Avoid Deodorants
 (4) |
100% |
A few years ago, I started to get a very strange sensation in my left armpit. It felt like the lymph nodes in that area were swelling. I switched from one commercial brand of deodorant to another to try and stop the uncomfortable sensation, but nothing worked. Then I went online and started to research what was in deodorants! YIKES!!! After my internet research, I decided to stop using deodorants with aluminum (basically all commercial brands). Well, the weird sensation disappeared after several days and I have to say that my BO started to smell a lot better too. I am not convinced the commercial deodorants do much at all, other than stop you from perspiring for a time. But you have to ask yourself -- why would you want to stop the body from perspiring? The armpit area is loaded with lymph nodes!
(Burbank, CA)
06/13/2008
This is true! I've done this for two weeks and I'm odor free. Deoderants make you stink more. Rub H202 and Baking soda on keeps me from BO for 12 hrs or more in 90 degrees weather. Like someone suggested, bar soap is no good either, but if you must, shower gel is better. Thank you for the suggestions everyone!
Avoid Deodorants
I've read peopel having a problem with body odor and deodorants. I've had similar problem, I intend on using baking soda. Maybe eventually I will begin bathing with yogurt to even out my bacterias, I've heard good things about yogurt wash. I started using awildsoap.com soap with jsut oils and sea salt, doesnt dry out or irritate my skin therefore less prone to bacteria/bacterial infection. But most importantly- I have noticed that my odor may have become worse due to the laundry detergent I have been using. Detergents with fancy additives, even "All" free and clear, leave residues on your clothing that when you wash them thy do not fully get clean. I noticed my clothes stil smell after using these detergents, natural detergents as well and I cannot get my pet's laundry clean while mothers will complain of diapers still stinking when they use them. My odor may be mild on me but way worse on my shirt and the odor is unlike any I've had before. They say the cheapest no frills detergents are best bc they cannot afford to produce detergents with extra additives that would leave residues. But if you have sensitivity or environmental issues you should use Sensi-clean or Country Save detergents they rinse clean and theyre good for the environment. Good luck!! I think this will totally help my situation as I notced my odor became worse with new detergents.
Bad Body Odor Treatment
Hi I am 17 and I been having body odor trouble for some time know. I wash correctly I use clean towels and everything clean clothes everything like that but it's a smell that will not go away and It's very embarrassing. I need help please.
(Tennessee, Usa)
01/07/2014
Dear Shalik,
Well, I am sorry you are having this trouble! When one of my teenage sons had this trouble a few years back, we gave him bentonite clay for a time (internally) and it did seem to help. Most bentonite clay you will find is not mean for internal use (sodium bentonite is not for internal use.) We have used something that is a combination of sodium and calcium bentonite for internal use. Here is where we got it, with more information about it.
http://www.bulkherbstore.com/Bentonite-Clay-Powder?s=bentonite&id=bWg8X7pQ
He took 4 capsules a day (We made it into capsules, but you could put 1 teaspoon in 8 ounces of water and drink it. It doesn't taste bad.) He did this for at least a month. Be sure to take it with plenty of water so it isn't constipating to you. If you have trouble with constipation, you will want to make sure to address that, as it can cause body odor, as well.
Some other things to try would be the following:
drinking plenty of water each day
taking an epsom salt bath a few times a week (1 cup epsom salt per bath)
having an apple and a banana a day
avoiding fried food, fast food, soda, etc.
Earth Clinic has a lot of information here: https://www.earthclinic.com/cures/body_odor.html
There are many things you can try. I hope you find a solution soon. Please let us know what helps you!
~Mama to Many~
(World)
01/07/2014
(Newburgh Ny)
08/14/2017
Use chlorophyll and make sure ur getting enough magnesium and zinc in ur diet. Make sure to remove foods that produce smell like garlic and onion. Choline foods, probiotics and digestive enzymes too might help.
Baking Soda
| 5 star (30) | 68% | |
| 4 star (1) | 2% | |
| 3 star (2) | 5% | |
| 1 star (1) | 2% | |
| (10) |
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Hi, I recently switched to baking soda deodorant, all natural ingredients. Yesterday I found a lump under the skin in my armpit, sensitive if I mess with it. Has anyone else experienced this?
(Usa)
05/19/2018
Hi Brian,
You are not alone with this. When I didn't know any better I would stop using deodorant when a lump occurred even with the soreness. I would use a powder instead and go on with my life. A day or two later lump soreness and all would be gone.
