Eau de Mama
After sitting in rather close proximity to me at a parent-teacher conference yesterday, my husband delicately told me that I should really consider using deodorant. Only 3 hours after my morning shower, and coming from a man who used to swear my "fragrance" was an aphrodisiac for him, I was a little surprised. Deodorant hasn't been part of my daily routine since I was in high school (when it also included the coordinating bath gel, lotion, and perfume!) and I've never given it a second thought. I always figured a quick rinse off in the morning would take care of the most offensive elements on the days when I actually do care how I smell. But I'm willing to reconsider the issue. After all, don't changing hormones influence body odor? What about you, mamas? Do you go au naturale or do you prefer to prevent or mask underarm perfume? If you've found a product you like, can you share?
Have you seen Portland's own Amy Karol's homemade deoderant?
http://angrychicken.typepad.com/angry_chicken/2008/07/homemade-deodor.html
Posted by: hayley | May 27, 2009 at 09:17 AM
I wish I could go without deodorant, but I'm still needing antiperspirant so the deodorant just goes with it. Maybe I'm a profuse sweater, but I just don't think I can make it through a day without antiperspirant, I think I'd be a sweaty mess and my t-shirts would never survive. I'd love a more natural alternative since the aluminum exposure does have me concerned at times.
Posted by: Leah | May 27, 2009 at 09:33 AM
I used to be not as vigilant with deodorant, but I work as therapist now, so I feel it is necessary. I use Secret, or other brands like that now. But, if you want something natural that works pretty well try the Weleda brand sage spray deodorant. It is kind of spendy but it works pretty well on most days (not really hot or active ones though). Most natural deodorants are a waste of money, IMO. Tom's of Maine woodspice and calendula scents work pretty well too, but are kind of harsh if you have sensitive skin.
Posted by: Jessi Dey | May 27, 2009 at 09:38 AM
The Weleda citrus stuff is a winner, too.
Posted by: catmom | May 27, 2009 at 09:56 AM
I agree about the Weleda stuff- I have used many of these "natural" deos and most of them don't really work- although I assume it would vary greatly depending on individual chemistry. My current fave is by Logona, though. I originally found it in Ashland and although no one carries it here they will special order it for me at New Seasons. It's called Deospray and the scent is Lotus. I like it better than the Weleda b/c it's a softer smell than the citrus or sage but not at all perfumey or fake. It's quite a lovely light and fresh smell. On certain days when I really want to stay dry and odor free (going to a wedding or something) I still use the toxic anti-perspirant stuff, though.
Posted by: averilpdx | May 27, 2009 at 10:03 AM
everyone is different of course, but I find that people really must scrub the underarm area with a sponge and soap at least, just rinsing does not get rid of perspiration smell. Regardless of whether you use deoderant or anti-perspirant the area should be scrubbed of dead skin, and smelly dirt that does not come off with a water splash. I have used SoftNDri powder scent spray for years. Not eco-friendly of course but the stuff works! Never failed me. I have used every other kinda and the one that is close is the Toms roll-on (I use it for travel) with calendula. My husband is European and he never used a sponge in decades- he does now, because even after showering he would have the worst underarm odor and now he uses a sponge/washcloth in the shower- problem solved.
Posted by: sunnyday | May 27, 2009 at 10:16 AM
oops- the name of the Logona deo is Asia, not Lotus
Posted by: averilpdx | May 27, 2009 at 10:24 AM
I don't use any on a daily basis. I don't like the way it feels, and I don't like the idea of antiperspirants clogging my pores with chemicals. That being said, I do keep some in my desk drawer at work just in case I end up needing some, and I have deodorant and antiperspirant in my medicine cabinet at home for particularly hot days or if a particular shirt I'm wearing causes me to sweat.
Posted by: Briana | May 27, 2009 at 11:12 AM
I like this product well enough, and the bonus is that it's local, straight from the 'couve: http://www.muddyh2oetc.com/products-pitpowder.htm. You can get it at the Alberta co-op, among other places.
But honestly, it doesn't help as much when I'm out running or engaging in some seriously sweaty activity. I have a stick of Kiss My Face for those occasions, although in my experience nothing renders me completely sweat- or stink-free...
Posted by: rockstar mama | May 27, 2009 at 11:39 AM
I never needed to wear deodorant until my son was born when I was 26. It wasn't that I didn't sweat before that--but I swear my sweat wasn't so stinky! And then it got worse five years later when my daughter was born. Is it hormones? I don't know, but I laughed pretty hard one time when a friend suggested it was just going to puberty. I was 26, and I'd been having my period for 14 years! It's not puberty.
After my son was born, I started wearing deodorant every day--Arm and Hammer men's line unscented. I tried using one of those crystals, and it definitely worked, but it is a little rough/scratchy and my skin is sensitive right now for other reasons. I'll go back to it at some point, though.
