those for the next month while I experiment with homemade ones.
I currently use homemade toothpaste: coconut oil, baking soda, mint for flavor. Works great!
.-= Primal Toad’s last blog: Primal Fitness: Simple Fit Workout Day 2 =-.
I use Lindsay’s recipe: http://www.passionatehomemaking.com/2008/03/update-homemade-deoderant.html. I’m a smell snob…as in matching soap, lotion and spray…so going natch on deodorant was scary, but I’ve gotta say, I’m happy with it. My skin feels better and my husband swears I don’t smell bad at the end of the day.
this is the recipe that I use to and it works great! not so much when I was pregnant, but so far so good! (and I live in muggy, hot SC)
.-= Aimee’s last blog: Why I Don’t Like Couponing =-.
I use this too and love it. I’m Canadian but I’m a runner, and even after an 8 k run I may be sweaty (obviously) but I’m not stinky!
.-= Prairie Chick’s last blog: A Fixed Gaze. =-.
I have been using this recipe for two months now, and I love it! It keeps me smelling fresh through the whole day, even after exercising in the hot, muggy St. Louis weather.
I’ve been doing this for 2 months here in NJ and I have a history of horrible odor. No one is bothered by me anymore I use equal parts of cornstarch, baking soda and coconut oil
From North Texas here. I use a recipe from the internet (6 tablespoons of cold-pressed, extra virgin coconut oil, 1 cup of baking soda, and 1 cup of talc-free cornstarch/arrowroot powder). This stuff works and doesn’t leave a rash like some natural deodorants either. *cough* Toms of Main *cough* While I can’t promise miracles in this heat, it works well for weather below the 80s and
alright in the hotter temps (you may need to reapply though).
i live in charleston, south carolina & wait tables in a restaurant with sub-par a-c — talk about hot & humid!!! i’ve been using homemade deodorant for only about a month now, but i LOVE it. i was using tom’s before, & this is way better. granted, it’s NOT an anti-perspirant, but there is definitely no odor to deal with.
i snagged the recipe from angry chicken [link at the bottom] & poured my melted mixture into my old [& cleaned out thoroughly] tom’s deodorant container so i can just roll it on. have i mentioned that i LOVE LOVE LOVE it?
seriously, go try it, everyone! http://angrychicken.typepad.com/angry_chicken/2008/07/homemade-deodor.html
.-= lauren’s last blog: i am alive, i swear. [& i have new shampoo!] =-.
I’ve been using Simple Mom’s recipe for a month or two now and LOVE IT! Every so often I’ve gotten the “stink of the dead” which was completely eliminated by an application (or re-application). Otherwise, my only problem with it is remembering to go to the fridge in order to put on my deodorant. It was just too “moist” for me when I kept it on my dresser (I never even bothered with it in the bathroom – it’d be a puddle). I definitely keep it in a zip-top bag for travel and would probably switch back to store-bought if I were going someplace that didn’t have refrigeration (like camping for a long period of time – although in that case, I might also just go without – EVERYONE’s stinky at camp!). Right now it’s “scented” w/ Tea Tree Oil, but if I ever figure out a good company for essential oils, I’d certainly consider another scent for that and for my ACV hair rinse!
.-= Princess Leia’s last blog: Fooled You! =-.
I have been using homemade deodorant for months, and I live in central Alabama! And trust me, it’s hot and humid – in the 90s for the past month at least. I have heard friends say they’ve tried to buy natural deo and claim it doesn’t work well at all, so I skipped that and made my own first. My particular recipe is very simple – half and half baking soda & cornstarch, then I mash enough coconut oil into it to make it the same consistency as traditional antiperperant deodorant. Then, I pack it into an empty stick of deo! You will get wet at times, but it will NOT smell (unless you get a whiff of coconut), and it dries very quickly. I sweat kind of a lot, and I promise, I don’t sweat any more with this than the bought kind (which includes antiperperant). And, I love the way it smells! Coconut oil gets mushy at room temp, so I have started leaving mine in the fridge, although you don’t have to. Give it a try!
.-= amymezzell’s last blog: first 5k =-.
