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Fever Pit(ch)

Like Jen, I tend to reserve the aluminum antiperspirant junk for "special" occasions when I know that I may experience some modicum of stress - usually social anxiety, which is only made worse by thoroughly unattractive underarm sweat stains. So, sure, it works, but another sorry side effect of using it is that the chemical reaction of deodorant, sweat, and certain clothing fibers can actually create tough stains or even spoil delicate fabrics. If you end up with a stained shirt or blouse, don't dry clean it, whatever you do - it can actually set the stain and permanently discolor your garments. Instead, get a good stain remover and wash your stuff by hand. I love Laundress products so much I could marry them, and its recipe for removing pit stains really works - the stain remover is the best I've tried.

As an aside, another natural deodorant I've tried and liked - though I've found that you do need to reapply throughout the day - is Tom's Natural Stick in Lavender. It actually feels really soothing to such delicate skin and smells, well, like lavender.

-Jenifer Morgan...off to stay cool...

Posted by: ddiprima on 07/03/2008
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Redhawk  on July 03, 2008 at 09:32 AM 11
What's wrong with good old Baking Soda? I keep some in a decorative box...it looks nice and with a little facial powder puff is easy to apply to my clean pits. I first discovered using plain old BS when I backpacked and there were a few times that either water was scarce, or so full of ice that no body wanted a full contact bath...Baking Soda kept the air fresh and stink free! DO NOT apply on other possible foul smelling areas...it can irritate more delicate tissue... ; )
Lorelei Grazier  on July 03, 2008 at 10:26 AM 12
I posted a blog about my pits this morning, before checking my daily ideal bite. (http://d2eboston.blogspot.com/) I have recently started to ween myself off of aluminum antiperspirants - so far my best option has been Tom's lemon grass. I tried Nature's Best, and that did not work for me. I will check out LUSH and share the info with my girlfriends.
BethR  on July 03, 2008 at 11:05 AM 13
i also agree that lush's aromacreme does a fantastic job of controlling odor. however, they list several ingredients as being "safe synthetics", so i'm not sure how completely "natural" it really is.
Stacey  on July 03, 2008 at 11:14 AM 14
I've found that a couple drops of an essential oil work great! The key is to find one that blends with your body chemistry. Sweating just seems to release the scent, and when you find one that blends with your own smell, body odor isn't even noticeable. At first I used patchouli then discovered geranium. Geranium has been my scent for over a year now. My boyfriend sticks with sandalwood. They also double as perfume, and you could even make your own unique blend. Be sure to test yourself first, as some people are sensitive to straight essential oils being applied to directly to the skin. If one oil bothers you, try a different one before giving up. Each oil has its own chemical makeup and will react differently with your chemical makeup. Have fun!
FiFi  on July 03, 2008 at 11:26 AM 15
For the past 6 years I've been using **KISS MY FACE** *LIQUID ROCK* It's amaaaazing and totally works better than any manufactured chemical deodorant!! They have: Patchouli, Lavendar, Unscented and Rose Scent. Really gorgeous products to live by.
FiFi  on July 03, 2008 at 11:27 AM 16
Lavender Tea Tree Essential Oil works well too!
emma  on July 03, 2008 at 11:27 AM 17
i've used the "E Plus High C Roll-On Deodorant" (3oz for $7.50) for a while and have not had any unwanted smells. sometimes i re-apply throughout the day, if i'm riding my bike, but generally this stuff works.
Judy  on July 03, 2008 at 11:37 AM 18
When I first switched to non-aluminum deodorants after a time my arm pits hurt when I sweat. I think because of the old stuff seemed to leave by way of my pits. Once that stopped the good deodorants started to work better. Others I talked to about this seemed to have the same issues. I used Liken by Earth Science and it lasted, it seemed, for about a year or more and worked very well. I could not find Liken in the store I went to so I bought Pure & Basic. It does not work very well. With the other one, Liken, I never had body odor and my clothes alway smelled nice. Not true with the new one. Pure and Basic.
Beth aka Fake Plastic Fish  on July 03, 2008 at 11:48 AM 19
I'm surprised only one other person mentioned BAKING SODA. It's CHEAP and it really, really WORKS! Just as Redhawk wrote, to keep mine in a small container in my underwear drawer and apply it to dry underarms with a powder puff. I added a little tea tree oil to mine for extra insurance against odor, but many of my blog readers have sworn that is unnecessary, so when my current batch runs out I'll be trying just plain baking soda. Seriously, why do we need to buy special products when sometimes the simplest things really will do the job?
9milemom  on July 03, 2008 at 12:38 PM 20
Does anyone use the Melaleuca brand natural stuff? I love their tooth paste. Haven't tried any deoderant yet. I have been looking for deodorant for my preteen daughters. Everything is an antipersperant. I don't remember there being so few choices for just deoderants.
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