Oh, and I don't wash my armpits with soap--again, sensitive skin, and soap is just way too harsh. I do shave my armpits, and I can understand some of you might be scratching your heads. Huh? She can shave but not wash with soap? Sorry for the inconsistency, but that's what works for me. The shaving seems to help some with avoiding stinkiness, but I really miss my first 25 years of stink-less-ness.
Posted by: Janice | May 27, 2009 at 12:41 PM
I use Secret - always have. I wouldn't even try to go without. I think I'd be so self conscious waiting to stink that I would make myself sweat even more! ;-)
Posted by: mamatothree | May 27, 2009 at 01:01 PM
I find the crystal works better in the summer than the winter. Doesn't do well with heavy clothing. Sometimes I just forget the deoderant and I guess I get by, but I try not to miss it. I haven't had anyone say anything to me (I'm single and my daughter doesn't notice) but I'm also the supervisor at work so I'm not sure anyone would! :)
Posted by: Debby | May 27, 2009 at 01:03 PM
i use the 'crystal' roll-on deodorant (with the purple cap), year-round, exercise or no, and i can't say enough good things about it! it certainly is no replacement for good hygiene in the shower (i second the opinion that you must scrub, esp. if you don't shave) but it works great for me -- my brother even uses it. i've seen it at every natural foods store i've been to, it's clear and unscented, no aluminum, and gentle on my rather delicate skin. very non-invasive, and effective!
Posted by: anamama | May 27, 2009 at 01:32 PM
Tom's of Maine Long lasting roll-on in Lavender all the way!
Posted by: ES | May 27, 2009 at 01:40 PM
I like the J/A/S/O/N brand of deodorant... no yucky chemicals. My husband did buy some arm & hammer for me recently when he couldn't find the JASON brand, I haven't tried it yet, but it is aluminum-free.
Posted by: Susan | May 27, 2009 at 02:49 PM
I think most deodorants are aluminum-free. It's the anti-perspirants that contain aluminum.
I usually use Arm and Hammer or Tom's. I guess they work. Nobody has told me I stink...
Posted by: k | May 27, 2009 at 03:58 PM
I too, am too swaety to go without and so I use anti-perspirant. My husband uses Tom's of Maine natural deodorant and it works well for him and has a pleasant lemongrass smell. I have used in on occasion, when it's not hot outside and it is quite nice.
Posted by: baby nursery decor | May 27, 2009 at 05:29 PM
I just started using something called Lavilin (http://www.goodguide.com/products/140354-lavilin-deodorant-underarm) which you put on once a week and it lasts about 7 days. I have no idea how it works but it does. I am pretty active, I run, I teach fitness classes, and still, I didn't have to reapply. I was never able to stay without deodorant when I exercise, and this one is working well so far.
Posted by: Ana | May 27, 2009 at 09:59 PM
I use regular/name brand (whatever I remember or is on sale) deo/anti, but it must be scent/fragrance free. Hubby has reaction(s) and uses Burt's Bees Deo, smells nice and seems to work, but also sometimes sold out/hard to find. He has ordered online and gotten a case at a time. New Seasons will also order. Has used the Welda Sage scent when Burts is sold out.
Posted by: courtney | May 27, 2009 at 10:32 PM
I love the way people smell 'sans parfum'...Unless they drink or smoke all day.
The extremes that some people go to - just to mask their natural smell - can be pretty offensive though! (like that sweet little old lady that lives next door) Pheeyoooo!
Posted by: lea | May 27, 2009 at 11:02 PM
I swear by Tom's of Maine and one whole stick lasts me a LONG TIME. And their scents are amazing! It is light, barely there, but works great!
Posted by: Sofia | May 28, 2009 at 09:07 AM
Woo hoo! Mitchum smart solid, unscented (antiperspirant/deodorant). The only thing that keeps me unstinky.
Posted by: Mamamamama | May 28, 2009 at 09:08 AM
I shave on a daily basis, wash with soap and a washcloth, and use national/name brand deoderant/anti-perspirant. I have noticed that I have to switch up brands every couple of years because they seem to stop working. Something interesting, too: I stopped using store-brand deodorant soap a couple of years ago and started using handmade soaps (like what you'd pick up at the Saturday Market or Crafty Wonderland). For some reason, I'm much less stinky since I started using non-commercial soap. I've tried "kinder, gentler" deoderant options like Tom's and J/A/S/O/N, but they didn't work so well for me.
Posted by: Sheryl | May 28, 2009 at 09:24 AM
Lush's aromacreme and sometimes some of their coconut powder is the only thing I've found that works as well as anything you could get at Walgreens (Secret, Ban etc.). Kind of pricey but a small amount lasts a long time.
Posted by: c. | May 28, 2009 at 11:54 AM
Ugh...everyone stinks without deodorant. If you plan to leave your house, please wear it.