I have been using natural deodorant for a while now, and I love it – I will never go back to the conventional stuff! I live in very hot and humid South Florida, and I could never get any of the natural store-bought deodorants to work for me (and I tried a bunch – Tom’s of Maine, Jason, various crystals, even some expensive Weleda spray that made me smell like a sweaty woodsman.) Anyway, I began with the Passionate Homemaking recipe. It worked, but I was sensitive to the baking soda and broke out in a rash. After I decreased the amount of baking soda and added some shea butter, it was fine. Alas, summer came, and with the increased temps the coconut oil melted all over the place and it was a mess – so I recently gave angry chicken’s recipe a try and it rocks! The only change I made was to use 2 Tbsp. of baking soda (instead of 3) and 3 Tbsp. of cornstarch (instead of 2) to avoid the aforementioned itchy armpits. It works beautifully! (And I highly recommend the sweet orange oil/ylang-ylang oil scent combo – it is heavenly.)
Good luck to you all in this challenge! Really, even if the first recipe you try doesn’t work out so well, keep experimenting – it is so worth it to knock out that nasty toxic chemical mess!
I love this idea! By the way, if anyone is looking for a good brand to try, Naturally Fresh Deodorant is based out of South Florida. Talk about humidity and heat! It’s also the brand I use, and I like how it doesn’t clump and streak like my old conventional deo. They’re in a bunch of stores and online: http://natfreshdeo.com/
My dad’s been preaching against the aluminum in anti-perspirant for at least 15 years…and as a result, I don’t even wear any. I do shower every morning and use homemade soap (scented w/almond oil) on the pits, and the only time I EVER get an odor is when I have nervous sweat. Oh, and I ride my bike to work almost every day…so I get pretty sweaty.
My hubby, on the other hand, is a religious anti-perspirant user and he is always breaking out with various horrible-looking armpit rashes.
I live in Houston’s wonderful steam-bath during the summer. I use just plain organic unrefined coconut oil and it worked beautifully. The coconut oil gobbles toxins up (and that is what causes odor). Though, it won’t keep you from perspiring (I’m not sure its good to stop that anyway); but it will kill any odor! If it does not kill the odor then that is a good sign that I need to cleanse; its an indicator there are too many toxins in my body!
I’ve been using the crystal deodorant stone for over a year now and it works great for me! I must have tried every single brand of natural deodorant I can get my hands on and none of them worked. I’m not sure if the crystal satisfies the challenge since it seems to contain an aluminum compound (apparently there’s a huge disagreement about whether this type of aluminum is the “bad” type). I’d love to switch to a homemade recipe so I’ll try out some of the recipes mentioned here.
.-= Jeanne’s last blog: Maple Blackberry Scones =-.
I use arm and hammer essentials natural deoderant, and it works greattt!!!! haven’t checked it for that t word but i will…. it works in the hottest of weather though! (says the girl from michigan, lol)
I’ve been using home made deodorant for months now. It worked beautifully throughout the winter but is now being put to the test for summertime. By the way, I live in Florida. It’s VERY hot and VERY humid. So far so good though!
I use a blend of baking soda and corn starch. I’m using a 1:1 ratio but I understand some people feel that is too harsh. Look online and you can find other blend ratios to try. What’s great is that the baking soda keeps smelly bacteria in check and the corn starch keeps you dry. Throughout cooler weather, it wasn’t even necessary to apply daily. Summertime may be a different story. I’ve been applying every other day so far and its done quite well.
This deodorant is insanely cheap to make since most of us already have baking soda and corn starch in our pantry. Its non-toxic. Store it in any container you have on hand. To apply, simply get a pinch in your fingers and rub it on. Other options are a powder puff or small sea sponge.
.-= Jenna Martin’s last blog: For Sale By Owner 2 Shop Link Up Party =-.
I’ve used straight baking soda for about a year now (I buy Bob’s Red Mill so I know it’s aluminum free). Works like a charm. And I live in Kansas (it was 95 two days ago with about 200% humidity. Ug.)
I know lots of people make a mix with corn starch, but I haven’t found that necessary (and I have insanely sensitive skin, by the way). I still sweat (which I think is quite necessary), but I don’t smell bad! It’s so easy to just sprinkle a little on my fingers and wipe it on! I store mine in an old baby food jar–fits in the medicine cabinet perfectly!
