Let’s be real here: Smelling like B.O. is not cute.
I know there are some people for whom alternative deodorants work really well. My husband, for example. Ted is one of those rare people who could sit in a rubber bodysuit in 100º weather for an hour and emerge smelling like a rose. He can wake up in the morning, spray a little lavender-scented water under his arms, and he’s good to go. I, however, am not one of those people. I sweat when it’s hot, and I’ve even been known to stink on occasion. This is not something I enjoy. I like smelling pretty, and that’s OK.
I consider myself to be an environmentally-conscious person, and I also like to keep up on current research. So I’m perfectly aware of the studies on aluminum-based compounds in anti-perspirants. I know that they have been linked to breast cancer (and then unlinked, and then linked again). I have read countless diet and beauty books that hail the benefits of switching to natural deodorants, recommending this one or that one. And I have tried nearly all of them.
You know how when you were a kid and your dad would emerge from the bathroom and leave the door closed, which is the universal Dad signal for “For God’s sake, don’t go in there”, and then your mom would spray “powder fresh” air freshener all around, and then it would smell like a septic truck and a baby powder truck collided in your living room?
That’s what natural deodorants are like for me. If stinking is undesirable, then sage-scented B.O. is about as desirable as a kick to the shins.
So I use Dove Anti-Perspirant & Deodorant. I usually like the one for sensitive skin, which the website says is unscented, but it has a slight scent to it that is nice and clean. I also sometimes use the Fresh Scent solid, but only when the Sensitive Skin one is out of stock.
Despite my compromise in this area, I strongly recommend that you try the different alternatives that are available to you. It’s much better to try than not, especially since there is bound to be one that works for your particular body chemistry. Just because I’ve been cursed with a chemical make-up that resists being tamed doesn’t mean that you have too.
But if you don’t succeed in your quest, just remember: Dove’s where it’s at.
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Scott 07.21.06 at 7:27 am
This is the issue that makes or breaks idealists everywhere. The people at Elephant Pharmacy recommend Crystal Stick, which I’ve come to know and love. It’s basically a big chunk of mineral salts, and you just get it wet and rub it under your arms. It leaves “an invisable protective barrier against odor-causing bacteria on your skin.” It’s unscented, doesn’t stain your clothes, and the stick lasts for over a year. It’s not an anti-perspirant, so you will sweat, and your shirt might get smelly, but oddly enough your skin will not. Change your shirt, or wear a tank. Give it a try, and perhaps you’ll reassess your relationship with Dove.