The Deodorant Challenge: Part 1

Posted by Jeremy in frugality, health and hygiene, simple living

Do you ever get yellow stains in the armpits of your white shirts? I do, on everyone of them. Did you know it is from your deodorant? Well, it is.

Certain chemicals in commercial deodorants combine with your body's chemistry to create those hideous and embarrassing stains. The biggest culprits are those trace amounts of metals (i.e. iron and aluminum) found more commonly in the antiperspirant varieties. As your body perspires, naturally and as God intended, the moisture speeds the oxidation of those trace metals causing the discoloration in your clothing. And, to top it off, close and persistent contact with trace metals can be harmful to your health.

Since I normally wear (white) undershirts and I am due for a new batch, I have resolved to end the scourge of yellow stains with the end of my last stick of deodorant. While I haven't completed my research into alternative deodorants, I have found Experimental Candidate #1 - a simple mix of 1 part baking soda and 3 parts talc/baby powder.

I will check back in a couple weeks to report on how many people I have irrevocably offended and whether my wife has relegated me to the couch.

Continued on The Deodorant Challenge: Part 2.