deodorant problems..

[ViolinCyndee]

I am apparently allergic to deodorant, no matter which brands I have tried. It is getting increasingly worse, and extremely distracting and aggrivating! The current one I have been using is Tom's unscented with aloe for sensitive skin. Again: I am broken out all over and very itchy. But I don't want to go without deodorant, either!

So... I was looking for raw personal care products online. Carol Alt has some, but not deodorant. Has anyone tried this powder?:
http://www.therawfoodworld.com/product_info.php?products_id=1002556

I wonder if it works, and if it lasts, too.. (?) Wonder if I'd be allergic to it too!

[Aleesha Sattva]

i haven't used any for about 2 years now. ever since i went raw i didn't need it anymore.

but i have used one of those crystal rock things which i loved.

i'm not much help though... sorry.

[ViolinCyndee]

I am not at 100% raw yet, and still feel that I need to use something.. . I heard that the crystal works just OK, but doesn't really last.. I think I may just try that product I posted above.. The ingredients look pretty harmless as far as toxins, I think..

[RawKnitster]

I use Tropical Traditions Frankincense (http://www.tropicaltraditions.com/aluminum-free_deodorants.htm). I used it every day before going raw. Now I only use it for special occasions when I want to make sure I don't leave a lingering impression of BO.

A 2 oz. bottle lasts a long time. You only need a dab. I have not ordered it online. That price seems a little high. I get it from a local spa store for $15.00 a bottle.

(Duh...! Just noticed the price online was for 2. That is better!)

[RawKnitster]

If you want to try the crystal, look for a small travel size one. I didn't like the way it felt on my skin.

[ViolinCyndee]

I use Tropical Traditions Frankincense (http://www.tropicaltraditions.com/aluminum-free_deodorants.htm). I used it every day before going raw. Now I only use it for special occasions when I want to make sure I don't leave a lingering impression of BO.

A 2 oz. bottle lasts a long time. You only need a dab. I have not ordered it online. That price seems a little high. I get it from a local spa store for $15.00 a bottle.


Thanks... I wonder how any of those other deodorants on that site would be.. (and if I'd be allergic to them too!)... Will check out that site in detail soon.. :)

[ViolinCyndee]

If you want to try the crystal, look for a small travel size one. I didn't like the way it felt on my skin.

I'm not sure about the crystal, truthfully..

[katchmoleen]

I was always a very stinky person, had to use the highpowered Arm and Hammer stuff. All "natural" stuff just made me reek. But now, amazingly, I no longer need to use anything! it is really shocking to me. On days when I know I will be sweaty, I use a little coconut oil in the pits and that seems to be enough. You can try that, it has antibacterial qualities.

[rawmiss]

Rawsome idea to use coconut oil, katchmoleen! I never thought about that. I've been wanting to get more in the habit of using coconut oil on my face. I think I just need to keep a bottle of coconut oil in the bathroom, I don't know why I'm not doing that anyway. It doesn't spoil or anything.

But does it show through on your clothes and give your clothes oil spots?

[DebB]

Here's another vote for coconut oil. It's all I use anymore and I'm very happy with it!

No, I haven't had any oil spots on my clothes with it. I don't use a lot though - maybe 1/4 teaspoon and then rub it with my hands to melt it and apply. *Ü*

[stellaJewels]

I'm allergic to everything too, and coconut oil works great for me as well. I mix a few drops of lavender EO in with it and use it everywhere. If I get a rash (still trying to figure out the allergies...) I put coconut oil with a couple drops of tea tree oil mixed in on it and it goes away super fast

[RawHeaven]

Cyndee, in the meantime during your search try dabbing a little apple cider vinegar under your arms. Works wonders.

[margoss]

ever since i went raw i didn't need it anymore.

wish I could say that:D. that rash feel horrible. Make sure your laundry detergent is dye-odor free & use acv in the rinse. If we use any detergent other than clear stuff, I get it the first time. I can only use Tom's or something that I make. You will have to stay away until you heal..I 2nd the ACV on it-dilute it. There's a recipe on www.tipnut.com that tells you how to make your own. It's what I use often. I will go without it when I'm home for the day...by the end, I do not smell good. Hopefully over time, it will lessen.

[Clare]

Yes, the coconut oil really does work! Just rub it in after your shower (or at least after washing with soap and drying if you're not going to shower). If you wait a few minutes in your robe before you dress, you shouldn't get oil spots on clothes. The only time I did get them was when I rushed and even then the oil washed out easily with mild organic detergent in the wash. The ACV would probably work well, too. In fact, one coconut oil book recommends spritzing your whole body with diluted ACV to get the pH back to normal after showering/bathing, then massaging coconut oil all over (it only takes a little for the whole body). This keeps the good bacteria happy and the bad and stinky ones away.

[kaybee]

someone on here suggested limes once. they seem to work for me as well as any deodorant. not 100% but not bad

[margoss]

speaking of the rash...I have a horrible-huge one under my arms now. someone gave me some clothes, I could smell the detergent. I washed them twice thinking they would be ok. Wore it yesterdeay, felt a 'little' irritated, looked at last pm & the entire area is dark & dry. Lots of ACV for a few days.

[margoss]

I've been using acv then coconut oil when the acv dries. I'm doing good & do not smell unless I sweat a lot. My DD is VERY 'odor observant', she says I smell good. :D. One less thing to buy & many less bad things in the body.
THis is good..I not longer buy deoderant, shampoo, conditioner.

[freelive]

My friend swears by baking soda. Jsut dabs some on.

[ViolinCyndee]

My friend swears by baking soda. Jsut dabs some on.


