I mentioned in my Money Matters article that I save money by using frugal personal care products, but they also happen to be all natural. I have a big list, so I have decided to split this into a few different posts.
Deodorant
I switched to natural deodorant many years ago (I think about five). I love it and it is VERY economical. I have been using the crystal rock deodorant. It is a natural mineral salt that works by killing the bacteria that cause odor. It is not an antiperspirant, but it’s not really healthy to block a natural function anyway. Most deodorants contain aluminum, a known carcinogen (hello–breast cancer!) and is linked to Alzheimer’s. The crystal, however, does not contain any chemicals. It is great because it doesn’t stain clothing, isn’t sticky, and doesn’t cake up like typical deodorants. They are so economical because they last forever! The website says it will last up to one year, but I have one I bought a little over four years ago! (It was about $6.00.) You will find this deodorant in health food stores and online. I like vitaminshoppe.com.
Read more about the benefits of the crystal deodorant here.
Stay tuned for more on my personal care products. I have alternatives for toothpaste, facial cleanser, facial moisturizer, eye makeup remover, lip balm, hand and body moisturizer, shampoo, and conditioner.
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January 26, 2009 at 1:51 pm
Becky
I sweat quite a bit so for those of you out there that do as well this does a pretty good job at keeping me dry–even though it’s not an antiperspirant. I’ve tried other natural brands and I would actually wake up with BO after putting it on right after a shower the night before. This stuff is terrific!!
I am really looking forward to the other product alternatives!!!!!
January 26, 2009 at 10:25 pm
Erin Davy
I too used the Crystal, until it ‘eroded’ enough to slip out of the holder, which of course just annoying…a friend told me there was a roll-on that’s liquid was the same ingredients…so I bought that next & it’s only ok…I think when that it gone, I’ll go back to the real Crystal one.
January 27, 2009 at 2:55 pm
Shannon
Erin,
Mine slipped out of the holder eventually, too. But that was probably 3 years into it. Then I just had to take it out and hold it, to use it. But the other day, it slipped out of my hand and broke into about 6 pieces!!! So until I get some more in, I am using a teeny, tiny piece. Not pleasant! But, I did get 4 good years out of it, so I can’t complain.
February 2, 2009 at 12:34 am
Erin Davy
wow! 4 yrs is pretty good, I am not 100% but I think I only had it about 1 yr before it slipped out the container! hmm….maybe the next one will last longer….:0)
I really enjoy your blog!
February 4, 2009 at 9:51 am
Shannon
I had a crystal before that only lasted me about a year. It crumbled and I think it was because I was wetting it too much. Plus it didn’t really have a holder, it was just a stick.
Now I try not to wet the crystal too much, I just apply it after I shower, before I dry off.
February 9, 2009 at 10:24 am
Melissa
Is Crystal Rock for women only? Do any of you know of men that use it as well? (They tend to stink more, you know !)
February 9, 2009 at 12:06 pm
Justine
Ah ha! That must be what I’m doing wrong. I’ve only had mine for almost a year and it is going. I probably can get another month or two out of it, though. I do have to switch occasionally or the bo comes back. I alternate with other natural products, but like the crystal best.
Justine
February 9, 2009 at 4:33 pm
Shannon
Melissa,
Crystal rock deodorant is for both men and women.
March 4, 2009 at 10:10 pm
Personal Care 101 « All Things Health
[...] mouthwash, natural personal care products, toothpaste, triclosan In this series, I have covered natural deodorant and soap. Today I want to tell you my alternative for [...]
March 18, 2009 at 8:14 am
Personal Care 101 « All Things Health
[...] oil cleansing method This is my fourth entry in Personal Care 101. To read about deodorant, click here. To read about natural soap, click here. To read about toothpaste, click [...]
March 18, 2009 at 6:00 pm
Alyss
I just recently started using a coconut oil baking soda mix as a deodorant (check my blog!) and love it! I tried the crystal for a while but was never terribly fond of it. This coconut stuff is rocking my world though!
March 18, 2009 at 9:32 pm
Shannon
Alyss,
That sounds very interesting. I will go check it out! I may have to try it, I already have those items on hand.
December 2, 2009 at 12:22 pm
Personal Care 101 « All Things Health
[...] Part 1 – Deodorant [...]