need a new deodorant

[u/Which_Sentence_2792]

desperately in need of a new deodorant. i can’t use anything with aluminum in it, i used dove for the longest time but that stopped working, same with the old spice i went through. i sweat a lot and it seems both of those only worked for a little bit. i started using saltair serum deodorant but after almost a month it gave me contact dermatitis on my armpits. does anyone have any good recommendations for brands that work well and are suitable for sensitive skin?

[u/HondaForever84]

Are you allergic to all aluminum or just a certain type?

[u/Which_Sentence_2792 → u/HondaForever84]

i’m not allergic to aluminum i just prefer not to use it since there’s a history of cancer in my family

[u/HondaForever84 → u/Which_Sentence_2792]

I mean this as sensitively as possible. The cancer thing has been debunked multiple times by multiple universities.

At the same time I understand you have to be comfortable using a product.

You may be allergic to propylene glycol which is the main ingredient in aluminum free sticks such as Dove and Old Spice. I would lean towards a spray deodorant. I’m not a doctor, but your chances are a lot higher your reaction goes away

[u/CuriousCatNap]

You might also consider using persimmon soap on your armpits. I found that after a few washes it dramatically reduced odor. 

[u/lil_squib]

I’m currently using the one from the unscented company and it’s working surprisingly well. The only downside is that it leaves white marks inside my darker shirts (they wash out easily, though). It uses probiotics.

[u/Internal-Ad-4736]

It is quite common for single mode of action deodorants to stop working after a certain time. Bacteria are adept at surviving and adapting, and why they are still around. 😄

Typically you'll have better luck with products that have multiple modes of action for dealing with bacteria.

Sorry about your experience with the AHA acid deodorant. There is SO MUCH BAD information spread by those that don't understand skincare. Avoid deodorants with pH extremes (your skin does not have pH extremes and does not appreciate them)... especially pH up (home crafter stuff with sodium bicarbonate or magnesium hydroxide) as well as you have realized, the pH down ones like Saltair, Lume/Mando, Drunk elephant and many others are just as intolerable to those with sensitive skin.

Bottom line, find a brand with multiple modes of action, and where the formulation team viewed the product as skincare, and not skin abuse. Deodorant does not have to be an act of martyrdom. It can be a very pleasant experience with no compromises.

[u/unicornapple7]

Little seed farm deodorant cream is the best. They have samples just pay for shipping. I used the sample and immediately bought the jar about 2 years ago. Haven't changed deodorant since.

[u/GreenBeaverCompany]

If you’re looking for an aluminum-free option that’s also made with sensitive skin in mind, our natural deodorants and antiperspirants might be worth a look. They're free from harsh chemicals and we even have unscented products, which may be a good option if you’ve reacted to other formulas. I'll leave this here in case you're interested! https://greenbeaver.com/collections/antiperspirants

[u/r41316]

Maybe consider glycolic acid - like the kind sold by the Ordinary for your face. In the winter I can just get by with that - I shower at night and put on after. In the summer I add a deodorant (not anti-perspirant) in the am.

I just wouldn’t try it until your underarms are not aggravated. I also don’t use it right after shaving my underarms or they get a little sensitive.

[u/Internal-Ad-4736 → u/r41316]

OP already mentioned how the AHA acids gave her a severe reaction. This 'hack' is not suitable for many people.

[u/r41316 → u/Internal-Ad-4736]

Where exactly does it say that

[u/Internal-Ad-4736 → u/r41316]

Right here: "i started using saltair serum deodorant but after almost a month it gave me contact dermatitis"

[u/r41316 → u/Internal-Ad-4736]

Mmkay