More About Natural Deodorants.

I love it when people give feedback to this blog.  I learn so much from you readers! There were some comments posted on my previous post about natural deodorant that I thought were worth posting again.  After reading a blog post, on another blog, I do not usually go back and read the comments and assuming the same for you.

The first comment is from the creator of the deodorant I am currently wearing.  (note: I am not compensated in any way for promoting this brand.)  I learned a few things in her comment:


O'Brenda November 7, 2015 at 11:02 AM

Thanks so much for mentioning my deodorant (Ziryab's Body Brew - named after the slave, musician and inventor who is credited with inventing deodorant among other things.) I started selling it because it changed my life.

However, it's good to know that some people can't wear baking soda deodorants as easily as others. My deodorant works by raising the alkaline under the arms so that the smelling acid-loving bacteria can't grow. Baking Soda is super effective because of its high alkaline level. Alum salt works the same way but its alkaline level is lower. I use a little in my Mineral Deodorant (an alternative for people who can't take the higher alkaline level of the original; deodorant) but focus on the high alkaline minerals of magnesium and calcium. I chose to add a little Alum because it is my understanding that unlike the Aluminum in antiperspirants which works by entering the pores and when wet, swells and plugs your pores, preventing you from sweating. I'm no scientist but I believe Alum works only by raising alkaline. Aluminum is the third most prevalent mineral on earth, so by itself, it probably doesn't pose too much of a health risk. That said, there is a great article here that stresses the need for us to reduce our exposure in other ways including environmental activism. Anyway, I will continue to research and decide whether to take Alum out entirely from Mineral Deo (there is none in my original deodorant featured here.)

When trying natural deodorants with baking soda, there is a chance you will rash either at first or sometime during your early use of it. If so, don't give up on the deodorant too quickly as there are things you can do like wear less, and as above, do not overlayer. You can also apply a soothing coconut oil or aloe on first and avoid use after shaving, Good luck to everyone in finding the perfect deodorant for you. There is one!

Another commenter wrote:

Tonya November 4, 2015 at 8:46 AM

I recently was reading that aluminum pans only secreted aluminum if they were scraped (like with a knife or metal utensil). It would be interesting to read more and see if there is more about this.


Another brand of natural deodorant to try:

mhutsell November 6, 2015 at 8:38 PM

My fav deodorant is Pit Paste. I have tried MANY kinds and always end up back at pit paste. It does not feel sticky going on, it smells nice (lavender is my fave), and works well. Like you, I have to reapply if I am going to be sweating a lot. By the end of the day if I haven't reapplied, I might notice a smell but then I just wash my pits before bed. Like you I prefer the hassle to the toxins!


Martin Eisele sent an email saying:

The Arm & Hammer product contains triclosan which is under review by the FDA. Animal studies have shown some links to hormone disruption, among other things, but inconclusive on humans.  Read more in this article.  Besides hand sanitizers and the like, you can find it in toothpastes such as Colgate. Conspiracy theorists claim it is a sister chemical to Agent Orange, but chemicals similar in structure may be completely different. Chemical, nonetheless.

Thanks everyone for your input!

Finally, after publishing the previous post, I thought of another way I reduce aluminum: by using aluminum-free baking powder. I buy Rumford brand (in the red can), which is also GMO-free.  The Kroger nearest me does not sell it anymore but some larger Krogers will sell it.  Otherwise, look for it at Whole Foods and Drug Emporium.

If all of this talk of toxins stresses you out, let me be the first to say: do what you can, when you can then rest knowing what you've done is good enough.  There is more to this world than stressing about what goes into your body.  Jesus said, "it is not what goes into the mouth that defiles a person, but what comes out of the mouth."

On the journey with you,
Julie