Deodorant alternatives
#52
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 53
Likes: 0
I know I'm resurrecting a bit, but I just happened upon this thread.
I'm not crazy, but milk of magnesia is the greatest deodorant ever. I don't remember how I found out you could use it for that, but you can, I believe because it changes the skin's pH. I can go 48 hours without showering and no stink; 24 hours with exercise is no problem. I had already started using Crystal deodorant, which takes about a week for your body to adjust to, so I didn't have to get used to it. Not sure how it works cold turkey, and it didn't work for my wife as well. It must depend on your body's pH. Just put it on right after a shower or you clean your pits.
I'm not crazy, but milk of magnesia is the greatest deodorant ever. I don't remember how I found out you could use it for that, but you can, I believe because it changes the skin's pH. I can go 48 hours without showering and no stink; 24 hours with exercise is no problem. I had already started using Crystal deodorant, which takes about a week for your body to adjust to, so I didn't have to get used to it. Not sure how it works cold turkey, and it didn't work for my wife as well. It must depend on your body's pH. Just put it on right after a shower or you clean your pits.
#53
Fat Guy Rolling
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 2,434
Likes: 1
From: Louisville Kentucky
Bikes: Bacchetta Agio, 80s Raleigh Record single-speed, Surly Big Dummy
Okay, I'm late to the party, but I'll throw my 2c worth in too.
My wife was out of town for a few months (2 weeks would be enough), so I used that time to adjust my body to no shampoo and no soap. I do wash my hands with soap, but that's all.
You'll feel greasy for a few days, but it passes. It is supposedly better for your body, and you skin adjusts to not having the protective oils stripped every time you shower. So, I shower twice a day most days (once on days without a workout).
I'm clean and don't stink. My wife comes home tomorrow. I don't think she'll notice a difference.
I haven't used antiperspirant in over a decade, but I still used deodorant until recently. No more.
My wife was out of town for a few months (2 weeks would be enough), so I used that time to adjust my body to no shampoo and no soap. I do wash my hands with soap, but that's all.
You'll feel greasy for a few days, but it passes. It is supposedly better for your body, and you skin adjusts to not having the protective oils stripped every time you shower. So, I shower twice a day most days (once on days without a workout).
I'm clean and don't stink. My wife comes home tomorrow. I don't think she'll notice a difference.
I haven't used antiperspirant in over a decade, but I still used deodorant until recently. No more.
#54
I've used precisely 2 kinds of deodorant my entire life. I used the spray on Right Guard until I was 18, and then switched to Speed Stick. I've been using that for the last 32 years. For the commuting duty I keep one at work. Wouldn't use anything else.
Last edited by jimcross; 01-30-11 at 10:15 PM. Reason: can't add
#55
I had a friend try the 'no shampoo and deodorant' thing that's been so seemingly popular recently. She swore up and down that after a week she had 'normalized' and had never felt fresher. Of course, her hair was a good bit greasier than usual, and her smell had changed, not bad, but different.
I'm pretty sure the 'normalization period' is all about getting used to how your body feels without soap, shampoo or deodorant.
I'm pretty sure the 'normalization period' is all about getting used to how your body feels without soap, shampoo or deodorant.
#56
Mostly Harmless
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 216
Likes: 1
From: Arlington, VA
Bikes: Custom commuter made from Civia Prospect frame, Raleigh Sports (1971), custom road bike from a steel 2003 Fuji Marseille frame, 29er SS MTB built up from a Vassago Jabberwocky frame, Surly Long Haul Trucker (customzed for fully loaded touring)
Many find that scalp and hair issues go down considerably without shampoo. Although I'm a guy with short hair, I am among those. I do use a Thai deodorant stone, which seems like it will last forever. it doesn't cake up or steak or anything. I might try going without some day. I think one's diet has something to do with how easy this is to do. I don't think I would be as successful if I ate like I used to.
Here's a blog about another guy who do it and received a lot of attention:
https://freetheanimal.com/2010/12/a-m...mpoo-free.html
#57
I'm analytically minded, and tend to favour a high standard of evidence. You can experiment for yourself pretty easily though, at least with deodorant. You do have two armpits that tend to sweat the same amount. Try two deodorants side by side and see what happens.
My own personal observations have led me to favour Mitchum; I've found it stops odor, keeps me reasonably dry and doesn't leave much in the way of residue. The deodorant stone was no better than the control, even after a week of 'normalization'.
I don't know how to do a comparable test for shampoo, but trust me, I'm working on it.
Last edited by fuzz2050; 01-31-11 at 04:56 PM.
#58
Mostly Harmless
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 216
Likes: 1
From: Arlington, VA
Bikes: Custom commuter made from Civia Prospect frame, Raleigh Sports (1971), custom road bike from a steel 2003 Fuji Marseille frame, 29er SS MTB built up from a Vassago Jabberwocky frame, Surly Long Haul Trucker (customzed for fully loaded touring)
What kind of evidence are you looking for? Anecdotal is all your going to get obviously. I'm married, and my wife can't tell the difference in smell except there is no shampoo smell. People putting their nose in your head and taking a big whiff and comparing that to before is about all you can do. Same with skin. You are better able to smell your skin, but the same thing applies. Last time I took the shears to my hair I kept some to smell, and it is just no smelly smell at all. Likewise many, if not most, do encounter noticeable hair problems when first going shampooless, and it follows a pretty predictable problem of increased oil. The more product the one has been using, the more likely the problems will be extended.
