Natural Antiperspirant

[Matheous-2]

Can anyone suggest a proprietary product that doesn't contain aluminium or other detrimental stuff we shouldn't roll-on or spray on ourselves?
Thanks in advance.

[Mosaic]

Can't help with antiperspirant but bicarbonate of soda used like talcum powder is an effective deodorant.

[woofgang]

I can't use any kind of antiperspirant because they cause me to itch furiously. I shower daily and use ordinary talc and that works fine....at least i still have plenty of friends so i guess it must work lol. The natural crystal kind IIRC have the same chemicals in as the sprays and roll ons , just in a less refined form.

[Rosetta]

Bionsen spray is aluminium free. Dont know whether its still available though. Health food shops may also sell a range of more natural products.

[KARL]

Perspiration is part of the body's design and in itself has a distinct function and therefore should not really be tampered with. However, I suspect what you really mean is that you want to counteract or at least minimise the likelihood of the odour that all of us can develop about us. That odour is not so much of the waste on our surfaces as from the various organisms that feed on and digest it - yes, there is something growing on our skins from birth. As the colonies get larger so the feeding grows as does the waste these organisms create, in liquid, solid and gaseous form. We reduce the size of the colonies every time we wash or simply get rained on - some of our dead skin and sweat,the organisms, and their waste are wiped off onto our clothing and anything we touch. All of this is entirely natural and to be expected. Some of the organisms we acquire on our way through life actually invade the skin and infect us.

For well over a decade I have been using a very common, cheap and perfectly natural substance as an antiseptic. Its use is well known as such in the effective cleaning of kitchen worktops and the like. That substance is plain, simple vinegar. The best dermatologists know all about this and tell people if/when they have the inclination and courage not to feed the commercial means and/or challenge public perceptions. I have never used deodorants or antiperspirants and I am assured I do not smell at all, even socks I have worn for days do not smell to me or others.

Applying a small amount of this anywhere onto skin after proper washing (not just standing under a running shower, soap/wash or not - turn off, soap all over, then turn on again to rinse) will sterilise it. This works on armpits, anywhere sweaty, including between toes. In case of the last, make sure all dead skin or other waste is removed first, for example by scraping with a plastic or other blunt knife. Even lots of scrupulously daily washed individuals still suffer from smelly feet. Most of the problem has usually been through wearing closed footwear for lengthy periods every day, but once established the odour is difficult to shift. With the above regime, vinegar will shift it. In fact, it is also very effective against athletes foot and even dandruff.

For anyone thinking that one will stink of vinegar, that is not the case. During and for perhaps 5-10 minutes afterward the smell may be discernible by anyone embracing you - although in the hair it will linger longer. I use distilled vinegar because not only does raw grain vinegar have a colour but it is also more pungent. In the case of its use against fungi, etc. that have broken the skin (between toes, on scalp) there will be a brief sting but after that the skin heals very quickly. After shaving (any part) the skin has been grazed and vinegar on it will sting. Ladies should not dream of using vinegar against vaginal odour, against that other remedies are required.

[gness]

I use Aloe Ever-Shield by Forever Living for the reasons you give and because it never leaves a mark on my clothes which are usually black.
Available on-line.

[Mancunian]

You can buy Bionsen from Tesco's and Boot's.

[Mosaic]

Karl - is there any risk that dousing in vinegar will make you smell of old wee? Just a thought.

[woofgang]

a brief sting? if your toes have skin splits caused by fungus....either KARL is making it up or he is deficient in nerve endings in his feet....

[Matheous-2]

Superb comprehensive answer! Thank you KARL and others should I choose to try branded product...

[Matheous-2]

Update: Our local "Boots" have never heard of it, but Amazon does stock this product in a few forms. Bionsen- that is....