Non-aluminum deodorant that actually works

[litskispeciality]

*Poof*

Thank you again for the advice. I've order Lume deodorant and some acidic wipes. I'll report back, although I hope not to get a rash as others mentioned.

Rewashing some clothes tonight in Tide hygienic and a tiny bit if vinegar in the bleach soot (we don't have a separate fabric softener. Here's hoping some of this works.

I'll try some of the other suggestions.

[momin2013]

If you have a deodorant that you like but it's just not working well enough/lasting, have you tried keeping an extra at work, and re-applying during the day?

[Nonny]

Lume has terrible commercials, but as a product I find that it works very well for me, where other natural deodorants do not. I've been using it regularly for about 2 years, and I'm pretty happy with it.

Native was the absolute worst of all the natural ones I tried - like so bad that I actually felt I smelled worse while wearing it and threw it away after two days. I liked Schmidt's OK, but eventually the coconut oil built up too much in the armpit area of all my shirts and stained them, and I had to throw a bunch of them out.

You should also check to see if you have any funky smells already stuck in your clothes, because just your body heat can cause washed clothes to smell bad even if your body does not. You may need to do some laundry stripping, and/or focus an enzyme cleaner on the sweaty areas of clothing. I have to do this more frequently with using just a natural deodorant than I did when I wore an antiperspirant with aluminum.

[sonrisa]

Have you looked at changing your body wash/ soap? I don’t remember what I was using a few years ago, but it wasn’t as thorough as I wanted so I had to switch things up.

Also i switched to tide hygienic laundry pods when a more natural option wasn’t cutting it anymore.
tide.com/en-us/shop/type/laundry-pods/tide-hygienic-clean-heavy-duty-10x-power-pods-free

[gardengal]

Every few days I wear Lume at night. It kills (?) the bacteria that cause orders but, warning, I think it smells terrible initially (it does disappear but that’s why I do it at night). Then I do Dove Aluminum free in the AM

[dcn]

I liked soapwalla deodorant cream. It worked well for me in southeastern Georgia summers. It’s just deodorant though, so won’t help as an anti perspirant.

I haven’t tried lume, but I have family that likes it.

Native would not wash out of my clothes, hated it.

For laundry, make sure you are not using too much detergent. For stinky stuff we soak with Rockin green active wear, and i use vinegar in the rinse cycle (I pour it in where fabric softener is supposed to go). I just use wool balls to dry and add some essential oil drops if I want any scent.

[Bad Dingo]

I'm sorry, that must have been a very uncomfortable conversation to have.

I switched to aluminum free deodorant in 2020 and luckily have had good results.  I agree w/PP who said to make sure there aren't any lingering odors in your clothes.  I recommend using Dial soap in the shower to help combat any bacteria.

I use a bunch of different deodorants and change it up daily/every few days so that my body doesn't get used to one kind and then reject it.  I'm pretty sure that all of these options could also be used in the nether-regions if needed as well.

Favorites -

Lume - smells like wet dog going on but works well.

(C&Ping from my amazon orders): 

My most recent purchase, it seems very moisturizing and smells great: Kopari Aluminum Free Natural Deodorant with Organic Coconut Oil


This one works and smells great but my body chemistry makes it leave a yellow stain on my clothes: PiperWai Natural Deodorant w/Activated Charcoal | 24-Hour Sweat Protection, Vegan, Aluminum Free Deodorant


Marketed for kids but I like it: Fresh Monster Natural Deodorant for Kids & Teens, Aluminum Free, Paraben Free, Hypoallergenic Deodorant, Gummy Burst


Out of all of the ones I listed, this one is my favorite: Each & Every 2-Pack Natural Aluminum-Free Deodorant for Sensitive Skin with Essential Oils, Plant-Based Packaging

[sofamonkey]

I’m not sure how old you are, but after I hit 42ish, I had to switch to a clinical strength deodorant.

I also have the lume, and it helps. I like the shower soap, which might help you as well.

Sorry you had that talk, it’s no fun at all.

