Perhaps it's an oxymoron, but is there a safe and effective natural deodorant/antiperspirant out...

This may have been covered elsewhere, but I'm a new member and am already a little overwhelmed by the Skin Deep list of rated deodorants. I've tried Tom's of Maine and Jason Organics, but neither were very effective antiperspirants. I'm looking for a product that does both jobs, but the antiperspirant part seems to be lacking in most of the natural and organic deodorants, even if they're advertised as such. I'm used to stick deodorant, but am open to trying other types, as long as they're not horribly messy. Does such a thing exist?

Any recommendations?

Hmm...yeah, that's a tough question.  It does seem kind of like an oxymoron, given that people are meant to perspire...as unfortunate as that is sometimes.

I found this on the Delicious Organics website:

In terms of straight deodorants...the two with the highest ratings in the deodorant category are Crystal Body Deodorant Roll-On and Miessence Roll-On Deodorant. My sister is 14 plays on a very competitive volleyball team....which means she sweats a lot.  She's really liked Lafe's Natural & Organic Deodorant Stick.

I may have to see if my co-op carries either one of those roll-on deodorants -- I did see them at the top of the Skin Deep list. Thanks for the info!

I had forgotten that I also bought the Kiss My Face Liquid Rock roll-on, but I see that it has potassium alum in it. While it helped immensely during my workout at the gym tonight, I'm disappointed to see that particular ingredient in it. I also see it has a rating of 2 in the database -- not the best, but not the worst either.

Quote:

Originally Posted by katiehmn 

 

I may have to see if my co-op carries either one of those roll-on deodorants -- I did see them at the top of the Skin Deep list. Thanks for the info!

 

I had forgotten that I also bought the Kiss My Face Liquid Rock roll-on, but I see that it has potassium alum in it. While it helped immensely during my workout at the gym tonight, I'm disappointed to see that particular ingredient in it. I also see it has a rating of 2 in the database -- not the best, but not the worst either.

Definitely keep us posted with what you find.  I'm going to check out what Whole Foods has today.  Not all of the personal care stuff they carry is 100% tip top but for the most part, it's better than shopping at the local drug store.

Will do, for sure. The Whole Foods near me has a great selection of personal care products, and I'm also going to check out Mississippi Market (my co-op).

The one question I have about the Skin Deep database is this: When you see a high percentage in the "data gap" column, is that a positive or a negative? I understand what the data gap means, but I can't figure out the meaning behind the percentage.

Quote:

Originally Posted by katiehmn 

 

The one question I have about the Skin Deep database is this: When you see a high percentage in the "data gap" column, is that a positive or a negative? I understand what the data gap means, but I can't figure out the meaning behind the percentage.

I think a high percentage data gap (i.e. a 67% data gap) is a bad thing.  I understand it to mean that there is more unknown about the ingredients, than there is that is known (not enough studies, analysis, etc. to come to a hazard conclusion).  For the example of the 67% data gap, I would guess that you might be able to say they only know 1/3 of what there is to know about the safety.

This comes from Cosmetics Database:

That's generally how I understand it too.  For example, a product with a 0 rating that has a 0% data gap is a safer choice than a product with a 0 rating and a 90% data gap - the 90% data gap product would be considered safe, based on the 10% knowledge base...but there's just a lot unknown.

Taking a look at Cosmetics Database, the first product they list is Solay Salt Stone (they call it a deodorant/antiperspirant) with a 0% data gap and a 0 rating...but the ingredient is just salt.

The next product they list is B+Drier Anti-perspirant which is just made with water and aluminum chloride (which as a stand alone ingredient has a hazard score of 2, but it also has a 67% data gap).

Now...in terms of not sweating...a while back, my dad mentioned doing some research for my step mom on that procedure where your sweat glands in your arm pits get injected with something so that you don't sweat.  He's been a research doctor for a long time so he tends to do pretty exhaustive research and he thought it was safe for her to get that done.  Of course, my gut reaction is to think that that CAN'T possibly be good for you.  But I'll ask him this weekend.

I just came back from Whole Foods.  Interestingly enough, I didn't see a single deodorant on their shelf that claimed to be an antiperspirant on the front.

The deodorants ranged from about $4 to $23 (that one was Dr. Hauschka); there were sprays, roll ons...there were a few salt crystal ones.  I actually just picked up a roll on salt kind, just to see what happens. 

Quote:

Originally Posted by Deej 

 

 

I think a high percentage data gap (i.e. a 67% data gap) is a bad thing.  I understand it to mean that there is more unknown about the ingredients, than there is that is known (not enough studies, analysis, etc. to come to a hazard conclusion).  For the example of the 67% data gap, I would guess that you might be able to say they only know 1/3 of what there is to know about the safety.

 

OK, that makes more sense to me now. I kind of figured that was the case, but the FAQ about the data gap on the site is a little vague. It defines what a data gap is, but not exactly how to interpret the percentage. Thanks!

Quote:

Originally Posted by stins 

 

I just came back from Whole Foods.  Interestingly enough, I didn't see a single deodorant on their shelf that claimed to be an antiperspirant on the front.

 

I find it interesting that natural deodorants aren't labeled as antiperspirants. From what information I can find on antiperspirants and aluminum and its derivatives, if a product contains an aluminum derivative, it has antiperspirant qualities, no matter if it's absorbed or not.

I was trying to find out more about potassium alum, which is the active ingredient in Kiss My Face Liquid Rock roll-on deodorant, since the Delicious Organics info in your earlier post warned to look out for it. Apparently it is an aluminum derivative, but unlike aluminum, it isn't absorbed into the skin. (See the definitions presented on askwaltstollmd.com and on Wikipedia.) Also, if "mineral salts" is listed as an ingredient, it's another term for potassium alum.

The info I found seems to insinuate that potassium alum is a safer alternative to aluminum (and a few other derivatives) because it's naturally occurring and isn't absorbed into the skin. While the other option -- don't wear any deodorant at all -- is a viable one for me much of the time, I think I'll feel OK using the Kiss My Face roll-on on days where I need a little extra guard against the sweat warriors. Of course, if I can find a product with fewer ingredients, I'll opt for that; but for now I'll finish off the Liquid Rock.

For my $.02, I have asked this same question on a couple sites and the results were the same... all antiperspirants use a form of aluminum, which may be bad.  All the natural deoderants I have seen also are not antiperspirants - so basically I am coming in on this conversation a tad bit late, but want you to know that in the multiple attempts I have made as well, I came to the same results this thread has.  There currently are not really any "natural" antiperspirants other than some that contain some less concerning forms of aluminum.

in short, no. at this time there is no such thing as a natural anti-perspirant.

it is natural for our skin to excrete sweat. stopping that is not natural. and as of now, the only way to stop it is by chemical means.

if you want a natural deodorant, check out my Fakers / Not Fakers list that is posted in this forum. you can find some good guys out there that will at least stop odor.