Salt of the Earth Totally Natural Deodorant
Salt of the Earth’s unscented natural mineral salt deodorant is an impressive odour protecting crystal stick made of only Ammonium Alum. Application is easy and mess free with no sticky feeling or annoying white marks. Simply, it felt like there was nothing there which I admit at first felt a little unnerving. Whilst you won’t be smelling of roses there is little chance of that offensive body odour that usually accompanies sweat since this helps to neutralise the bacteria responsible for such smells. Because it is not an anti perspirant you will perspire which some may find unappealing but is preventing a natural bodily function a good thing? Now for my take on the science behind it:
Generally sweat has no odour but when ordinary soaps are used on the skin they raise the pH level of the skin to a more alkaline level (or “base”) in which bacteria thrive. These bacteria feed on sweat, dead skin and hair cells and excrete an acid which is the main cause of body odour. When combined with perspiration Ammonium Alum generally creates a slightly acidic skin pH level of between 4 to 5, an ideal level for the skins acid mantle, thus creating an environment in which bacterial colonization is controlled. So whilst you will still perspire with this product your sweat is less likely to become offensive.
Although there is the opinion that deodorants and anti perspirants whether natural or otherwise are linked to breast cancer the charity Breakthrough Breast Cancer have stated that no reliable scientific data exists (see www.breakthrough.org.uk/about_breast_cancer/whats_new/deodorants.html)
Available from Crystal Spring in a long lasting crystal stick form (which I have reviewed here) and also spray. A travel size version of each is available and the free postage and packaging is a bonus. Top marks for packaging too.