Natural deodorants?

[Poshbaggirl]

In an effort to avoid deodorants that contain alluminium (believing there to be a link to breast cancer) i have tried salt rock and 2 other natural deodorants. I still find myself getting smelly. I bath every day. Anyone have good experience of natural armpit care?

[Bunbaker]

Unfortunatley, no. I find that strong chemicals are the only answer for me. I have also read that the link with aluminium and breast cancer has been proved inconclusive.

[branstonsandcheese]

Lush do (or did), a solid one which is brilliant if you shower every day - aromarant. I get sweatier the more anti-persperant I wear, like my skin wants to sweat through it or something, leading to wet patches. Aromarant saw me through a holiday in Thailand!

[TattyDevine]

There is no evidence re the breast cancer thing.

The only natural one I've ever tried that worked was "aromacream" by Lush but they discontinued it because it was quite allergen-inducing...it was packed full of (natural) perfumes and essential oils. It smelled lovely. I'm gutted they stopped doing it.

Whatever you put on yourself there will be something. I think Aromacream was packed with talcs which are another product which gets the "carcinogenic" label (I'm not sure of the research on this) and then mineral oils and this and that...basically we are meant to stink. Its natural. Society now says we shouldn't and therefore we put all sorts of stuff on ourselves and even think its acceptable to dictate to others in office situations etc that they conform and comply with society's wishes for them to plaster themselves in unnatural substances to stop their bodies doing what nature intended.

No, I'm not a big hairy sandally person who stinks, I use Mitchum and Driclor occasionally so I'm on top of it but I've always been mildly indignant for those who choose not to conform and get hammered for it

[RichTeaAreCrap]

I have found the same - they are no good for me - I need Mitchum or stronger because I hate the thought of being smelly.

However yesterday I found a natural one - Tom's. I got it in Sainsbury's and used it yesterday and its fantastic. Its a long lasting one.

[Fluffycloudland77]

I thought they disproved the link between deoderants and breast cancer too.

Dont forget age, smoking and ALCOHOLIC drinks are risk factors for breast cancer, as is obesity.

The scariest words you can ever say to a patient are "simple lifestyle changes"

[recklesspixie]

I use Tom's too, got it in a health food shop. Have been using it since November and never sweat or smell despite being very active.

[Hevian]

I actually think it's important to use a non-aluminium deodorant. I had a hair analysis done which showed I had high aluminium levels - and that can lead to all sorts of issues (including b.c.)
There are good non-alu deods on the market. Unfortunately, my favourite by Origins (No Offense) has now been discontinued. I'm using Bionsen now and it's good.

Body shop also do one now - haven't tried it yet.

[janmoomoo]

There is no scientific evidence of the link between bc and aluminium. There is a strong, frequently evidenced link between bc and drinking and being obese. So for those of us that drink we would be better off cutting down on the wine and chocs, and wearing a normal deodorant! I know that I certainly need the strongest possible chemicals known to man to stop me having the old sweaty pits!!

If you are looking for a natural deodorant out of personal choice then fine, but dont put yourself thru the stress if its the aluminium thing, its rubbish.

[HelenofSparta]

Hello I googled this the other day and I read some good reviews of the green people one (in Rosemary/tea tree/mint) by ransoms and was also reviews by a Guardian reporter who said was good. Have seen it for sale in John Lewis Bluewater and you can buy online x

[Hevian]

Neal's Yard also do a lovely aluminium free one www.nealsyardremedies.com/lemon-coriander-deodorant.

[Hevian]

From the National Cancer Institute of America

"What do scientists know about the ingredients in antiperspirants and deodorants?

Aluminum-based compounds are used as the active ingredient in antiperspirants. These compounds form a temporary plug within the sweat duct that stops the flow of sweat to the skin's surface. Some research suggests that aluminum-based compounds, which are applied frequently and left on the skin near the breast, may be absorbed by the skin and cause estrogen-like (hormonal) effects (3). Because estrogen has the ability to promote the growth of breast cancer cells, some scientists have suggested that the aluminum-based compounds in antiperspirants may contribute to the development of breast cancer (3)."

[caffinequeen]

Body shop one is good, I use the stick not the roll on. It's only a de-deodorant not anti perspirant but strangely I still feel dry, even on hot days.

[Poshbaggirl]

You little beauties! Thanks for sharing your thoughts. I will continue my search. I am utterly convinced with the connection, as with agro chemicals, pesticides and other garbage in the environment. The truth is bc rates are the highest in Lincolnshire, funny at how much of lincolnshire is under intensive agriculture.

[janmoomoo]

Thanks for the info Hevian. However the link to the whole article is here which on balance I think IMHO shows there is a lack of conclusive evidence.