Not only do I use it for deodorant, I also use it to wash my makeup off. Seems strange, I know, but I read about it a long time ago and can’t believe how much it helped my skin. I sprinkle a little on my fingers and then wet my hands down (diluting it), rub it on my face, then rinse it off (then I use pure honey for my moisturizer).
Baking soda and vinegar for my “shampoo” too. It’s also what we use to clean our shower and toilets! Honestly, we use baking soda for just about everything!!
I’m with you!
Another baking soda sprinkler here (no stink! this thing works so much better than all the deo’s I’ve had before!), and I use it with vinegar for shampoo too. I almost never wear makeup, but I’ll be sure to try your tip when I come around to it!
.-= Joke’s last blog: Here I am! =-.
Sorry for the double post, but I just want to add a funny baking soda as a deodorant fact: if after a sweaty night I wash my armpits with water only (so they still smell slightly when I dry them), patting the baking soda on is still all I have to do! Five minutes later, the stink is gone!
.-= Joke’s last blog: Here I am! =-.
I’ve tried doing this and it was tough for me. I have had it on my mind again though so maybe I should give it another go. I’m a sweaty person by nature….just the family I come from I guess so this is very challenging for me. I have found that there is a connection between sweating and detoxing. The times when I had eaten detoxing foods and was eating pretty well (real whole foods) that I was less sweaty and stinky.
I use this recipe. http://www.passionatehomemaking.com/2008/03/update-homemade-deoderant.html
.-= Jen’s last blog: Real Foods Book on a Kid’s Level =-.
Ok, after reading this post and all of the comments, I am going to try it out. I think I will try to make my own – which means I better go shopping for some coconut oil!
.-= Laura L’s last blog: 30 May – 5 June =-.
I live in Western New York which can get downright muggy. I haven’t used antiperspirant for more than 5 years and commerical or natural deoderant for more than 1 year. I use baking soda cut with corn starch (for the really hot summer days). Most of the time I go without and I am just fine. And trust me if I smelled DH would be the first one to complaint. “Your hair smells funny with that natural shampoo” “Relaly dear I used the %$*%& same shampoo as you this morning!”
At any rate, my dd is 12 and she recently asked me about sweating and I told her it was something our bodies need to do (they really do) and that sweat does not have oder immediately. So if after gym or sports you wipe away the sweat (clean wash cloth does the trick) and apply some fresh baking soda you should be fine.
Please also note I bike to and from work. In the am I ride in (no baking soda till I arrive at work). I take a quick minute to wipe away my sweat and apply baking soda. I am good for the rest of the day. If I am going out to dinner at the end of the day I might wipe down the pits and reapply.
As long as you clean regularly you should not have an oder problem.
.-= TreeHugginMomma’s last blog: Attention Rochester New Yorkers! =-.
I wish I had known about the rashes and the stink being normal when I tried this back in January! I had horrible rashes and burning and I was still stinking like I never bathed myself that day! Maybe I’ll be brave enough to try it again and try to pretend I don’t smell like a boys locker room.
Hmm, I don’t know the name of it, but I call it the magic crystal rock. I have used it for years, and it really is magic. When I started, I was in a mountainous region that didn’t get super hot, then I moved to AZ here it got deathly hot, then I moved to the Caribbean where hot doesn’t even begin to cover it. It always took care of the odor. I must confess, after getting an infection that gave me a rash, the salty crystal made it worse, so I have actually switched to the toxic anti-perspirant for now (although it is kind of nice to have one spot that isn’t oozing sweat down here in the Caribbean), but I fully intend to get back to the magic rock soon. It’s the best.
.-= Julianne’s last blog: Primary Moment =-.
i’m in the same boat as you. during the winter, i wear natural, but in the summer i have to use the chemical-laden ones. i hate to do it, but i need it to keep the moisture away. it can be quite embarrassing, to say the least.
when i do use natural, i use http://www.etsy.com/listing/35641572/deodorant-cream & it works well.
