http://www.care2.com/greenliving/deodorant-or-antiperspirants.html
The Difference Between Deodorant and Antiperspirants
By Annie B. Bond, executive producer of Care2's Green Living
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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23 comments
add your comment »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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Good to find this recipe. I just made a batch after two years of suddenly being allergic to something in my antiperspirant, and not finding deodorants that worked well enough.
I'll write back after a week or two with an update.
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I just tried the Real Purity today for the first time, and I must say I am very excited b/c I have tried it all! Natural, non and thought I was going to have to keep using aluminum based b/c I am just too potent for my own good. Thank you so much for suggesting Real Purity!
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I have always wanted to know the difference. Now I now that I want a deodorant, not the other...
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it is possible replacing the hazel extract with other oil?
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None of the natural deodorants worked all day for me except for Real Purity - and I tried a lot of them! I order mine online, as they are hard to find in health food stores. Trust me though, this stuff works when nothing else will - even sports teams us it! Been using it for years and was so happy to finally be able to end my "deodorant" search!
Sweating:
Also, for those that are heavy sweaters, laser hair removal under your arms can actually help *a lot.* There are 2 types of sweat glands in your under arm area... those that produce sweat with an odor, and those that just sweat (I think only about 10% of your overall sweat is due to these). The ones that stink are de-activating, so to speak, once the hair is gone - so, you end up with less sweat and less smell! Just *please* research before chosing a laser hair removal center though - be *very* careful before signing any contracts, and do *not* chose a center just because it *appears* to be well known and popular (all that can symbolize is that they have good marketing!). Be leary of any laser centers that have the word *American* in their title!
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I have a friend that just splashes with lavender water, and that works great for her. However, for heavier sweaters, or those with more odor, it's hard finding an effective natural deodorant to mask the smell - I tried *several,* and the only one that worked all day (none had so far) - and even 24s hrs is Real Purity's deodorant - their deodorant is even used by some sports teams! It's their number one choice for natural deodorants. Hope this helps someone! I order mine online, as it's hard to find in health stores.
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