I'd be afraid that it would wear off.. .Maybe I'll try it on my day off sometime.. :)

[ljcoolj]

The only natural deodorant that I've ever even liked (although I LOVE this one) is by Alvera. Its aloe and almonds. I buy it thru Vitacost.com. Something like 2.97/bottle. The stuff is great.

[ViolinCyndee]

The only natural deodorant that I've ever even liked (although I LOVE this one) is by Alvera. Its aloe and almonds. I buy it thru Vitacost.com. Something like 2.97/bottle. The stuff is great.

Interesting.. I wonder if it has the ingredient I am allergic to, that's also in Tom's unscented with aloe for sensitive skin.. hmmmm...

Btw.. went to the gym tonight, took a hot bath and am experimenting now with ACV. I actually love the smell of vinegar, btw.. :D

[margoss]

I took a Tom's roll up container I had & put the CO in it like a stick. Now I can rub it on like b4 & carry it with me incase I feel the need.

[ViolinCyndee]

I have to admit.. I was skeptical about ACV but I experimented last night, putting it on after a hot bath. I woke up this morning and: no smell!! WOW! Very impressed! :eek:

[spicyfull]

I also am deodorant FREE.........

[ViolinCyndee]

OK today was the ultimate test:

I put on ACV before work yesterday, around 2:45.. Haven't put on any more since then, AND went to the gym today..

The verdict: NO SMELL! :eek: I can't believe how long it lasts!

>>>>>>>>>> completely in awe of ACV <<<<<<<<<<<<

[CosimaMoon]

Wow, these are great suggestions! I've been wanting an ACTUAL natural deodorant, since even the ones that claim to be natural, such as Tom's, usually have propylene glycol or some other nasty chemical. I'll definitely try the ACV.

And for everyone who had rashes...do you shave your armpits? That could aggravate it. I used to get reeeeeally bad rashes from that, and now I never shave, I just use sugaring paste and everything looks great!

[slayer]

I use crystal stones for deodorant and they work. I get the one with the pouch. It costs about $10 but it will last you a year.

http://www.deodorantstones.com/

http://www.amazon.com/Rock-Salt-Crystal-Deodorant-Stone/dp/B000AN1JEI

http://www.amazon.com/Deodorant-Stone-Large-Crystal-velvet/dp/B000A80BWY

Hope that helps.

[Anais]

I have a totally unrelated question, but can't get it out of my head - hopefully CosimaMoon or anybody else will see it: What is the difference between using sugaring paste and waxing? I used to use this very chemical dehairing creme which I'm not willing to put on my skin anymore. That leaves me with search for an alternative....

Thanks,
Anais

[abeautifulworld]

I use the crystal, and I've found that it works very well, so long as you put it on when you are CLEAN, like fresh out of the shower. And I put on a ton. I think I usually count to about 50! But it seems to work for me, mostly. Sometimes in the summer it might wear off, but for the most part, I'm stink-free. =-)

[CosimaMoon]

I have a totally unrelated question, but can't get it out of my head - hopefully CosimaMoon or anybody else will see it: What is the difference between using sugaring paste and waxing? I used to use this very chemical dehairing creme which I'm not willing to put on my skin anymore. That leaves me with search for an alternative....

Thanks,
Anais

Sugaring paste is used in the same way as waxing, but it's A LOT different. Here's why:

It only attaches to hair, not skin, so it's not going to give you that excruciating wax-pain.

It's used at room temperature, so you have no risk of burning yourself.

It's water-soluble, so you can wash it off easily and reuse cloths for peeling off the hair.

It's homemade and chemical free, and one batch can last for at least a couple of months (with me anyways).

I was so excited when I found out about it. The only hard part is getting the recipe right--the one I found didn't work with my stovetop--but once I got that down it worked great, especially on the armpits. I used it about two weeks ago on my armpits, and no new hairs yet!

Anyways, here's the recipe I use, if you want to try it:

2 cups white sugar
1/4 cup water
1/4 cup lemon juice, strained of pulp and seeds

Mix all in a saucepan over medium-high heat, stirring frequently until the mixture boils. Once it boils, turn the heat down to medium-low and simmer for about 40 minutes. When it's done, it should be a dark, black/red color. Let it cool for a bit, then put it in a container and chill in the fridge. Once it sets, you can use it.

If it turns out too sticky, that means you didn't cook it long enough and you can reheat it again until it's right. If it doesn't stick, you cooked it too long. Here's the website I got my info from, though they say to only cook it for 25 minutes, and that never works for me:

http://hairremoval.about.com/od/sugarwaxing/ss/sugar-hair-removal-recipe.htm

And here's a site telling you how to use it:

http://hairremoval.about.com/od/sugarwaxing/ss/how-to-sugar_2.htm

I hope that helps!

[CosimaMoon]

Oh, and thanks for the deodorant ideas, everyone! I've tried both the cocounut oil and the apple cider vinegar, and they both work waaaaaay better than my $6 Nature's Gate deodorant. Apple cider vinegar is so cheap, too.

[ljcoolj]

THanks for the sugar paste idea and links. I've never even heard of it! Just made a batch and can't wait to try it out!! Thanks again!

[Azaria]

I remember having some deod issues a few years ago and trying lots of different things. Witch hazel spiked with a little lavender essential oil sprayed on followed by a dab of baking soda worked for awhile. Then I tried ACV infused with lavender and that was nice too, followed by bicarb again. If I remember correctly, my pits began to react after a few weeks and I got a horrible rash. Now I just use the crystal and it works perfectly.

[margoss]

I"ve notices that when I eat garlic & things like that, I smell much stronger.

[CosimaMoon]

THanks for the sugar paste idea and links. I've never even heard of it! Just made a batch and can't wait to try it out!! Thanks again!

No problem! Let us know if it works for you.