[gummybear]

I use rx strength antiperspirant but I still sweat when it wears off. I wipe my pits with glycolic acid every morning and I am telling you - I have never been this odorless in my life. It’s technically for your fave but I swear it works!

theordinary.com/en-us/glycolic-acid-7-toning-solution-exfoliator-100418.html?dwvar_100418_size=240ml&quantity=1&gclid=CjwKCAjw_YShBhAiEiwAMomsEPrBoAOSfzzw-vaSXAoB2tuAngUVxrDqGLwFxF-N1lIflJzC2vS3sBoCuDQQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

I also got Botox for a while and that works incredibly well. However it’s extremely expensive

[redheadk]

No help with deodorant specifically but 2 pieces of advice:

1) armpit detoxing sound like a bunch of hooey but it’s really just like using clarifying shampoo on your head, it’s too remove the build up from deodorant on your skin. Dh uses the Pacifica coconut and charcoal underarm scrub when he notices that his deodorant isn’t cutting it anymore.

2) Use dry shampoo at night before bed and start before your hair starts looking/feeling oily. I only wash twice a week; I use dry shampoo at night on day 2 and 3. I’ve done this for years, so you may want to start on night 1. You don’t need a ton.

[litskispeciality]

Thank you all for your feedback. I'm sorry I complain about work so much, but I don't want to sit and overthink this to death. As my counselor would say, my boss cares enough to step away, and acknowledge it's uncomfortable rather than act like I'm doing something wrong.

PDQ PDQ
I'm 40.5 and find that yes I'm going through the re-puberty, so I'm sure that's part of it. I find that I have to shave my underarms every couple of days or that starts to smell really bad. It might sound weird, but I also think smoking the legal green stuff gives me more odor. I've tried to google it, but don't find anything scientific. DH and I both need to cut back all together, and I could try to find a better balance with the edibles to cut out some smells. I'm guilty of wearing the same clothes for years and years, so it sounds like buying the new laundry soap, and treating myself to some new clothes can help. I think years ago I used to spray Bath and Body Works spray right on to the armpits of my clothes as I felt they held a smell, so I could try that again as it's not right on my skin. I forgot that I used to use witchhazel under my arms too, esp in the summer. Might try anti-bacterial soap, witchhazel, then deo before work, esp on non-hair washing days. I don't keep deo with me at work, but I'll try that too. I find myself stepping out to brush my hair and put on moisturizer, so why not add one more thing to my daily ablutions?

We also have company polos that aren't flattering to women, and I have to wear them on days where I do a lot of walking and build up sweat. My boss did acknowledge that they're kind of awful and it's on the radar to order some new ones better fitting to the female body. For now I'll try to only wear those shirts for events, which I wash they every time before I wear them.


You can quote this part...

Where do you buy Lume? Can you buy it in a store, or only on their website? I feel like I've seen that name come up on similar posts.

[Nonny]

litskispeciality, you can buy Lume online on their website (they run deals a lot), but I recently saw some at my Target.

[gardengal]

litskispeciality, I recently saw a lume display in my target. It’s great for stinky feet too!

[jinkies]

I'm sorry you had to have this conversation, I'm sure it's not how you wanted your day to go.

Are you sure that the issue is coming from your underarms? This may be TMI, but in warmer weather I need to use Lume on my upper thighs/along my bikini line area because I sweat pretty badly in that area. Is it possible that you need to be applying the deodorant in other places, as opposed to the deodorant not working?

[pixy0stix]

You could strip all your clothes - www.southernliving.com/home/organization/what-is-laundry-stripping

The only thing I'd do differently is at the end throw them in the washing machine without any soap and run a cycle.

Once you do an initial strip, you could then use these every once in a while - www.grovia.com/products/mighty-bubbles-laundry-treatment

[mcmel]

I was also going to suggest stripping your clothing as well as Lume.

I bought the unscented Lume and it definitely did have a weird smell when I first apply it but after a few seconds it’s gone and I swear it works wonders.

I also notice when my friends and students shower at night vs in the morning. People smell like sweat and sleep when they’re night time showerers.

I, personally, would shower and wash my hair every morning, only wear clothing once before washing (including bras), and wear Lume as well as clinical strength deodorant.

[tealblue]

I missed part of the question but was also going to recommend laundry stripping for any clothes holding smells.

It was super disgusting to see what came out of the clothes and towels I let soak.

[docholly]

Another vote for Lume... It has been a wonder for my pre-teen.

[cville]

I would:

Strip all my clothes (Google laundry stripping). Some stuff may be beyond help. I had to throw away a silk shirt in the perfect shade of green after it got funky. Nothing could save it.

