We thought you might be interested in this email exchange with one of our favorite fans, Wendy Wild, who does the weekend show on KTU radio from New York.

Wendy wonders: Hey, I haven’t contacted you in a while, so just wanted to see how you were. I really enjoy reading your site each day! Thanks for the great entries.

Here’s a product I recently bought that I’m absolutely baffled by. Naturally Fresh Crystal Deodorant Stick. It’s one of those no-aluminum deodorants, however… It’s just a damn rock, lol. The weirdest thing is that it works (WELL). I still don’t understand how because it smells like nothing and looks (and feels) like a piece of plastic. However, it’ll magically keep you smelling like NOTHING for at least 24 hours. Any insight here?

Sarah Bellum replies:

Hi again Wendy, nice to hear from you. We’ve been busy here at the Beauty Brains, getting ready to publish our first book. Exciting, huh?

To answer your question, the Beauty Brains have seen these mineral deodorants before. They do look like a hunk of plastic, or glass. That’s because they’re made from a mineral known as potassium alum, also known as potassium aluminum sulfate. Yeah, that’s right these mineral deodorants do contain aluminum! I always thought they were aluminum free. But unlike the aluminum salts used in antiperspirants, alum doesn’t stop you from sweating, it only helps control the growth of bacteria that makes your sweat stinky.

If you like the way these mineral crystals work for you, that’s great. But don’t fall for all the advertising claims made by some of the companies that sell this kind of product. For example, Crystal Body Deodorant claims that regular deodorants are made with highly toxic chemicals. (If that was true we’d all be dropping over dead!) Others claim that mineral deodorants are being better for you because they don’t block the release of toxins like other deodorants do.

While it’s true that antiperspirants do plug the opening of the sweat gland to reduce sweat, there is no data that proves deodorants (or more accurately, antiperspirants, are harmful because they block the release of toxins. Since your body doesn’t use sweat glands to rid itself of toxins, this really isn’t an issue. (This discussion reminds me of our post on Kinoki Detox foot pads. Hoo boy, what a controvery ol’ Lefty stirred up with THAT one!)

If you can want learn more, read our previous post on the difference between antiperspirants and deodorants.

Chanelle is concerned: I have recently heard of a new deodorant by Secret claiming to have clinical strength to battle wetness and odor without a prescription. I have used many deodorants and antiperspirants in the past but none have actually worked that well. I have some concerns as to whether this particular product would be safe to use.

The Right Brain shares a secret:
First of all Chanelle, remember that deodorants are cosmetics that reduce body odor and antiperspirants are drugs that stop you from sweating.

Over the Counter antiperspirants

Most antiperspirants are available as “over the counter” or OTC drugs which means they can be sold without a prescription as long as they comply with the rules of the FDA (Food and Drug Administration). The FDA determines which active ingredients are allowed and the concentration at which they must be used.

Prescription antiperspirants

There are other antiperspirants that only your doctor can prescribe. These products contain higher levels of aluminum salts that can be irritating to skin. The product you asked about, new Secret Clinical Strength Antiperspirant, contains 20% aluminum zirconium trichlorhydrex glycine which is still within the over the counter guidelines but provides the same wetness protection as prescription products.

Too good to be true?

It sounds too good to be true, but Secret’s claims have been validated by the National Advertising Division of the Better Business Bureau:

“… NAD reviewed two clinical studies supporting Procter & Gamble’s statements about Secret Clinical Strength’s performance and found that the research was conducted in accordance with U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) guidelines and NAD expectations for “gold standard” product testing.

Similarly, NAD found that Procter & Gamble’s claims regarding Secret Clinical Strength’s effectiveness as compared to other antiperspirants are valid based on two head-to-head studies of Secret Clinical Strength versus the leading prescription antiperspirant, consumer reports of efficacy, and a survey of 200 dermatologists and other physicians who treat patients with severe underarm wetness and prescribe antiperspirants as part of their practice.”

So if you’re looking for an extra wetness protection, Secret Clinical Strength Antiperspirant appears to be the real deal.

Cara’s question: I read at That’s Fit that there’s a new study shows a link between deodorants and breast cancer. You’ve previously told us that’s not true. Who should we believe?

The Left Brain explains:

The article in question was published in the British Journal of Inorganic Biochemistry. The CTPA (the UK-based Cosmetic, Toiletries and Perfume Association) previewed the article before it was published and suggested the paper should not be published until subjected to independent review. However, the editors of the Journal elected to publish the article without further review.

