Problems with a natural deodorant

[Sad Eyed Lady]

Several years ago I developed an itchy rash after using deodorant on my underarms. Up until that time I was able to use Secret, Tickle (remember that?), Ban, whatever was on sale. It didn't matter. After the allergic episode I switched to Crystal, first using the crystal rock and then finally switching to Crystal Essence roll-on a "natural" deodorant. I have used this for years with no problems. At one point I tried switching to Toms of Maine, but also had a reaction to it. So, back to Crystal. Now, in the last few weeks, I have developed an intense itch and not just a rash, but actually angry raised places where the deodorant went. It is almost a paintful itch. So, now I am afraid to put anything on that area except what I am using to clear up the rash, (aloe vera gel and sometimes neosporian to help heal). I gently clean the area and swipe some Witch Hazel, (recommended when you can't use a deodorant), and so far no one has moved away from me if I sit near them!

Now I am wondering when this all clears up, what I am going to use as a deodorant. I am very disappointed in Crystal, and after looking online I saw a forum where several people had reported having itchy rashes after using it. Have any of you guys used this, and if so what experiences have you had? What is your recommended deodorant? Does anyone go "natural", use nothing at all except plain old soap and water? I would appreciate your thoughts please.

[catherine]

Yes, I've gone for long periods of time going "au naturale" But then again, I work from home and my husband probably would be more forgiving of a little BO than coworkers. I feel that I wear deodorant for "insurance" purposes only. If you shower every day, unless you live in the South, I think you can pick and choose when you feel it's necessary for that insurance.

Maybe because I'm in marketing, I feel like deodorant has pushed its way into our culture by making us feel insecure without it. My MIL would simply wash her "oxters" daily with soap and water. She never owned a deodorant. And I never in my life caught an unpleasant whiff coming from my MIL. But that doesn't mean I would be dogmatic against it. Deodorant certainly has its place. I am currently using Tom's when I'm on the road with clients, but I also go with non-natural ones like Dove.

[Rogar]

I mostly go natural and don't consider it an issue, but it was a different story when I used to sit in stuffy meeting rooms with stressed out people.

Have you considered just using a few drops of tea tree oil? It's a natural antibacterial and anti fungal. I've never tried it but have a little knowledge of essential oils. When I do use a deodorant I only use commercial versions of tea tree.

[ApatheticNoMore]

just a mainstream brand, I have tried the natural stuff like Tom's before but rash and skin peeling with Tom's, plus I actually do like antiperspirants, maybe it's killing me but ...

[rosarugosa]

I often skip it. I don't tend to sweat in the underarm area particularly. When I do wear it, I use EO spray, which is just lavender essential oil, purified water, and organic ethanol. DH & I both seemed to break out from Primal Pit Paste, an organic brand using coconut oil.

[herbgeek]

I use antiperspirant myself since I sweat a lot, but I've made natural deodorant for hubby by mixing coconut oil and baking soda and maybe some essential oils like tea tree or eucalyptus.

[BikingLady]

No suggestions and good luck in your search. I have tried every natural homemade and purchased out there I think. If I am doing nothing all worked or maybe I just do not sweat doing nothing. Doing anything however is a different story:|(

Yes I too think we at least in America have been trained to believe we "need" all this protection from our natural self. Same as the "smell" of clean in cleaning products and soaps. I have moved on from cleaners and body soaps commercially made. Laundry Detergent and Deodorant and the two items I have not found a replacement for.

[Gardnr]

I used Tom's for years. Then suddenly one day....rash. I quit and I use nothing. Honestly, it takes some time to get accustomed to the fact that you will have a bit of odor. I've asked 2 people at work that I trust to be honest "I had to quit using deodorant. If you notice an odor please tell me". They both assure me still that they notice nothing.

[BikingLady]

Tom's was sticky feeling.

[nswef]

I use commercial, Dove, Arrid and Ban. I have to switch it up or they stop working. I bathe every day, use vinegar splash under my arms after my bath, but wait until morning for the deodorant and vital anti perspirant . I have gone a day without...not nice. Good luck. My husband finds Dove the least irritating.

[Tammy]

I just read "the case against fragrance". We Americans are obsessed with smells.

I use crystal spray. When I remember. Living in a dry desert when humidity is usually under 10% --- everything evaporates and I'm always dry.

[Float On]

I'll start with a different question. Do you shave your armpits? I'm horrible about using a razor way past it's prime. I've never developed a rash from a deodorant (I use one quick swipe of secret probably more for myself than others since I just don't sweat that much). I have developed itchy rashes when I'm having to dig deep to get an old razor to remove a few hairs and my underarm hair is so fine that even a new razor misses some. I've never tried patting baking soda on my pits but that comes up a lot in natural options. Next question, are your armpits dark. It could be a build-up of dead skin cells causing the irritation. Some people who are susceptible to armpit staining have found exfoliating on occasion helps reduce itch/rash.

