The Best Frugal Deodorant – Ball or Aerosol?

Or as the old joke goes, “…neither, it’s for my armpits actually”…..boom boom! Faced with a crowded supermarket shelf which one is the best frugal deodorant to choose? Read on to find out and you might be surprised by the answer….

Frugal Deodorant Choices

Ask most people and they will probably say you can choose between aerosol or roll-on type deodorants. The CFC propellant scare triggered a minor upset in the market during the 1980′s - the gasses in the aerosols used to contain chemicals which scientists have shown damage the ozone layer. The aerosols still need compressed gas to make them squirt but they don’t damage the ozone layer any more. However, it is “back to business” for all the standard hi-tech chemical cosmetics now. Both aerosols and roll-ons typically contain some kind of aluminium based active ingredient to inhibit perspiration, but which can in turn trigger dermatitis in some people. Bacteria thrive in a warm sweaty environment and release a gas called 3-methyl-2-hexenoic acid in their waste…..and this is what smells bad, the sweat just looks bad! Don’t forget that we need to sweat in order to regulate our body temperature and to eliminate toxins. Lets look at the choices in a bit more detail and see if we can identify the best frugal deodorant.

Roll-On Deodorant

A "roll-on" type of deodorant

The first ever commercially patented deodorant was “Mum” (for keep silent), which was manufactured in the USA during the late nineteenth century as a cream. It was re-launched in 1952 as a roll-on. The one in the picture is typical of a modern product and contains over 20 ingredients. The idea is that the active ingredients reduce the amount you sweat and so this in turn deprives those stinky bacteria of food. Common sense says that all those chemicals can’t be good for your skin…and just think of the resources that have been consumed inventing and commercializing the product. However, it works ok and doesn’t smell much at all. As a roll-on it would take ages to cover your whole body so really only suitable for use under your arms.

Aerosol Deodorant

A typical aerosol deodorant

They work in a similar way often using the aluminium based active ingredients to inhibit sweating. The big difference is that the aerosols contain gasses to squirt them everywhere. The gas makes the fine droplets have a better coverage compared to a roll-on. Unfortunately the manufacturers also stuff a load of pongy fragrances in as well so that when you give your armpits a quick blast the whole gym changing room smells of cat pee! The example shown smells pretty dreadful and contains over 20 ingredients with butane and propane as the propellants. Same kind of hi-tech product as a roll-on really – it works ok but smells horrible. Gives good coverage.

Alum Stone Deodorant

An Alum Stone deodorant

Ever heard of this alum stone deodorant? Probably not. Guess why….it is a natural crystal. Yes, the full name is Potassium Alum and it is a naturally occurring sulphate mineral. It works by inhibiting the growth of the bacteria (by reducing the pH) but does not interfere with the natural perspiration process.  So you will still sweat but not smell. To use it you just take the top off and moisten the end a bit and rub it on. The crystal is very smooth….not spiky…so is really easy to apply where ever you need it. Take care not to drop the crystal otherwise it will shatter! I was pretty sceptical at first, but it certainly seems to work and I like the idea that it doesn’t block up the pores of your skin or stop the natural perspiration process. Like any cosmetic some people will find they have an allergy, but with only one natural ingredient rather then 20 chemical ones I know which one I would choose. Works well and has no smell. Perhaps the best choice for a a frugal deodorant…

The Bottom Line

A complex topic that has created plenty of scare stories over the years….but why not simplify you life a little, start looking for natural cosmetics rather than chemically manufactured ones…and along the way you can save yourself some money. If you have read to the bottom of the page then I think that you already know which is the best frugal deodorant!