Here’s a quick recap of the CTPA’s objections to the article (quoted from a CTPA press release, which explains the British spellings):

Aluminum comes from many sources

“Aluminium is the third most naturally abundant element in the environment, found in food, water, pharmaceuticals as well as a wide range of consumer products. One of the authors of the report is quoted in the press as saying “We don’t know that aluminium originated from antiperspirant but one can put two and two together and make a guess on that….”. This is a highly irresponsible remark which could cause great distress and unnecessary worry amongst users of antiperspirant deodorants. The overwhelming mass of safety data available does not indicate any risk of harmful effects from using any cosmetic products that contain aluminium.”

Aluminum doesn’t penetrate skin

“Antiperspirants and deodorants are designed to work on the surface of the skin, and so the products would not work if there was a significant amount absorbed. Published literature and industry in-house studies demonstrate a negligible potential for aluminium salts to penetrate the skin. If a small amount were absorbed, this would be tiny in comparison to the amounts we consume in the foods we eat daily.”

Cancer researchers can’t find a mechanism

“A number of leading cancer research organisations have stated there is no plausible biological mechanism by which antiperspirants could cause breast cancer. Indeed in the past, national cancer charities and other authorities (including Breakthrough Breast Cancer and Cancer Research UK) have seen false allegations as detracting from the search for the true causative factors or as diverting attention away from taking action on those factors known to be associated with a risk of breast cancer.”

The US Cosmetics, Toiletries and Fragrance Association echoes these points and says that this study is not conclusive and neither is it considered in any way a clinical result by either the industry or regulatory authorities.” So the debate continues…

Still worried about your antiperspirant? You could buy this aluminum free crystal deodorant instead. It won’t work as well as an antiperspirant but it might buy you some piece of mind.

Jenna’s question: Do you really have to heed the expiration date on antiperspirants and deodorants? Is it dangerous to use any that have expired? The Right Brain’s reply:

If you read 5 Ways That Beauty Products Go Bad, you know that regular cosmetic products (like deodorants) are NOT required to have an expiration date in the US. But products like antiperspirants that are over the counter drugs, do have to provide a date.

Is it dangerous to use an antiperspirant that’s past it’s expiration date? Well, it’s not as dangerous as being in jail with flesh eating bacteria, but there are a fews things you should know:

Top 3 Ways Antiperspirants Can Expire

1. Active ingredient absentia

The worst that can happen is that the active ingredient loses efficacy and it doesn’t stop you from sweating. This can happen if the ingredient settles out or crystallizes over time. That’s why companies are required to test their product to determine how long they expect the active ingredient to last.

2. Drying Danger

Antiperspirant sticks are made with volatile silicones that can evaporate as the stick ages (especially if you ever leave the cap off!) This can cause the stick to dry out which will make it crumble when you use it. It can also form tiny crystals that can scratch your armpits.

3. Fragrance Freakout

Besides keeping you dry, most antiperspirants are fragranced to make you smell good. Fragrances are complex mixtures of chemicals that can react and change over time. It’s not uncommon for a fragrance to start to smell bad when the product gets old. So you may not sweat, but your Secret stick could still be stinky.

Bunny’s bushy question: I’ve tried different ways of shaving my armpits and always it results in the same thing - sore, and little red spots. What else can I do? The Right Brain’s reply:

Why is shaving irritating?

One of the reasons that shaving can irritate your pits is that you’re not just removing hair you’re also shredding your skin. In a study published in the Journal of the Society of Cosmetic Chemists (Vol 58 No 3 May/June 2007), researchers measured the amount of Underarm Shaving Debris generated during shaving. (Underarm Shaving Debris I love that term!) They found that 36% of the stuff you’re scraping off your armpit is skin, not hair! No wonder shaving is so irritating! They also measured the skin underneath the arms and found that it actually grows thicker to compensate for all this scraping. That’s right, shaving your armpits gives you thicker skin! (I’m not sure why, but that creeps me out just a little bit.)

How can you soothe your pits?

Even though your skin grows thicker, it’s not enough prevent all the symptoms of irritation. But the researchers did discover that using a special roll-on anti-perspirant formulation with glycerol and sunflower seed oil after shaving can further reduce the irritation.

The notion of using a lubricating anti-perspirant as a post-shaving aid is intriguing but this research is so new we don’t know if this type of formula is actually on the market yet or not. We’re looking forward to trying it AND to find out if this new technology reduces the irritation properties of the anti-perspirant itself. (The aluminum salts used in APs can be irritating even if you don’t shave!)