Now that I do know better, when this happens I give myself a break from deodorants and I use corn starch. It seems the problem is the solid deodorants may block the sweat glands. I am not sure about the why, but I do know that a break from solid deodorant as soon as I get lump and the lump disappears.
HisJewel
(Texas)
09/12/2022
Baking Soda
★★★★★
For a deodorant try a bit of bicarb of soda (baking soda). It is stupendous. It just cuts out odor like nobody's business.
Baking Soda
★★★★★
For those who suffer from rash and irritated arm pits after using Baking Soda as a deodorant:
Make sure that you:
- buy Baking Soda and not Baking Powder (two different things)
- buy Baking Soda that was grinded very finely - the more grainy it is the more possible irritation
- don't apply Baking Soda on freshly shaved/depilated areas (leave the areas rest at least overnight)
My protocol of applying BS:
(I depilate my armpits.)
1. I apply BS in the morning.
2. I take about half of a teaspoon of BS and put it to my palm.
3. I wet the BS with enough water drops to make thick paste.
4. From that palm I take half of the paste amount on fingers of my other hand and I spread it under one armpit.
5. Then I spread the other half of the paste amount under the other armpit, just using the 'original' palm of the hand on which I did the paste. (so I end up with both palms with BS leftovers)
6. I allow the BS to dry out completely before I put on any clothes.
7. I use a towel or cloth to buff away excess BS from my armpits. But I make sure I don't rub. I just pat one or two times under each armpit. I like to do this over a carpeted room, as 1.) BS gets odours from carpets and helps to keep them clean. and 2.) it cracks unpleasantly when walked over on bathroom tiles...
8. Only afterwards I put on clothes.
When following this protocol, I have never experienced any issues with BS and I use it daily for already more than two years.
Also in southern EU countries, which get very hot during summer.
Baking Soda
★★★★★
You don't even know how hot is it living here. It is impossible for me not to sweat everyday and stink. Deos dosent work and leave stains that smells on my shirts. Baking Soda (Sodium Bicarb) is the best. It is cheap and you can buy it anywhere. The downside is that it doesn't work on polyester. I stink wearing polyester only after 2 hours with BS. So I just avoid wearing jerseys and opt for cotton instead. It also leave white stains on your clothes but it is pretty manageable since you can wash it away with only water.
Baking Soda
★★★★★
I read that some people use baking soda for deodorant, so I tried it and it works great. There was some initial stinging but that went away.
After my evening shower, I dampen my left palm and sprinkle a little baking soda on it and rub my two palms together and rub the wet baking soda under each arm.
I noticed that it lasts over 24 hours as a deodorant.
Baking Soda
★★★★★
A simple, but effective answer for armpit odor is a dusting of baking soda every morning... A miracle solution! And some people choose one other answer... Rubbing virgin coconut oil on their armpits. I believe the baking soda is best.
(Campbellsville, Ky)
11/05/2012
Try this: I buy a real lemon, cut off one end, rub that under my arms once a day. After a day or two, no more oder at all. Makes me feel lemony fresh too : ) Keep it in my frig, when the end gets funky, just take a knife and cut off a slice and start over. Works much better and lots cheeper than storebought.
Baking Soda
★★★★★
I am writing to thank everyone who introduced the cure for my underarm odor. You see, I've had embarrassing underarm odor for most of my adult life. I am now 33 yo. I was in desperate need of help since I was tired of the whispers and rude comments associated with this embarrassing ailment. I came to Earth Clinic for a cure since I've tried all of the commercial deodorants you could think of including the clinical ones.
Right when I was at my wits end, I decided to try a natural approach and thank G)D I DID! First I reluctantly tried distilled vinegar, ACV, Coconut oil, cornstarch and milk of Magnesium under my arms which all helped slightly but it was definitely not a cure for me. Next I decided to try BAKING SODA and much to my surprise it completely eliminated my BO on contact. I couldn't believe it! All these years of being plague with underarm stench came to a screeching halt all at once. I was so in shock that I didn't wash under my arms for two whole days and I still didn't have odor; HOWEVER I began to receive a severe rash under my arms that caused painful skin irritation. I was a bit saddened at first but then I realized that there must be something I could do to prevent the BS from irritating my skin.
