Deodorant Dos & Don'ts

Lately, it seems, something stinks about antiperspirant. We’ve been told that conventional products contain ingredients that have been linked to Alzheimer’s and breast cancer, though the American Cancer Society and other organizations dispute those claims. So here’s the 411:

First things first: antiperspirants reduce sweating, typically using aluminum to close pores. Deodorants fight odor (not wetness) and inhibit the growth of stinky bacteria.

While the jury’s still out on which ingredients are truly bad for us, we’re taking the better-safe-than-sorry route (a smart idea given the FDA does not require 3rd party testing for cosmetics). Search labels for these irritants/ allergens to avoid: aluminum, parabens, formaldehyde, propylnene golycol, -eth compounds, steareth talc and tricolsan.

So what’s a girl to do in this heat? To be natural without going au naturel try these picks:
– The Crystal — uses natural mineral salts and leaves no white residue!
– Burt’s Bees Herbal Deodorant — sage, lemon and lavender help neutralize odors naturally.
– Dr. Hauschka’s Deodorant Fresh — uses zinc to minimize odor, while witch hazel and sage balance delicate skin.

Or peruse the EWG’s Skin Deep database for other sweet-smelling, low toxicity picks.

By Amanda Freeman, Intent.com

Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

Lost A.

2:53PM PST on Feb 9, 2012

Unfortunately, "the Crystal" doesn't work so well.

send a green star

Tim C.

11:59AM PDT on Nov 1, 2011

Megan thanks

Val G.

8:08PM PDT on Jun 6, 2011

Can't be good on everything!

8:06PM PDT on Jun 6, 2011

I know, but there is one that is working for me...
We all have our not to have but can't do without it...

Brenda T.

1:24AM PDT on May 2, 2011

Good advice!!

Melissah C.

9:40PM PST on Dec 13, 2010

thanks

Egbert D.

4:02AM PDT on Aug 20, 2010

For individuals suffering from hyperhidrosis, a commonly used remedy is the anti-perspirant. These anti-perspirants often contain an aluminium based chemical formulation such as aluminium chloride that can help block the overactive underarm sweat glands, preventing sweat from surfacing out. Some popular brands that has been reported to be able to control light to mild underarm sweating include Drysol, Maxim and Certain Dri. Many people, especially women and young teenagers, aren't able to use these products because they will cause dermal irritations, such as itching, stinging and inflammatory skin. Since this is a common problem plus many people are suffering from allergies nowadays, dermatologists tend to recommend "gentle antiperspirants" (for example AHC20 sensitive by http://sweatrelief.info) which are enriched with natural plant extracts. Herbs and plants like Sage, Clove or Usnea barbata help to reduce irritations of the skin to a minimum.

On the other hand, if you are suffering from excessive sweating that cannot be controlled by antiperspirants, a doctor would recommend oral medications, iontophoresis, Botox® injections or surgery as the next best treatment solutions to help you stop the heavy sweating.

Past Member .

6:30AM PDT on Jun 22, 2010

interesting

NO EMAILS P.

1:25AM PDT on Apr 1, 2010

Kirstie M.

12:03PM PDT on Mar 25, 2010

i found the best anti-perspirant was to give up eating meat!! i use a crystal deoderant without aluminium sometimes for hot days...although the natural smell of humans is exactly that mind!!...natural!!! 'snot sobad!!