Natural Deodorant...suggestions?

**BigBull** · 04-30-2012, 03:14 PM

I've been looking to make the switch to a NON Aluminum based deodorant for a long time. I've tried many different brands including TOMS, Naturally Fresh crystal, Arm and Hammer...with no luck. Whether its only effective for a few days or a breakout occurs, I've yet to find one that works for me. When I use Deodorant alone, I get breakouts. Not real sure why I don't have this reaction when anti-perspirant is added but I don't.

I've read on this site in a few places that some gentlemen use ALUM as deodorant. How does this work? I've also seen on other sites some use baking soda in a homemade concotion...

I figured this site is the best forum to throw it out and see what suggestions I get! Does anyone have experience with Natural Deodorants? Suggestions? Much appreciated in advance...

**EvilZeg** · 04-30-2012, 03:16 PM

I have read that blocks of pure Himalayan sea salt are used as deodorant bars. The salt is naturally anti bacterial which eliminates the odor causing bacteria.

**skleice** · 04-30-2012, 03:52 PM

I've been using Nancy Boy for a few months now and it does work for me. It's basically grain alcohol with essential oils...two sprays per pit and you're good to go. I've been using the 'signature' scent, but when I run out I will get the 'stealth' scent because the signature is too strong imo.

**bkflyfisher** · 04-30-2012, 04:12 PM

Speick Men Deo stick is awesome-although I haven't given it the true test of a good deodorant which is waiting in the heat on a NYC subway platform on a 90 deg day. Scent is great as with all Speick products. I'm feeling confident that it will pass the test, as I haven't had a problem yet.
The other natural deodorant I've had luck with and still use is Arm & Hammer Essentials-which has passed the "subway test" for me, rather well.
As for all the other "healthy" brands I tried-I might as well just not worn Deodorant at all.

**banditman** · 04-30-2012, 04:30 PM

I've been using the Crystal brand roll-on deodorant (Potassium Alum based) for about 3 months now. It has performed just as advertised and keeps odor away-something I didn't really think would happen. I'm about to open a bottle of the pump spray to try next.

**jva59** · 04-30-2012, 04:39 PM

I'm not sure how natural it is, but I've been using Almay with success--It's label is proudly emblazoned 'Hypoallergenic Dermatoligist tested'..'Hypoallergenic' is not, I think, a legally regulated term. All the same, it seems very .gentle to me. It has no scent at all, and i wear it in combination with a cologne or Edt

**smalltank** · 04-30-2012, 04:43 PM

Alum blocks works as deodorant ;-)

**DeusVult** · 04-30-2012, 05:18 PM

I use Desert Essence tea tree oil deodorant. Haven't had any issues with rash or breakouts, but I haven't really had many before I started using it.

**bvance554** · 04-30-2012, 09:28 PM

I have been using the Crystal stick for over a year and I love it. Works well for me. Another thing that has been mentioned here before is vinegar. I haven't tried it, but google it and you'll find that many people swear by it.

**Bellac** · 04-30-2012, 09:42 PM

I might have these two mixed up so I apologize ahead of time if I am wrong. Deodorant works by cleaning your underarm of bacteria, and then creates an environment that is hostile to bacterial growth. This is why you see deodorants paired with alcohol; the alcohol cleans and the deodorant active ingredients usually makes the underarm acidic to bacteria growth. Anti-perspirants work by clogging your pores so sweat cannot leak out.

Alum works because it is antibacterial and astringent. It not only cleans your underarm, its residue inhibits bacterial growth. Its astringent properties affect your pores so you do not release sweat.

**owltrouble** · 05-01-2012, 01:59 AM

Alum rock is the best. Lasts for ever and works 10X better than chemical deodorants. No idea why but I'd never use anything else, the fancy brand deoderants with wonderful scents have me smelling like a builders ass crack

by the end of the day.

**leonidas** · 05-01-2012, 02:33 AM

....use just everyday humble talcum powder.........

**incucrash** · 05-01-2012, 03:14 AM

Google: Alvera Deodorant

Best stuff for me, tried most of what is above.

**BigBull** · 05-01-2012, 06:04 AM

Thanks for the quick reponses! I hope to recieve even more as I've yet to find anything that works for me. The K.I.S.S. method works best for me, so I'll start with the Alum and go from there. Depending on results, I'll be trying each suggestion on this list. (Except for vinegar as I have no interest in that smell :)

I'll report my findings once I've made the journey. This community is such a great resource.

(I'm seeing "similar threads" under this, that didn't come up in my initial search...sorry for the duplication)

**sp514** · 05-02-2012, 06:15 PM

Originally Posted by banditman

I've been using the Crystal brand roll-on deodorant (Potassium Alum based) for about 3 months now. It has performed just as advertised and keeps odor away-something I didn't really think would happen. I'm about to open a bottle of the pump spray to try next.

I heard my vegan friend uses this as well. I use Drysol but can't say on it being 'natural'.

**Kristen C Serrano** · 05-02-2012, 09:10 PM

Lots of information maintained you in your post.... Really i got so impressed after reading this post.... keep it up...

**digital_injection** · 05-03-2012, 12:32 AM

I've tried all kinds of natural deodorants; the success rate for me has been very low. The only one that worked well was from Lush called Greeench. It's a great powder made from talc and sodium bicarbonate with thyme, rosemary, sage and tea tree. Tom's was horrible. Jason tea tree worked ok but doesn't last. I even tried an alum block which didn't help one bit. But, you may be able to use an unscented stick of natural deodorant with no problems. What works for some may not work for others. You have to try out a few different things before you find something you like and that actually works well. I like Old Spice deodorant (classic stick or high endurance fresh.) I grew up using Old Spice so it holds a special place in my heart. The scent can be a bit much at times, which led me to try the L'Occitane Eau de Baux stick. It's a bit pricey but it smells amazing and it lasts a while. Technically not natural but it beats all the stuff at the market. You could also try a natural stick with a dusting of Gold Bond.

**Talal** · 05-05-2012, 04:10 AM

i have been using crystal alum blocks for years . will never think of changing to anything else

**Bluebriz** · 05-05-2012, 07:40 AM

I'm reading this thread with great interest, as no "natural" deodorant has done much for me. The alum works for a couple of days, and then just seems to do absolutely nothing, leaving me stinking! Most recently I tried Lavilin, which I was having to apply twice a day to have any effect, nothing like the several days per use they suggested....

**Quigg** · 05-05-2012, 07:56 AM

Originally Posted by Bluebriz

I'm reading this thread with great interest, as no "natural" deodorant has done much for me. The alum works for a couple of days, and then just seems to do absolutely nothing, leaving me stinking!

I, too, am still searching. The major brands of deodorants/anti-perspirants cause a rash for me. The natural brands, like Tom's work for a day and then no longer seem effective. It sounds like alum bars work, but isn't it supposed to be bad to be putting aluminum compounds on your skin?