In the meantime, make sure you’re using a good razor like Schick, Gillette, or Body Bare.

Favorite underarm shaving quote:

“Shall I warn you to keep the rank goat out of your armpits?” (From Ovid’s Art of Love, a poem written over 2000 years ago and the inspiration for the photo that accompanies today’s post.)

Jennifer wants an odor eater: I’m intrigued by a product called Body Mint, which claims that it reduces body odor of all kinds (underarm, breath, foot) from the inside out using chlorophyll. Is this a scam? The Left Brain clears the air:

What is Bodymint?

As you can see from their website, Body Mint tablets “are made from an all-natural, highly specialized, derivative of chlorophyll” and their “unique formulation give it the uncommon power to reduce body odors from multiple sources, like bad breath, underarm and foot odor.” Sounds good, eh? But anything that sounds too good to be true usually is. Here’s the real scoop:

What is chlorophyll?

It’s the pigment that gives plants their green color. But more importantly, it allows them to use sunlight to manufacture the carbohydrates that all living things use as food. It can do this because the chemical bonds in the chlorophyll molecule can absorb visible light.

What does chlorophyll supposedly do?

According to one health food store pamphlet, chlorophyll can help cure trench mouth, tonsillitis, vaginitis, bladder diseases, high blood pressure, tooth decay, arthritis, athlete’s foot, constipation, rectal fissures and laryngitis. It also helps destroy bacteria and soothe gunshot wounds. I’m no doctor, but it seems to me that if you’re suffering from rectal fissures and gunshot wounds, a little bad breath is the LEAST of your problems!

What does chlorophyll really do?

Not much, according to Quackwatch, a scientific website that specializes in debunking false claims. Read for yourself…

Most claims that chlorophyll products can heal, kill bacteria, and remove odors are based on research performed early in the 20th century, before antibiotics were available to fight infections. Although many of these studies are considered invalid by modern scientific standards, there is evidence that chlorophyll can kill certain types of bacteria. It is not a practical choice, however, because very high concentrations are needed for any positive effect and modern antibiotics are far more effective anyway. Also, although chlorophyll kills some bacteria, it actually promotes the growth of others.

What about deodorizing properties?

Despite the sales hype, in products sold to the public, it doesn’t have any. According to John C. Kephart, who performed studies at the laboratories of The National Chlorophyll and Chemical Company about 20 years ago, “No deodorant effect can possibly occur from the quantities of chlorophyll put in products such as gum, foot powder, cough drops, etc. To be effective, large doses must be given internally” [Journal of Ecological Botany 9:3, 1955].

So, Jennifer, it looks like BodyMint is a scam. Don’t throw away your Listerine mouthwash or your Degree deodorant!

Why should you believe our brainy bashing of Body Mint?

The source of these Quackwatch quotes is an article written by Dr. Lowell who, at the time, was Professor of Life Sciences at Pima Community College in Tucson, Arizona and vice-president of the National Council Against Health Fraud.

Jessica is perspicacious about perspiration: Is there any danger in applying antiperspirant on large areas of the body? For example, on the under arms, back, hairline etc.?

The Right Brain responds with dry wit:

Where does sweat come from?

Jess, sounds like you might have a case of hyperhydrosis, a condition that causes your sweat glands to kick into overdrive. There two types of sweat glands on your body: eccrine glands and apocrine. Eccrine glands are found all over your body but most concentrated on the palms of hands, soles of feet, and the forehead. These glands produce sweat that is water and some salts and they are important in regulating body temperature. Sweat from eccrine glands doesn’t cause body odor.

Apocrine glands are not as widespread. They are always associated with hair follicles so they show up wherever there is body hair, like in your arm pits and…uh…other areas. Apocrine glands produce a milky sweat that contains fatty materials. Bacteria that feed on these fatty materials create the unique smell of sweat.

How do antiperspirants stop sweating?

The active ingredient in antiperspirants are aluminum salts. Aluminum ions from these salts are absorbed by the cells that line the eccrine gland ducts. When water mixes with the salt, the cells swell up and form a plug that closes the gland so more sweat can’t get out. A typical antiperspirant can decrease your sweat by at least 20 percent. Extra strength products, available by prescription, are even more effective. (Want to learn more? Read our post on how to avoid antiperspirant irritation.)

Can you use antiperspirant all over your body?