[Chicken lady]

I almost never use deodorant. I do shave. I don't notice an odor unless I am stressed out, working really hard, or sometimes with diet issues (i.e., garlic is oozing from my pores) I live with people who would say something. (And have on days I was really stressed)

i do use it if I'm going to be doing a stressful/hot indoor thing - like August open house at our air condition free school.

[Sad Eyed Lady]

I'll start with a different question. Do you shave your armpits? I'm horrible about using a razor way past it's prime. I've never developed a rash from a deodorant (I use one quick swipe of secret probably more for myself than others since I just don't sweat that much). I have developed itchy rashes when I'm having to dig deep to get an old razor to remove a few hairs and my underarm hair is so fine that even a new razor misses some. I've never tried patting baking soda on my pits but that comes up a lot in natural options. Next question, are your armpits dark. It could be a build-up of dead skin cells causing the irritation. Some people who are susceptible to armpit staining have found exfoliating on occasion helps reduce itch/rash.
You have asked some good questions Float On and as I head to the shower this morning I will throw out any old razors and check the color of my armpits. Off the top of my head I don't think they are dark, but as I said I will take a closer look. I do shave my underarms, but not often. Since reaching this "advanced age" I don't have to shave there or even my legs as often as the hair is now very sparse. I like that! When I had this rash two or three weeks ago I didn't use any deodorant while getting it cleared up, but when I went back to the Cyrstal Essense, (no fragrance or paba), it popped up again after a few days. So, I am thinking there must be something in it I am reacting to.

[Float On]

but when I went back to the Cyrstal Essense, (no fragrance or paba), it popped up again after a few days. So, I am thinking there must be something in it I am reacting to.

Well, our bodies do change a lot and maybe you've developed an allergy to the Crystal Essense. I used one type of toothpaste for ages then started getting odd swelling in my mouth. The Dentist told me I'd developed an allergic reaction to something in the toothpaste. I hope you find what works for you. I have some odd skin irritants and sensitivities (as I've said...I think I'm allergic to air) and I take a Zyrtec daily. If I miss a day something...anything...will give me hives.

[beckyliz]

What about something like this? I use it after a shower, but not under my arms. Gold Bond Ultimate Comfort Body Powder: https://jet.com/product/detail/fee45e2b9a8c4c9b8575d04c9c77c80e?jcmp=pla:bng:nj_h ealth_beauty:health_beauty_skin_care:na:PLA_276073 317_1217159381178649_kwd-4579672088137479:na:na:na:2&code=PLA15&pid=kenshoo_int&c=276073317&is_retargeting=true&clickid=849c38ce-eec5-4c05-9f39-f747223bb2a3

[Geila]

I used to get painful ingrown hairs from shaving my armpits. One day I was complaining about it and dh said, "Why don't you stop shaving your armpits?" Hmmm. Ok. So I did. The hair grew to a certain length and then stopped growing and in time it became soft, not stubbly like the regrowth is. The soft hair doesn't stand out as much as stubble and it feels very comfortable. My armpits look like I haven't shaved in a few days, but that's it. And I noticed two things: armpits feel so much better with hair! When I've shaved a few times (maybe going to a fancy event with sleeveless top), my armpits feel so gross. Without the hair they get sticky and smelly. When I don't shave, the hair wicks the moisture and smell away from the body, so there's no need for any product. I've never had anyone comment on body odor.

Most days I aim for some physical activity and do sweat, but I don't smell bad. I do shower everyday since I sweat everyday. But I don't buy any products for my armpits anymore. And I haven't shaved in years.

[larknm]

Baking soda on dry underarms after shower. Have done this for years, maybe 1/4 tsp baking soda for both, and some of that falls off my hand. Do over sink.

[rosarugosa]

Nice to hear from you Lark! It's been a long time!

[catherine]

Nice to hear from you Lark! It's been a long time!

I was thinking the same thing!

[pony mom]

Well, I've tried all kinds of natural deodorants. Toms (rash), Crystal stick (didn't work), nothing (ugh!). My last so-so success was using a lemon slice. It was OK, but I sweat a lot at work and I'd notice an odor at the end of the day. Even made my own and used it for many years. It was OK but not great.

Enter Schmidt's https://schmidtsnaturals.com After reading so many great things about it, I found some in Marshall's and gave it a shot. And it really works. Like, really works. However, if you have a problem with baking soda sensitivity, it may irritate you. I have the stick, which is a bit like rubbing a pumice under your armpits. They have a cream also, but haven't tried it.

I have the Bergamot-Lime scent, which is nice but disappears quickly. The ingredients include things I used in my own recipe, but this works well. Finally I'm not worrying throughout the day if I stink or not.