I use a crystal rock thing too, but only when I notice I’m starting to smell (and important occasions, just in case). It immediately removes the smell. I found, like many others, that my smell is more related to the food I eat than what deodorant I use. I can go days in 100 degree temps without deodorant, but if I eat too much processed food, I begin to smell bad. However, I will definitely try some of these homemade recipes when the rock starts to get on the smaller size. Both my bf and I have been using it for over a year now and tho it isn’t quite as big as it was, at this rate, this thing is going to last forever! lol
Although I make a lot of my own housecleaners, I have never made the effort to make my own deodorant…I have already been using natural deodorants for, oh, 5-7 years? and although I went through 4-5 brands none of them worked great. I do live in Central Texas and spend a fair amount of time outside not in the air conditioning. Recently I have been doing more research and found that even “natural” deodorants like Tom’s of Maine have not so great ingredients like propylene glycol…but also through my research I discovered Miessence products – I don’t know how well their deodorant matches up to the mainstream anti-perspirant/deodorant products since it’s been so long since I used them…but I did some testing for a couple of weeks of that with other products (comparing arms) and it is SO much better than anything else I have used!!! I also took the extra step this spring of becoming a Miessence independent representative, since after using their products (deodorant and other) I thought they were really great, in terms of ingredients as well as functionality. they do not seem to be very well-known yet however so see my website if you want more information. mitexasorganics.mionegroup.com
good luck on the challenge!
hi katie! i’m new to central tx but a nashville native. Nashville doesn’t get quite as hot as it does here but i found that the coconut oil, cornstarch, baking soda, tea tree oil works better than any of the natural deodorants i’ve tried (which is a lot). I haven’t made a batch since moving to TX but I don’t think that it’s that much worse than TN. Let me know if you want the recipe! The best thing that I have found to do with natural deodorant is to reapply throughout the day. Good Luck with your challenge!
Hi! I’m all in for this! I recently bought my first Tom’s of Maine deodorant and really like it.
My kind: Long-Lasting Care Deodorant Stick in lavender.
It’s been a bit of an adjustment. I don’t sweat all that much but do live in the heat of Kentucky. Before this I was a Dove girl b/c I have uber sensitive pits but Tom’s seems to be treating them okay thus far.
FYI – mine rates as a 2 on the skindeep site.
my husband’s family all live in sibu, sarawak, south east asia so none of you have felt heat like this i guarantee you! it is over 30 C at 6 am and it only gets more hot and humid as the day goes on – gotta love a tropical country. when we visit it’s usually around 55 C – YES 55 CELSIUS – in the hot and humid afternoon hours and there really is no relief overnight. i use only cornstarch. just plain cornstarch. i dust it under my armpits and under my breasts (we’re all adults here) with a big cosmetics brush that i bought just for this purpose and it does the trick here in winnipeg, manitoba canada where it gets hot here in the summer time contrary to popular stereotypical belief and it works when we visit asia. yes, when i switched over, it took a while for my body to adjust, but it just did and i have no issues. just stick with it and your body will adjust and you’ll be fine!
I lived in Khartoum, Sudan for 8 months and would laugh when ANY American would complain about it being hot
OOoohh… this is right where I’m at right now. My husband has used a crystal stick for over a year now and swears by it. A few months ago I started using a crystal, but then I broke out in a strange rash under my arms that would get cut open every time I shaved. Finally I gave the crystal a break for a few days, used coconut oil under my arms morning and evening to try to get the skin to heal, and shaved very carefully. It all healed up and I went back to the crystal and I broke out again (just under one arm). So, now I’m back to my good ole’ secret antiperspirant and my underarms are fine. For me, the smell is one thing, but I hate that wet feeling under my arms. I live in Michigan and right now it’s hot and getting hotter with dewpoints rising. I’ll try the challenge for a month. I’ve been wondering if I should make my own coconut oil/baking soda/cornstarch concoction. Perhaps this is just the kick I need to get me moving on that.
Totally different topic but would love to know what other folks know: Where does one find BPA free glasses (as in, those I wear on my face to see better)?