I recalled reading a post on Earth Clinic about using diaper rash cream for underarm odor so I decided to try it. I placed the 40% zinc ointment (Maximum Strength from Wal-Mart in the Baby Care section) under my arms (at that time I used it as a barrier for the BS), placed the BS on a sheet of tissue and then gently dabbed it on top of the zinc ointment. IT WORKED LIKE A CHARM!!! The rash began to disappear and the odor became non existent. I would also like to share that there have been times when I only put on a thin layer of zinc ointment without any problems as well. I now only add the BS if I feel I need extra protection. If I feel I need triple protection, I use a scented stick of deodorant, apply the zinc and then dab the BS on top of it. I'm telling you... this WORKS!!!!!!!!!! I've been using this regimen for almost a year now and it still works like a charm.
**Oh here's another tidbit: When you are washing under your arms in the shower, DO NOT SCRUB UNDER YOUR ARMS when Baking Soda is present. What I do is raise my arm up under the water, let the water run under my arm and then I cup my hand under my arm to catch the water. When the water fills up my cupped hand, I gently splash the water under my arms until the Baking Soda has been completely rinsed away. Then I proceed to washing under my arms as usual. This should prevent skin irritation from the the BS.
I give All thanks to God for leading me to such a wonderful site. I really hope my testimony help others. God bless everyone. I know how debilitating this ailment can be and I wish you all the best. :)
(New Haven, Ct, United States)
09/02/2012
Lynnieme, I had a similar experience with that irritating rash. Several months ago, I decided to replace products in my home with homemade natural ones. I've switched laundry detergent to deodorant and everything else in between over the past few months.
I found many recipes online for natural deodorants. Most had varying amounts of coconut oil, cornstarch and baking soda. I'd read that cornstarch could cause a yeast problem for some sensitive women and that arrowroot powder was an excellent substitution. I decided to use arrowroot, as I didn't know if I would have any problems with the cornstarch and wanted to be safe.
I mixed up a batch and began using it. Like you, I reacted to the baking soda with a red, burning irritation. I went back online to search for a solution to the rash issue. I found a site that recommended I rub the coconut oil alone onto my underarms.
Then it suggested lightly dusting the area with a 50:50 mix of arrowroot & baking soda on top of the coconut oil. I applied mine with an unused round makeup brush that was about 2 1/2" or 3" in diameter.
To help heal the rash that was already there, I began taking 1 tsp turmeric with a dash of pepper in my usual morning & evening protein shakes. I reasoned if turmeric was good for major skin issues (as mentioned on this site), it would surely work for the baking soda armpit irritation I had. Within 4 or 5 days of using turmeric, the rash began to heal and never came back!
The homemade deodorant works wonderfully. Please note it did take a full two weeks for it to work totally. Decades of deodorant and antiperspirant use clogs the pores. Heaven only knows what was trapped in there that worked it's way out over those two weeks! LOL
After this initial armpit "detox" period there was no smell whatsoever. I got through that period by applying my homemade product twice a day, washing and drying the armpit area thoroughly each time. Now, just once in the morning after my shower and I'm good all day!
(Somewhere, Alone, Listening To Radiohead)
09/03/2012
There's a blog out there called crunchybetty that has a few posts on her experiments in perfecting homemade deodorant. I'd seriously recommend people checking it out.
Also, have you considered using soap nuts for your laundry? I converted to them about 6 months ago and I swear by them! They are amazing!
(New Haven, Ct, United States)
09/05/2012
Thank you for the site. I'm going to look at it tonight.
As for the laundry, I am currently using 2 cups Borax, 2 cups Super washing soda and 2 bars grated Fels Naptha. I store in in a large container with a tight fiting lid to keep out the humidity and use just 2 teaspoons per load. It seems to be working fine so far but I will be on the lookout for soap nuts.
What sort of stores would carry them?
(Somewhere, Alone, Listening To Radiohead)
10/05/2012
(Smyrna, Ga)
10/15/2012
911 HELP!!!! I have been trying to find a REALLY good natural deodorant... I used a common BS recipe that MANY people/blogs/sites SWEAR by.... And made it for my son and friends and initially it was AWESOME!!
Baking Soda, Corn Starch, Coconut Oil, Tea Tree Oil, Other Fragrance/ES... Changed up the Coconut Oil for Shea Butter and once again with Coco Butter.. to no avail.