Shower daily with Dial soap. The antibacterial one.

Use a fresh wash cloth each shower. The cheaper and rougher the better. Works great to help exfoliate.

Get a gentle, fragrance free moisturizer for your body, after all that bacteria killing and scrubbing, you'll need it.

Consider washing your hair more frequently for awhile (I had to do this for a couple years after my son was born and I got oilier).

Use whatever folks here recommend for deodorant.

[jinkies]

Oh, also, from what I've read, yes, smoking weed regularly can affect your scent, kind of the same way that large amounts of garlic/onion can.

[twinmomma]

You could also look into the fabrics you're wearing. Cotton is better and more breathable. I find that the type of fabric makes a huge difference for me.

[EvieEthelGarland]

Another vote for Lume. They were out of unscented last time I reordered so I bought Peony and my skin has not reacted to it well. I've been having a lot of other skin reactions to adhesives and such so its probably just me. It has also been great for my teen DS.
Amazon has it and so does my Target.

[litskispeciality]

Thanks again everyone. I'll look in to laundry stripping, Lume and cutting back a bit on the legal stuff. I shower in the AM as I find I'm starting to get sweaty at night (oh aging). I really can't wash my hair every day as it gets too dry and tangly. I even wash with water only some days which has helped take out any oil for smell (for the most part), but hold me over another day or two between shampoos. I'll try the dry shampoo at night, but I'm telling you I can't get the hang of that stuff, and my hair ends up dirtier than if I just washed it in the first place.

[rubytue]

Re the clothing, I was reading up on this lately. And what I read (and my interpretation) is that watery sweat is not stinky, but the stinky sweat is gave body oils. And that the issue is all the quick dry poly blend althetic shirts are quick dry because they don’t absorb the water (or, they evaporate it quickly bc hydrophobic). But, they absorb the oily sweat and it gets stuck on the fibers. And washing in cold doesn’t allow the oil to dissipate, unless you use special detergent (a sport one). Maybe it was all just an add for Tide Sport and I got suckered, but it made sense.

If that work polo is like an under armor light weight sporty polo, it could be that. Maybe laundry stripping will deal with it.

[thedutchgirl]

I missed part of your post, but for your hair, if it is a light color, you could try using corn starch to soak up oil. I have blonde hair, and I use corn starch on day 2 and dry shampoo on day 3

For dry shampoo, I think you get what you pay for. I use R&Co. Death Valley and it's amazing

[CurlyQ284]

I have sensitive skin, and regular deodorant has always given me a really awful rash. I use Crystal Stick, then when that dries I apply Native over it. I got a rash when I tried Lume so that didn't work out for me.

[huskymom]

I really like the coconut Lume, I like the scent but agree it disappears quickly.

Ditto the Rocking Green activewear detergent..I think it helps with my workout clothes (eg my stinkiest) the best. I tried the regular kind first but think this one works better (of course is more $$).

Living proof is my go to dry shampoo. It actually feels clean. Sometimes I just put it on my roots at bedtime.

I agree I need to shave every other day or I seem to hold in scent more.

I’m sorry you had to have this conversation!

[leahcar]

Have you tried a medical grade soap? The hospital gave me a bunch before my surgery and I was really amazed at how I didn’t stink despite no deodorant, etc. Between hormones and the swampiness of summer, I’m strongly considering getting more.

[tacokick]

I agree with switching to all natural fibers if a lot of your clothes is synthetic or a blend. Synthetics have really taken over the fashion industry and they are really hard to clean and trap odors in the moment. I would also stop using fabric softeners because they coat your clothes and can trap odors as well.

Non talc powder might be worth checking out too.

[Aloe Vera]

I couldn’t read the original post but if you are using stick deodorant, this will leave residue and trap smell on your clothes. Especially if they have synthetic fibers. Stop using softener or dryer sheets and use white vinegar instead. Lysol has a laundry sanitizer for sports clothes or get Tide for sport clothes. Wash in warm to hot water depending on what your clothes can stand. This will dissolve body oils better.
For your hair, if you need to wash more often get a natural shampoo and some conditioner. Don’t apply the conditioner on your roots, just the lengths.
I use Dove 0% aluminum in spray. Works great. I prefer spray deodorant as the sticks leave too much residue on clothes.