One of the biggest challenges in leading a natural lifestyle comes in finding personal care products that are non-toxic but that still work. Deodorant is a real challenge, since the leading brands of body and underarm deodorants contain aluminum as well as SLS, DEA, and perfumes. Enter a new type of all natural deodorant: "crystal deodorant," made from naturally occurring salt crystals that prevent bacteria and underarm odor.
Why Is It So Hard to Find a Natural Deodorant?
The truth is, even most of the supposedly "organic" and "natural" deodorants being sold today contain artificial chemicals like DEA, SLS, parabens, and aluminum chemicals that can contribute to cancer, skin reactions, and even (in the case of aluminum compounds) increase the risk of Alzheimer's and memory disorders.
Truly natural deodorants are very hard to find, especially if you're looking for something that will be effective against heavy sweating, for athletic use, or in warm climates. You can make your own deodorant, but homemade recipes aren't always completely proof against odor.
Benefits of Salt Crystal Deodorant Over the Leading Brands
Unlike the leading brands sold in drugstores, crystal deodorant is:
- completely natural, made of mineral salts
- free of alcohol, aluminum compounds, SLS, and other synthetic chemicals
- a solid, non-sticky and non-staining
- hypoallergenic
- fragrance free
- not absorbed by the skin, preventing toxins from accumulating
- allows the body to sweat out normal toxins, a healthy and necessary process
How Does Crystal Deodorant Work?
Body odor is caused not just by sweat, but from the by-products of bacteria that live on moist, sweaty areas of the skin. Most deodorants try to overpower body odor, while antiperspirants stop the body from sweating using alcohol or aluminum compound that shrink the pores of the skin.
Sweat is a natural, necessary way for the body to cool itself and release toxins. Salt crystals eliminate odor not by stopping sweat, but by preventing the bacteria that create bad smells from getting a foothold on your skin.
Crystal deodorant works best on freshly cleaned skin. Wet the solid crystal first – this allows the salt to coat the skin, creating a barrier that prevents bacteria from flourishing on the skin and causing odor.
Crystal deodorants are made from natural mineral salts, usually including potassium or ammonium alum. These minerals are non-toxic and have molecules too large to pass through the skin – nothing is absorbed into the body that could cause disease or an allergic reaction.
Salt rock crystal deodorants are safe, even for people with allergies and skin sensitivity, and they do not leave behind any noticeable residue on skin or clothing. Though there are several brands available, the only thing to really watch for is that you're choosing a pure salt crystal with no additives or fragrance.
Victoria Anisman-Reiner - Victoria Anisman-Reiner is a freelance writer with extensive experience in holistic health care and animal training.
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