THE GOOD: Well, we didn't stink at all... Lol it does perform well in that aspect... Lol Even after extreme cardio/Run outside!
THE BAD: No matter which variation I used all of us (5) had irritation under both underarms. FAR WORSE on the left side though.
1. itching and burning after half of the day (ESPECIALLY AFTER A WORKOUT)
2. We are African American so our armpits turned the LITERAL CRAYON BLACK... And then began to shed skin... (GROSS) with burning and extreme sensitivity... (WHYYYY SWEET BABY JESUS! ?) lol
******CAN ANYONE HELP! ?******
1. Help us get our armpits NORMAL AGAIN?
2. And figure out what went wrong! ?
3. A really good alternative/natural rememdy that REALLY works?
*** The pain ONLY left when we went back to store brand traditional deodorants... :(
I even tried ACV w/lemon juice in distilled water!! HELP PLEASE!
(Pacific Nw, Usa)
10/15/2012
(Ny)
10/15/2012
MAGNESIA MILK works better than anything. Comercial deodorants only works for 10 or 15 minutes on my skin, so I start using lemon juice, ammonia, coffe, peroxide, alcohol, borax, baking soda and cant remember how many things I tried. Nothing works for my stinking armprit and having clear, dry and clean smell in my underarm.
(Los Angeles, Ca)
09/05/2013
(Wb, Nj)
09/05/2013
Hi Trish, not sure if you're looking for help with the baking soda rash or the underarm odor. I learned about using zinc oxide ointment here at EC for underarm odor. Most deodorants give me a rash. Then I'd have to use nothing until the rash cleared up enough that I could use a mixture of baking soda and cornstarch. I use zinc oxide ointment now instead of commercial deodorant and I swear by it. Very gentle and effective.
(Long Beach, Ca)
09/06/2013
Baking Soda
Body Odor and Baking Soda
Hey everyone. So I've been going the holistic route in healing and I decided to try going without chemical deodorants. I've been without conventional deodorant for about 5 to 6 months now. However, I haven't been able to find any natural remedy that works. The baking powder one eliminates the odor, but causes me to have painful armpits. I also tried the acv remedy and it hasn't worked either. My BO is terrible and I would love some advice on what to do. I was thinking of maybe trying the baking soda with cornstarch to see if that helps any. Thank you for taking the time to help me.
(Surrey, Bc)
05/30/2010
I've just started to try coconut oil and it seems to be working. When I get up in the morning I put coconut oil under the arm, then I go for a brisk 1 1/2 hour walk. I used to smell terrible when I got home, now I don't. After I have my morning bath I use the coconut oil again. I don't know if it would last all day for everyone but I don't seem to have to reapply.I also ingest about 3 tablespoons per day, this could also be helping. The coconut oil is antibacterial, therefore killing the bacteria that causes the smell. Hope this helps.
(Campinas, Brazil)
05/30/2010
(Houston, Tex)
05/31/2010
(New York, Ny)
06/01/2010
Hi Doctorwho732,
Consider going (if you're not already) with a mostly veggie and whole grain diet. For example, red meat - especially pork - changes the way your body smells, as does sugar. Sugar feeds a bacteria called candida - yes, same as what causes yeast infections in women - and it's present in all of us, all the time, but eating an unbalanced diet can make it thrive in your body and cause a host of crappy symptoms, among them bad body odor.
Also, stress body odor smells very different from sweat body odor - one's hard work sweat, the other smells bitter and stinky. If you're really tense, cut down on caffeine and get more exercise (a good idea in general). Try to figure out what's making you so anxious.
Look up 'candida diet' online, or go to a library / bookstore / health food store to learn more. Also research fungal infections (ie. athlete's foot, jock itch, warts) - fungus may also be contributing to bad body smell.... I suspect that improving what you eat and helping your immune system fight infections will help you a great deal. We are what we eat.
Good luck and happy healing :)
(Taipei, Noidea, Taiwan)
06/01/2010
★★★★★
I have being using sodium bicarbonate, as deodorant, under my arms for almost 2 years now and never a problem. Do you shave it? because maybe that's why you feel pain. It really keep me without any bad smell all day.
(Ab Canada)
06/21/2010
Delightful Home Made Baking Soda Deodorant...
Thoroughly Mix 2 tablespoons of Baking soda in water (About a cup of water but this really depends on the size of the spray bottle).
Once the baking soda has dissolved, pour the mixture into a glass spray bottle.
