http://www.care2.com/greenliving/deodorant-or-antiperspirants.html
The Difference Between Deodorant and Antiperspirants
By Annie B. Bond
Why choose a natural deodorant over an antiperspirant?
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. (Note that aluminum can accumulate in the brain.) 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 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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29 comments
add your comment »Just remember to choose an aluminum free baking soda..I use Red's :) Does arm and hammer provide one? It'd be awesome if they did...I use their baking soda for other things around the house.
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@ Ali L. Nope, none.
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Does the basic deodorant powder show any residue after a few hours of using it?
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What could I add to the baking soda and cornstarch to make a cream deodorant?
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injoyed this information am going to try the receips for both deodorants, I have a pacer and was told not to use deodorants, i am sure cause of the chemicals such as the salts. When i do use a deodorant, my pores block and oh the infections i get is horrible pain. Thanks alot for the information.
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where do you buy Real purity or Lavilin if you do not live in the USA? Do the retail outlets ship?
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The best natural deodorant I have used is by Miessence. You can find it at www.heatherorganics.com
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So I've now been using the recipe on this page - simply made of baking soda, cornstarch and some lavender essential oil - for a week.
It's working. It's kept me smelling fresh all week, even through some tough and stressful meetings.
We'll see how week two turns out.
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I have tried all the natural, aluminum-free deodorants but nothing has worked for me as well as Lavilin. I started using it about 6 months ago and only apply once a week, pretty incredible!
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My mom swears by Burt's Bees Herbal Deodorant. She is a social worker in a hospital, is walking around talking to people all day, dealing with crises, and basically sweats a lot. She says that Burt's deodorant not only keeps away the odor, but she thinks she sweats less (even though it's not an anti-perspirant). Maybe worth a try?
http://www.thegreatergreen.com/naturalbeauty/deodorant/bbdeodorant.html
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