Sweat is so uncomfortable, especially on a sweltering day when the excess moisture on your body makes you feel like you are melting.
For a quick sweating fix and to keep B.O at bay, we usually reach for our deodorants or antiperspirants, which keep us dry and sweet-smelling.
However, there is speculation on the various ingredients that make up the sweat-busting sticks.
Many say that these same additives that keep us clean and dry during the day could also be contributing to health risks — including cancer!
Current evidence on the matter isn't completely conclusive, but there are options out there for everyone, including those who would like to explore alternatives outside of the drugstores.
Actually, our kitchen cabinets are overflowing with amazing ingredients that can do everything from heal illnesses to ease our minds like a cup of green tea.
Below is a bit more about how deodorant works on our body, as well as a list of alternatives that you can use to stay dry.
How Does Deodorant Work?
When we sweat, millions of bacteria feed on the fats and proteins that come with the perspiration. They then excrete an odor that creates our "body odor."
When you swipe on deodorant, its many ingredients stop the bacteria from being able to thrive under your arms, so they can't feed and produce the smell.
Antiperspirants also block your glands so that you simply sweat less throughout the day, giving off less odor.
Can Deodorant Be Harmful To My Health?
While these products keep us fresh and dry, there is some speculation that some of these ingredients can be harmful to your body.
Most deodorant and antiperspirant combinations contain aluminum, which some say can enter your bloodstream through razor cuts and increase our risk for disease — even breast cancer.
Other ingredients, like parabens and silica, can also potentially be cancer-inducing, according to Organics.org.
Though research is still on its way to being highly conclusive, it is up to us, individually, to decide what we are comfortable with putting on our body — everyone is different!
Below are a few alternatives to deodorant, many of which can be found in your own home!
Armpit Alternative #1: Baking Soda And Cornstarch
Baking soda and cornstarch both help to fight sweat and odor in different ways.
We already know that baking soda is great for fighting back odors. That's why most of us keep some in our fridge or use it as toothpaste!
Baking soda coupled with cornstarch, which have thickening agents that work really well at getting rid of moisture, create an awesome sweat-swatting team.
All you need to do is mix them together, and gently apply the paste to your underarms.
Armpit Alternative #2: Lemon Juice
The citric acid in lemon juice works amazingly well at getting rid of bacteria, and leaving behind a fresh and pleasant scent.
Its refreshing scent can also be used to mask any bodily odors.
To make your own lemon juice deodorant, simply squeeze the juice from an organic lemon, then apply it to your underarms. The juice dries quickly though, so be quick!
Just be careful when applying it to freshly shaved skin, or it could sting a bit!
Armpit Alternative #3: Rubbing Alcohol
While rubbing alcohol may not be the most natural solution, it's used frequently to safely disinfect and clean surfaces — including your skin.
It also evaporates fairly quickly once it's applied to the skin, so while it may need to be applied more, it's not necessarily lingering in your pores.
To apply it easily, try spritzing it on with a spray bottle.
Just remember that any alcohol is flammable, so don't apply near an open flame!
Armpit Alternative #4: Witch Hazel
Mother Earth Living praises witch hazel as a great natural alternative to deodorant.
It is also frequently recommended for treating acne and other topical ailments as it is both safe and effective on the skin.
Simply soak a cotton ball with the witch hazel, then dab it on your underarms to feel clean and dry.
Armpit Alternative #5: Coconut Oil
Is there anything that coconut oil can't do?
Though it is the greasier of the options, and may have to be applied with some powder to dry it out, coconut oil is a great conditioner and detoxifier.
Plus, it has such a great natural smell, it's easy to want it all over your body!
Armpit Alternative #6: Essential Oils
There are so many different essential oils out there, filled with natural properties that do different wonders for your skin.
Some soothe, some disinfect, while others are just meant to smell really nice!
Exploring different scents like orange and lavender can help keep you sweet-smelling throughout the day using natural means.
Just be sure to dilute your essential oil of choice with carrier oil — such as vegetable, almond, apricot, hazelnut, or olive oil — as essential oils are very concentrated.
Armpit Alternative #7: Hand Sanitizer
I don't know about you, but I use hand sanitizer like crazy!
Not only is it great for protecting your skin from germs, but it's also a little drying — which is not necessarily the best feeling for your hands, but it's definitely ideal for underarms!
Again, just don't apply it to freshly shaven armpits, or you'll be feeling the burn.
There are plenty of household items out there that have the same deodorizing qualities as their store-bought counterparts.
So, test them out and see which armpit alternative does the best job for you! Who knows, you may never have to buy a stick or deodorant again!
Would you ever use an all-natural deodorant alternative? Or do you prefer the store-bought brands?
Let us know in the comments below, and please SHARE this important information with friends and family!