There are other things like this as well. I used to use shaving cream when I shaved, but I always just shave dry now no problem. But when I first was doing it, it was a little more difficult/rough on my skin. (Like what is explained here: https://www.lewrockwell.com/tucker/tucker65.html)
There are other things like this as well. I used to use shaving cream when I shaved, but I always just shave dry now no problem. But when I first was doing it, it was a little more difficult/rough on my skin. (Like what is explained here: https://www.lewrockwell.com/tucker/tucker65.html)
#59
Papaya King
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,640
Likes: 2
From: Columbus, Ohio (Grandview area)
Bikes: 2009 Felt X City D, 1985 (?) Trek 400, 1995 (?) Specialized Rockhopper, 1995 Trek 850
Everyone says that, but nobody ever provides any evidence aside from anecdotes about how many compliments they get.
I'm analytically minded, and tend to favour a high standard of evidence. You can experiment for yourself pretty easily though, at least with deodorant. You do have two armpits that tend to sweat the same amount. Try two deodorants side by side and see what happens.
My own personal observations have led me to favour Mitchum; I've found it stops odor, keeps me reasonably dry and doesn't leave much in the way of residue. The deodorant stone was no better than the control, even after a week of 'normalization'.
I don't know how to do a comparable test for shampoo, but trust me, I'm working on it.
I'm analytically minded, and tend to favour a high standard of evidence. You can experiment for yourself pretty easily though, at least with deodorant. You do have two armpits that tend to sweat the same amount. Try two deodorants side by side and see what happens.
My own personal observations have led me to favour Mitchum; I've found it stops odor, keeps me reasonably dry and doesn't leave much in the way of residue. The deodorant stone was no better than the control, even after a week of 'normalization'.
I don't know how to do a comparable test for shampoo, but trust me, I'm working on it.
#60
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
i get the rash too. i have narrowed it down to the aluminum ingredient that is part of the antiperspirant in most deodorant/antiperspirants out there on the market. i can use just deodorant sticks/gels without much problem, and i currently use Toms. however, i notice this only lasts half of the day, and i do stink when i exercise and ride hard. i think i am going to switch over to isopropyl and see how that works. do you use it once in the morning, or do you apply throughout the day? thanks, this has been very interesting and informative!
#61
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 53
Likes: 0
i get the rash too. i have narrowed it down to the aluminum ingredient that is part of the antiperspirant in most deodorant/antiperspirants out there on the market. i can use just deodorant sticks/gels without much problem, and i currently use Toms. however, i notice this only lasts half of the day, and i do stink when i exercise and ride hard. i think i am going to switch over to isopropyl and see how that works. do you use it once in the morning, or do you apply throughout the day? thanks, this has been very interesting and informative!
#62
I often get rash from deodorants too. I've been using alcohol and Purell hand sanitizer on the armpits with great results for the last few months. I apply alcohol after the shower, before the ride and after I clean up after the ride. Then the hand sanitizer. Both kill bacteria effectively, it seems. I can actually get through the day reapplying the Purell stuff once or twice without using any deodorant. And no rash. Just don't apply any of those on warm skin right after shower, let it cool of or it may itch.
#63
Newbie
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
I've used UARMSOL deodorant for many years now, it's a fine powder deodorant i carry it in small jar and I have had no problems with it. Now I have no more armpit odours. Even when I sweat I don't have any odours, this deodorant works great and I'm loving it. I can't go out in the day without putting it on. I used to have very funky like cockroach smell, now no more. Even when I sweat my armpits don't have any smell. I applied 1 pinch and it's all to it for the whole day without worries about any smell afterwards, or any mess of stickiness. There's no after sport smell or odour masking. I would recommend it to anyone who has underarm odour.
#66
Junior Member

Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 162
Likes: 7
I got lucky right off with the deodorant crystal you find in stores like Whole Foods. It's in a typical roll-on container and works fine for me. I tried a few of the so-called natural ones like Tom's and Jason, but they left me stinky too soon (before the end of a workday--yike). I'd like to try going at least without shampoo in the future.
#67
Newbie
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
DERMACOP will remove any armpit smell, it's deodorant powder works amazingly
It's a deodorant powder by dermacop, uarmsol works the best without clogging or preventing sweating, no odour masking and no chemicals.
#68
Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
From: Newport, South Wales
Apparently, if people sweat that bad, you clamp your T4 or T5 nerve (this has to be done by a surgeon, just in case someone thought about getting their bulldog clips out!) but you can stop sweating under your armpits. Save son buying deodarant! Link Here
#70
Bike ≠ Car ≠ Ped.

Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 13,863
Likes: 6
From: Washington, DC
Bikes: Some bikes. Hell, they're all the same, ain't they?
I got lucky right off with the deodorant crystal you find in stores like Whole Foods. It's in a typical roll-on container and works fine for me. I tried a few of the so-called natural ones like Tom's and Jason, but they left me stinky too soon (before the end of a workday--yike). I'd like to try going at least without shampoo in the future.
#71
I actually dumped all deodorants. I haven't used any in many months. Purell Hand Sanitizer is the best damn deodorant on this side of the Milky Way. Works a whole lot better than any deodorant I ever used before. I reapply once a day.
#73
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 89
Likes: 0
I use the rollers and make sure to switch them periodically. Call me crazy, but if I use the same time for too long I swear it loses effectiveness. An added benefit, other than them working well is that they are both small and light. Small enough in fact, to go in a saddle bag for example.