This question reminds us of the story of the actress in the James Bond film Goldfinger who supposedly died from asphyxiation after being covered with gold paint. Fortunately, this story turns out to be an urban myth – your body doesn’t “breath” through your skin so you can’t really suffocate. However, eccrine glands do help control body temperature and if you blocked all your sweat glands, your body would be in danger of over heating.

We couldn’t find any medical references that explained exactly how much antiperspirant it takes to really be dangerous. The best we could come up with is this reference from Unilever (makers of Degree) that warns antiperspirants are “…really only designed for reducing underarm sweat and they should never be sprayed all over your body as you may overheat if too many sweat glands are blocked.”

It seems like a reasonable caution to us but it’s not a very satisfying answer if you’re drenched in sweat. If hyperhydrosis is really a problem for you, we’d suggest checking with your doctor about using prescription strength antiperspirants or even more drastic measures like electrical treatments or Botox injections that can temporarily stun the sweat glands.

ZD net has an interesting story about a Japanese software maker who’s launching a skin care guide for use on Nintendo’s DS portable game player. This unique software provides beauty tips based on the users’ body temperature and hormone balance.

We quote from the article:

Konami, known for sports titles such as Pro Evolution Soccer, said that by marking a target date such as a wedding in the software, DS users can get customized, daily skin care instructions in the run-up to the big day.

“We have developed the software under the concept of getting pretty while having fun,” Konami’s digital entertainment corporate officer, Naoyuki Notsu, told a news conference.

Konami Digital Entertainment is Konami’s game software unit.

The DS has two screens, opens like a book and allows gamers to control play with a stylus, instead of by manipulating a keypad.

Its intuitive playing style, coupled with software designed to cater to game novices, such as the Nintendogs pet-training game, has helped Nintendo expand its clientele beyond a young male audience to include women and the elderly.

The skin care software will go on sale on October 18 in Japan for $37 (4,500 yen). Konami has no specific plans at the moment for an overseas launch.

Now I just have to decide: do I want a new DS or an iPhone?

Fire Pits has a fire in her pits: Is there any ingredient other than aluminum that works as an antiperspirant? I ask not because I am afraid of getting Alzheimer’s, but because the antiperspirants I`ve tried make me itch like mad. The Right Brain responds:

I hear you girl, antiperspirants can be itchy and irritating, especially after shaving. But as far as the Alzheimers connection is concerned, you`re wise to be skeptical. There`s no proof that aluminum antiperpirants cause Alzheimer’s.

But here are 4 ways you can switch to avoid that itch:

1. Switch to deodorant instead of antiperspirant.

Deodorants don’t contain aluminum so they’re less likely to make you itch. But remember, they won’t stop you from sweating they’ll only reduce body odor. Confused? Go read our previous post on the difference between deodorants and antiperspirants.

2. Switch to prescription Botox

Botox? Yes, Botox injections are approved by the FDA as a way to sweating. Unlike the Aluminum salts which work by plugging the sweat glands, Botox works by disrupting the chemical messages sent by nerve endings that trigger the sweat gland to produce sweat. Of course they’re expensive and you need a prescription from your doctor, but hey - it’s an option!

3. Switch to another antiperspirant brand

There are 18 different Aluminum compounds allowed in antiperspirants and some of these can be more irritating than others. Most products use either Aluminum chlorohydrate or Aluminum zirconium tetrachlorohydrex gly. Look at the active ingredient listed on your product, then switch to a brand that uses a different active see if the problem goes away.

4. Switch to a “regular” strength antiperspirant

Extra strength antiperspirants contain higher levels of the active ingredients which could be more irritating to your skin. Try “regular” instead of super-duper and see if that reduces the itching.

We hope this helps - you might also want to read our previous post on the top 10 skin irritants. Let us know if your pits are still in peril.

CG Is Concerned About Culture:

My husband doesn’t like my deodorant - Degree Ultra Clear Pure Powder 100% little black dress approved. Here’s the problem: I’m sweaty, smelly, and I wear black because I’m all punk rock & stuff. What are my alternatives?

The Right Brain Assuages Her Antiperspirant Angst:

You have only 4 options:

1. Try the 11 million other brands of deodorant on the market until you find one that your husband likes.
2. Pick a musical lifestyle that`s less limiting on your wardrobe and a little bit less passé like, say, Emo.
3. Use his Speed-Stick.
4. Get divorced.

Thanks for asking The Beauty Brains.