In recent years, the dangers of some commercial deodorant and antiperspirant ingredients have been brought to light, and as a result, many people are now looking for deodorant alternatives. Baking soda is one of the easiest and most popular deodorants, and this can be mixed with cornstarch to absorb moisture. Astringents can help close pores, and some natural deodorants, like alcohol and lemon, may even help kill bacteria that causes odor. Mineral salt and essential oils are also possible deodorant alternatives.
Sodium bicarbonate, commonly referred to as baking soda, is one of the simplest deodorant alternatives that people can use. This substance, which can be found in nearly everyone's kitchen, is a natural deodorizer. To use it as deodorant, a person can simply rub it onto the underarms. It can also be mixed with a small amount of water or oil to make a thick paste before applying it to the underarms.
Some people may also want to get rid of underarm moisture. Applying cornstarch to the underarms can help absorb much of a person's perspiration. It can be mixed with baking soda to help prevent moisture and odor.
Commercial antiperspirants work by constricting sweat glands, so they can not secrete sweat. Astringents, like witch hazel, can also work in the same manner. They constrict the pores, so sweat can not seep through and mix with the bacteria on the skin, which causes odor.
Alcohol is also an astringent, and some people also believe that it is one of the more effective deodorant alternatives. Spraying alcohol under the arms can also kill the bacteria that causes odor. Lemon juice also has the same effect. A slice of lemon can be rubbed under the arms to help prevent odor.
Essential oils are also used as deodorant alternatives. Some essential oils are very pleasant smelling, and they can be used to mask offensive underarm odor. Also, some have antibacterial properties, which help eliminate odor-causing bacteria. These oils can be used alone, or they can be mixed with other deodorant alternatives.
Mineral salt is can also be used as a natural deodorant. This type of deodorant is sometimes sold as a solid salt crystal, but it can also be found in roll-on and stick versions. Although it does not kill bacteria that causes underarm odor, the mineral salt helps create an environment where it can't live or replicate. This results in less bacteria and less odor.
