Deodorant or Antiperspirants?

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posted by Annie B. Bond Apr 1, 2007 12:00 am

filed under: Blogs, Ask Annie, aluminum salts, antiperspirants, deoderant, natural deoderant

3 comments

Emily M., AZ asks:

Which should I use, an antiperspirant or a deodorant? I am confused!

Annie: Most people think that antiperspirants and deodorants are the same thing, but they aren’t. Antiperspirants work by clogging, closing, or blocking the pores with powerful astringents such as aluminum salts so that they can’t release sweat. Deodorants work by neutralizing the smell of the sweat and by antiseptic action against bacteria. Deodorants are preferable because they don’t interfere with sweating, a natural cooling process.

Baking Soda Simple Solution
Baking soda works wonders because it neutralizes the odor of sweat. Just sprinkle a light covering of baking soda onto a damp washcloth. Pat on. Don’t rinse. This tip—just using baking soda—has saved me on many occasion, especially when traveling.

Basic Deodorant Powder
1/2 cup baking soda
1/2 cup cornstarch
A few drops essential oils such as lavender or cinnamon

Place the ingredients in a glass jar. Shake to blend. Sprinkle a light covering of the powder on a damp washcloth. Pat on. Don’t rinse.

Basic Liquid Deodorant
1/4 cup each witch hazel extract, aloe vera gel, and mineral water
1 teaspoon vegetable glycerin
A few drops antibacterial essential oils such as lavender (optional)

Combine the ingredients in a spray bottle. Shake to blend. Makes 3/4 cup.

Shelf life: Indefinite.

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Bernadette Burner Macmill says
Oct 3, 2007 12:13 AM

how to remove the stains from antiperspirants and deodorants from clothes!!?? Help!!!

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Janet Sappington says
Aug 29, 2007 6:12 AM

Another deodorant that's "natural" is a mineral salt block that you wet and then apply or it comes in a spray bottle. I prefer the spray. If a person keeps their pH at a proper level they will not have a problem with body odor. What helps to keep from being acidic is to use a slice of lemon in your drinking water several times a day.

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Morgan C. says
Jul 14, 2007 9:34 AM

Just a note from an esthetician- you want to be very careful with an oil like cinnamon. It's highly active and can irritate sensitive skin. You are better off with some thing like tea tree or bergamont, both of which have natural anti bacterial properties to help neautalize the odor.

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Disclaimer: Care2.com does not warrant and shall have no liability for information provided in this newsletter or on Care2.com. Each individual person, fabric, or material may react differently to a particular suggested use. It is recommended that before you begin to use any formula, you read the directions carefully and test it first. Should you have any health care-related questions or concerns, please call or see your physician or other health care provider.

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