Fifteen years ago I had an awakening and became really concerned about the ingredients in my antiperspirant and the increase of breast cancer. Sweating under the armpit is a natural way to detox the body – and it became clear to me that conventional deodorants were not a healthy part of my self-care regimen.
When I stopped using Dove commercial antiperspirant, I was left with excessive sweat, bad odors and I became really frustrated. It took me a few months to adjust to the change – this entailed a lot of patience and trial and error.
I tried many different natural deodorant brands over the years with mixed results, and I finally found my current favorite, a deodorant stone called Lafe’s Crystal Body Deodorant.
Deodorant stones are a mixture of natural mineral salts and completely free of perfumes, chemicals, and dyes. The mineral salts leave an invisible protective barrier against odor-causing bacteria on your skin.
Crystal Body Deodorant has become my personal favorite because it’s:
Not only do conventional deodorants and antiperspirants completely alter the body’s natural detoxification via the armpits, but they contain toxic chemicals that themselves have been connected to cancer. These include:
BHT is a type of butylated compound, which are preservatives used in both food and cosmetics. These compounds are endocrine disruptors linked to reproductive issues and infertility. They have also been linked to skin irritation and organ toxicity, so you don’t want them on your body!
Fragrance is a term that often covers a number of potential chemicals, most often parabens and pthalates. These compounds are known endocrine disruptors that interfere with our hormones and reproductive systems. They have also been found in cancer tissue.
Dimethicone is listed as a possible skin and eye irritant. It not only leads to skin irritation, but can make skin drier over time, and more dependent on a synthetic coating.
Aluminum chlohydrate
Aluminum compounds are the active ingredient of most deodorants and antiperspirants – they work by blocking the sweat glands in the applied area. This decreases the body’s ability to detoxify excess estrogen that needs to leave the body, and has been cited as the potential connection between aluminum-containing deodorants and breast cancer.
Potassium Alum has a much larger molecule than aluminum which is too large to be absorbed through the skin. Potassium Alum sits on the surface of the skin where it prevents the bacteria responsible for causing sweaty odors from multiplying but it does do not reduce sweat production and it is not an antiperspirant like aluminum.
If you are concerned about using potassium alum, you can try my homemade deodorant made with arrowroot powder and essential oils, it has no potassium alum and no baking soda!
Rock deodorant can be used similarly to conventional deodorants – and with consistent use, you will find that they work even better than your previous brands! If you’re using a store brand, like my favorite Lafe, simply wet and apply to armpits as directed on the container.
To use a deodorant crystal stone, simply wet and rub the stone over your clean armpits. The salt will kill odor-causing bacteria on contact, and will help prevent them returning for about 24-hours. With consistent use, you may find that you do not need to apply the deodorant as often.
An effective body odor management plan should take into account all of the things that you put into and onto your body. As previously mentioned, sweating is a natural form of the body’s detoxification process. If you are eating processed foods, your body will have more to detox, and this will contribute to greater bodily odor.
Stress also plays a role in feeding odor-causing bacteria, since it can actually change the pH of our bodies and our sweat. To effectively manage your body odor, don’t just assume that it’s the deodorant product that you are using – you can make lasting changes that will enable you to toss those commercial deodorant sticks and feel healthier and more vital for good!
What do you think of this deodorant stone? What is your favorite deodorant?
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Thanks for your wonderful recipes.
I have also been using the crystal deodorant but I understand that alum is aluminium and so not as healthy as I thought. Can you throw some light on this subject.
Potassium Alum has a much larger molecule which is too large to be absorbed through the skin. Potassium Alum sits on the surface of the skin where it prevents the bacteria responsible for causing sweaty odours from multiplying but it does do not reduce sweat production and it not an antiperspirant like aluminum.
You can also try my homemade deodorant, it has no potassium alum https://www.organic-beauty-recipes.com/homemade-deodorant-without-baking-soda/
Where do you buy the deodorant stone?
HI Lisa, I buy it on amazon https://www.organic-beauty-recipes.com/rock-deodorant
I have beven using a stone for many years.
There is nothing better out there and the price is right, especially considering how long it lasts.
I just buy the travels size and it last for years.
thanks Brigitte, I agree I have mine for 6 months and does not seem to shrink!