This method is easy, clean & works awesome!
* Special Note: Add your favourite essential oils to give it a pleasant scent : )
(Manila, Philippines)
07/28/2012
Every human being have different types of body odor. If you are acidic by nature, try iliminate those acidic foods, i.e. Spicy foods, spices, caffeine, alcohol, cigarette, that causes body odor. Take a bath twice a day, morning and evening. Put baking soda and hydrogen peroxide on the water that you use for bathing and add essential oils e. G. Tea tree oil, peppermint oil, if you like. Detoxify your body using sea salt (not iodize) with warm water in a bath tub or a large pail and soak your body 30-45 minutes twice a week. Drink plenty of water, and eat as much green leafy vegetables to cleanse your system. Do not take apple cider vinegar if you are acidic or you have an ulcer. Drink virgin coconut oil or take activated charcoal powder or capsules. (Please google search activated charcoal for more info). You can also make your own deodorant - a mixture of antibacterial toothpaste and baking soda, then rub it on your under arm to keep you going the whole day. Always bring antibacterial wet tissue to wipe your underarm whenever it gets wet. Most of all, always think positive because God is good all the time. :)
(Florida)
11/21/2015
I had been using clinical Dove and it stopped working. I switched to regular Dove. Most deodorants irritate my skin. I really wanted to stop using all the crap and read about the baking soda.
I would sweat even after applying the Dove but found that if I took some baking soda on my hand and rub it under my arms, it worked like a charm.
Until, I got this rash after a few days of using. It didn't really hurt or burn, just really dark. So, I stopped using it.
Maybe I should have mixed it- or maybe I just can't use it. I would love to because it really worked.
I have a question about the coconut oil. Does it stain your clothing?
(Tennessee)
11/21/2015
Dear Sarah,
Using Baking Soda for deodorant gave my son the same rash. If yours hasn't cleared up yet, a calendula salve is what cleared up his rash, which was itchy and miserable.
I think using coconut oil straight for a deodorant would have a tendency to stain clothes. I have seen recipes for home made deodorant creams or bars that have coconut oil in them, along with things like arrowroot powder, baking soda, essential oils, and beeswax. It might be something to look into, I think mixed with other ingredients, coconut oil wouldn't be so likely to stain.
The following are some other things you could use as a deodorant. Magnesium Oil, Witch Hazel, Rubbing alcohol. (Either on a cotton ball or in a spray bottle.)
~Mama to Many~
Baking Soda
★★★★★
I make a baking soda deodorant that is creamy and goes on real easy and stays on in the arm pits real well. Just take any small container with a lid. Put in whatever amount of baking soda you want. Then add any lotion or hand cream you use. I also add a few drops of essential oil to make it smell pretty. Guys, I guess you coud add cologne or some other fragrence. Then I just stir it up, put on the lid and its ready to use.
(Bridgetown, Barbados)
10/05/2009
Baking Soda
since baking soda has such a wonderful effect in dealing with body odors, can it be taken orally? The bacteria tha causes body odor, i know the baking soda can quench it for a while but for a longer lasting freshness, will drinking baking soda do the body any harm?
EC: More baking soda feedback here: https://www.earthclinic.com/remedies/baking_soda.html
Baking Soda
★★★★★
I have found that in regards to body odor, patting on about 1/4 to 1/2 of a handful of baking soda onto each armpit AFTER drying off after my morning shower, then rubbing it around really helps with my armpit odor (which can be quite odorous). It also helps absorb some of the negative chemicals I use from my ___ body spray/deodorant, and the best part is that the baking soda keeps the smell of the ___ spray there for a few days in case I forget to apply either the baking soda or the ___ spray for a day or two, a habit which I will never endorse, since personal hygiene is a must, but I'm pretty sure you knew that already ;-)
Baking Soda
★★★★★
I read about using baking soda for a deodorant and I have a really bad problem with underarm body odor. I don't want to use anything with aluminum in it. I really did not think the baking soda would work, but two days ago, I started using it. It is the hottest part of the summer here and I always walk every time I get the opportunity at work, so usually get sweaty. Surprise! It works. I just dumped about a teaspoon in my hand and rubbed half into each armpit. The amount does not seem to matter too much, used less today than yesterday just because a bunch came out of the box yesterday. I am a 60-year-old female. I have tried every natural deodorant on the market and nothing else works. This is like a miracle to me!!!
