Let’s Talk Deodorant

One never really notices or thinks about deodorant….unless it stops working.  Living in Florida, it’s something that can go terribly wrong, terribly quickly. And I’m not talking the large white smear up the black dress that you threw on while late for work (yeah that was last week).

Leon High School, a beautiful, REALLY old building with a REALLY old A/C system.

Today was a sultry day. The rain threatened, humidity was at 99%, and the thermometer broke 80 degrees by 9:00. And in my 77-year-old brick building, the air conditioner ceased to work in the front office. The compressor, which I’m sure is older than I am, gave it up. The new one is ordered and we have been promised it’s delivery by tomorrow afternoon (rush shipping).  I’m hoping that by Wednesday there will be cool air….but I’m not holding my breath. I dreamed of cool breezes in the morning, and by the afternoon, my dripping hair and sweaty clothes brought thoughts of ice and cold showers.  I sweat through my shirt (long sleeve denim) and my shoes (sans socks) felt super icky – I know sexy right.

So while going to the water cooler to get another class a water, I began to think about my deodorant – which was already reaching its breaking point.  I was thinking about the aluminum-based compounds, parabens, all kinds of weird scents and chemicals that get placed in regular deodorant. Are they good for me? Are they bad for me? Do they cause cancer? I’ve gone back and forth with these questions, as cancer seems to be a recurring theme with a lot of females in my family. There is nothing conclusive about it, as indicated by the National Institute of Health, but there is enough data to show that there is a link with some things. So this one small link sent me on a search over the last year for something that can keep me from smelling like a Wookie at work.

What have I tried? So far this is the list with the pros and cons:

Crystal – Crystal Stick Body Deodorant, 4.25 oz sticks This stuff is great in many ways. It feels like you have nothing on, keeps odors at bay, and leaves on marks on anything. Downside? It doesn’t help with sweat – so in the summer in Florida – it really isn’t going to work well with some of my fabric choices. If you’re not a big perspirer, though, I would definitely give it a go. The premise is that the salt kills the bacteria that makes you funky.

Next, I tried several homemade remedies – compounds built with baking soda or cornstarch, binding agents, probiotics – you name it is was mixed and used. My favorite source of information was a blog with more information than I could stand. Now really – some of it worked really well and was my favorite – but the gross factor got me. I had to rub it on with my fingers and then it was on my hand and it was just a mess.

Round 3?? Let’s try a spray. I bought EO Organic Deodorant Spray, Citrus, 4 Fluid Ounce
– and liked it. But it’s super easy to make. My bottle right now has Everclear, tea tree oil, and sweet orange oil. I feel fresh and clean when I put it on and it’s the same deal with the salt. So if the salt stick ever clogs your skin or you want something girly smelling – so the way to go.  But today this method failed me. SWEAT THROUGH MY SHIRT. Ugh!

So today, I’m back to the drawing board. I am taking advice, suggestions, comments, and odd looks. I mean really, who thinks about their deodorant in such detail…right?! In the meantime, I’m going to find a tank dress and some flip flops that fit the school dress code for tomorrow.