The baking soda/coconut oil gave me a yeast infection in my pits. I’v been suing bumble and bee http://www.bubbleandbee.com/ spray deodorant for about a month -It works. I don’t care for their stick deodorant. I also like the mens (i’m a woman but the scent fades quickly) Aubrey Organics men’s pine deodorant. Works well too and I’m a paranoid person when it comes to stink.
.-= Jana @ Weekend Vintage’s last blog: Make Your Own Dress Form =-.
I’m in! I’ve been either not wearing deodorant at all (most days), or using homemade (passionate homemaking’s recipe) for over a year. Last year I was pregnant and surprisingly had little or no trouble with sweating or stinking, even when I didn’t wear any deodorant at all. Now, that it is getting hotter here (I’m in Indiana, so definitely not as hot as Texas) I’ve noticed that I’ve started to stink more. And the homemade version doesn’t seem to be helping too much with that. It’s better for a while after I put it on, but then after it has worn off later in the day, I seem to even smell worse. So, I need to be on the search for something that will work a better for me this summer. I’m definitely interested in trying out the other homemade recipes that you linked to. Thanks for those resources!
I’m in Central Texas too (76710) and have been Lindsey’s recipe at PassionateHomemaking.com for almost three weeks. It’s been working great for me (formerly, I was buying Secret Clinical Strength). I confess I do add about 15 drops of Tea Tree Oil and Essential Orange oil for fragrance, but it’s been really doing wonders in this crazy heat we’ve been having. Hope you find one you like that works well for you!
I’m in! I switched back to the crystal a week ago, but have been wanting to try some homemade options. So, this just pushes that up to the top of my to do list.
I’m in. I’ve tried this SO MANY times over the years, and I always end up giving up because of the stink. But what the heck…might as well try again! Deoderant is one of the few things (in fact probably the only thing) I buy in its conventional, chemical-laden form. It’s the final frontier for me.
.-= Jaimie’s last blog: Skirt from Recycled T-shirts for the "Sew What!" Sew-Along =-.
oh lordy me. we tried this (we as in me and hubby). we tried this for a very long time and we just hated it. I wanted so bad to be converted but it wasnt the smell that was the problem it was the amount of sweat, it was awful. We are extremely heavy sweaters, even my 2 year old daughter sweats a lot.
I’ll think about it…. I have a lot of new people to meet this month and I don’t want to be embaressed by the sweat drenching my shirt all the way to my hips
I’ve been using a crystal rock for all of 2010. Some days it’s fine, others… well let’s just say not so much! I’m pregnant and wont use one filled with toxins, so I guess I will just have to stink or keep trying other natural ones.
)
well, i use good ol’ tom’s of maine. which many say doesn’t work for them. i can’t use their roll on or any other natural brand. bad things happen right away.
we are all so different in our make-up that i think it will just depend on your own system. i do believe that there is a magic potion out there for you that will allow you to give up the aluminum (and all the other crap in those bad deos)! i think i may give homemade a try now that you mention it.
.-= rae’s last blog: here we go ’round the mulberry…..tree? =-.
ok. I’m in. fine…I’ll do it. but I live in utah. and it gets hot. and I get stinky. but I’ve spent years trying to find a good deo and never have. I’ve had to keep upping the aluminum content and still stinky. I’ve tried all natural and they do not work. but I’ll give it a month…ok…I will…scary thought but I will. I think I’ll try to make my own
I’ve been wanting to try this! I even bought some coconut oil which is still sitting on my kitchen counter, unopened except to sniff. I’m in! First I’m going to try the baking soda/corn starch/coconut oil mixture. After that I’ll try the recipe on Crunchy Chicken. If I get desperate, I’ll try buying a natural one. I live in Seattle but have always been a heavy sweater anyway. It’s interesting how people notice a difference based on what they eat!
I’ve found that reducing the intake of animal flesh or reducing it significantly also reduces perspiration smell very well. This is also good for the environment since producing meat takes many more resources. If I feel I need a deodorant, the option I use is Crystal Roll-on Body Deodorant.
Good luck with your challenge!
.-= Sandra Lee’s last blog: Wandering for a purpose =-.
Seriously? That’s interesting, one more reason then to eat less meat!
I’ve heard other foods also have an influence on your perspiration, like tea or certain herbs, but I forgot which ones