Posted by: kl | May 28, 2009 at 04:08 PM
i just learned how to make coconut deodorant
here is a link to the recipe/proportions i used
http://natural-products.suite101.com/article.cfm/make_your_own_natural_deodorant
even "natural" deodorants were breaking me out-i can't go without at work, so a friend told me about what she used. there is no smell, and it also helps with sweat (i don't sweat a lot though, so not sure if it would work as well on someone that did) i love it, and i pour it into my old deodorant container and it works awesomely!
Posted by: S Higgins | May 28, 2009 at 05:15 PM
I'm with Lea....natural all the way. However, I understand those who have naturally increased sweat responses. I don't use deoderant, though I tend to be smellier during ovulation and menstruation. I don't find that my body overly perspires or otherwise smells, and I find that masking natural functions isn't always the best option. Again, it's an individual issue: if you sweat a lot, wear it; if you don't, don't bother.
Posted by: leslie | May 28, 2009 at 08:50 PM
I'm a deodorant/a-p girl all the way. I am very sensitive to smells--my own and others. Even if you can't smell your own sweat and body odor, other people around you certainly can as evidenced by your hubby--and certainly other friends and co-workers who probably haven't stepped forward to share... In any case, I have tried about every natural deodorant available and none have worked for me--but everyone's body chemistry is unique.
Posted by: Linnea | May 29, 2009 at 12:31 PM
Hailing from Humboldt deodorant always seemed so wrong. The whole county smelled like b.o., so why not blend right in? But now, mama of two, massive hormone changes, I simply cannot get by without at least masking my personal flavor with sandalwood oil. No one's had the nerve to approach me about using something a bit more mainstream, so I'll assume I'm either not too stinky, or everyone's noses are still plugged from cold and flu season.
Posted by: Kelli | May 30, 2009 at 09:06 AM
No one wants to have to have to work up the nerve to approach you - and they should not have to!!! As an adult, this is one of the common sense things you should just take care of (like wiping after you poop) without people needing to ask you to do it.
This is not an individual issue: like I said earlier, everyone stinks. Even if you can't smell your own BO, other people can smell you.
Posted by: kl | May 30, 2009 at 03:41 PM
Some people really don't stink. My husband is one. And I don't mean I adore his fabulous man scent, or whatever. He really just doesn't have much of a smell - and he loves working out and hates taking showers.
Posted by: anon | May 30, 2009 at 11:51 PM
Wow, it must be hard for you to go anywhere, kl, since the US and Canada are the only countries where daily showers and deoderizing are the norm.
Posted by: anon | May 31, 2009 at 03:37 PM
I use deodorant/antipersperant daily. I have name-brands and have not ventured to try non-name-brands. I rotate among Secret, Degree, and Mitchum. As someone mentioned above, it seems to be beneficial to rotate brands every now and then.
I am pretty active with biking and running around town. I feel that I need the stuff even when I am not in exercise mode. I just don't like being sticky (and I sometimes even put some D/AP in my elbow pits because it irritates me to get clammy there) or stinky. I also don't like the way perspiration can discolor some clothes.
Posted by: olivia | June 01, 2009 at 09:35 AM
Olivia- Unless you are referring to the white chalk residue, it is the aluminum that turns white t-shirts yellow..not perspiration.
Posted by: Courtney | June 01, 2009 at 02:50 PM
aluminum may yellow t-shirts too, but my own sweat was certainly the stuff that yellowed many t-shirts during many years when i went without any deoderant or anti-perspirant!
just chiming in to say that my partner (like one mentioned above) never seems to sweat, and NEVER smells. i don't mean he doesn't stink, he doesn't smell. this despite bike commuting 45 minutes each way every day, and showering only every 3rd day or so. makes me crazy. i sweat with abandon and stink 10 minutes after the shower. i might stink less if i shaved, but my armpits are too sesitive and i'm too hairy. my smell has definitely changed over the years. i would never go without some product under my arms now, though it was no problem in my early 20s. and in case you wonder, i was ingesting way more toxins in my youth than i do now. i was probably more stressed out then, too. i just shrug and do what works with the current reality. i like kiss my face liqid rock in lavendar.
Posted by: j | June 01, 2009 at 07:54 PM
Mitchum, unscented on days when I really need it- otherwise nothin'
Posted by: joy | June 01, 2009 at 09:54 PM
I don't wear anything unless It's summer. My friend suggested a WONDERFUL and very successful home remedy that I now use. WHip coconut oil, a bit of baking soda, tea tree and lavender oil together. Then slather on your pits. Honestly, I couldn't believe how long it kept me from 'stinking'. I really don't mind the smell of au natural, but I know others might in close proximity to me. This is the best solution I've found, and I'll never go back!
Posted by: Lacey | June 04, 2009 at 09:57 AM