Deodorant!

[tamarakay]

Goodness. I wear old spice original scent, just like I do here in Texas. It has never melted, exploded, or turned to goo. I love the way it smells. Like the commercial says, you probably wouldn't be here if your grandfather hadn't worn old spice.

[MyDearFriend]

You always smell great, TamaraKay! I had no idea you wore Grandpa's deodorant!

[TT120]

Old Spice classic in the red container works for me as well. Doesn't melt and smells great.

[mgb327]

Old Spice classic in the red container works for me as well. Doesn't melt and smells great.

Ditto, exactly. so non-fume-de-la-frenchie.

[9ah]

I use this on the playa: http://www.deodorantstones.com/

[Eric]

I use this on the playa: http://www.deodorantstones.com/

I've been using a similar one since 2003 - Crystal Stick. I use the solid one, and one crystal will last me close to a year. It also has no aluminum salts, so you're not getting that crap into your body. Never had a problem on the playa, and I generally only need to apply it once or twice the whole week - the dust does all the rest of the germ-killing.

[9ah]

Definitely lasts a long time! I have one in my gear specifically for the burn and other camping types of excursions so it is a great value product.

[delle]

I find it interesting that I had no problems with my deodorant before this thread showed up.

Then, sure as shit, I had a deodorant debacle in 2013.

One day, mid-week, I entered the NP Shade to my waiting entourage, and dramatically announced my readiness to go, which involved a throwing up of my arms as double exclamation-marks.

Someone - I believe it was Mr. Delle, who ALWAYS has my back, bless his soul - happened to mention "What the hell is that under you arm there?"

HALF the stick of deodorant had adhered itself to my underarm. A big unsightly blob of stinkless. In my flurry and excitement of the moment, apparently my underarms had gone numb, because I didn't feel a thing.

So yeah. I'm going with Ratty's Roll-on next year. (...not really Ratty's. I'll bring my own.)

[Savannah]

One day, mid-week, I entered the NP Shade to my waiting entourage, and dramatically announced my readiness to go, which involved a throwing up of my arms as double exclamation-marks.

Someone - I believe it was Mr. Delle, who ALWAYS has my back, bless his soul - happened to mention "What the hell is that under you arm there?"

HALF the stick of deodorant had adhered itself to my underarm. A big unsightly blob of stinkless. In my flurry and excitement of the moment, apparently my underarms had gone numb, because I didn't feel a thing.

Hahahaha! Magnificent.


I just use Secret gel anti-perspirant and various bathing strategies. I try to keep my toiletries (especially lip balm and solid coconut oil) out of direct sun/away from the sunny side of the tent. I don't remember if gel antiperspirant runs outside the container in the heat, but even if it does, it can still be smoothed on with the fingers. Almost any toiletry that could leak, explode or run gets ziplocked before I travel. There are many changes in elevation between here and home. I think my shampoo and one or two other things have popped open once or twice over the years.

Most people smell either good or neutral or even like nothing at all on the playa. The dryness and the dust help.

Despite the fact that most of us are less clean than we are in the default world, I've met only ONE person in the last few years who smelled bad on the playa (they're not on this board, btw). I think it was a combination of abject distaste for hygiene and conspicuously high levels of physical activity. I didn't suffer until I was hugged. Count up how many hugs you get out there in a week, if you're moderately social (and don't mind hugs). Probably several dozen at least.

So, most of us smell fine. Bring some options, but don't be scared.

[delle]

So, most of us smell fine. Bring some options, but don't be scared.

...because no matter what method you use, some of us can smell fear a mile away... and THAT can be a real game changer!

[Charlie Parker]

bring some baking soda. Pour a little in your hand and just a little bit of water. Mix it together until it forms a paste. Rub your hands together and then rub your armpits. You will still sweat, but you won't stink.

[Thecatman]

bump

bring some baking soda. Pour a little in your hand and just a little bit of water. Mix it together until it forms a paste. Rub your hands together and then rub your armpits. You will still sweat, but you won't stink.

Stuff works great. Since junior high school I've used plain baking soda. Arm & Hammer, store brand etc.

[GreyCoyote]

I've been using a similar one since 2003 - Crystal Stick. I use the solid one, and one crystal will last me close to a year. It also has no aluminum salts, so you're not getting that crap into your body. Never had a problem on the playa, and I generally only need to apply it once or twice the whole week - the dust does all the rest of the germ-killing.

Whoa. I just saw this, unfortunately months after it was posted, and I feel the need to point-out something: The active ingredient in all of the "crystal" type of deodorants, and the deodorant above in particular, is one of two things:

potassium aluminum sulfate KAl(SO4)2·12H2O
- or -
ammonium aluminum sulfate NH4Al(SO4)2·12H2O

Not to rain on anyones parade, but both of these compounds contain MASSIVE amounts of aluminum (the "Al" in the formulas above). Both are in the "salt" forms and both of these salts are quite water-soluble. In fact, since they are basically the only compounds in the product, you are actually exposing yourself to far more than the approxmiately 20% content found in those "evil, chemical" deodorants.

The other thing to be aware of, is the site referenced in Eric's post claims the product is not an anti-perspirant. This is pushing the line of science rather hard. While it is not *technically* an anti-perspirant, it IS an astringent, which has exactly the same physiological effect.

Bottom line: If you are looking for an "aluminum free" deodorant, this is most certainly NOT the stuff to be using. On the other hand, baking soda would be great, as would milk of magnesia, or any of the "chalk-based" substitutes.

[theCryptofishist]

Bottom line: If you are looking for an "aluminum free" deodorant, this is most certainly NOT the stuff to be using. On the other hand, baking soda would be great, as would milk of magnesia, or any of the "chalk-based" substitutes.

pepto-bismo?

[Captain Goddammit]

I was unaware of the aluminum in deodorant and that it was an issue. Yikes, I looked at mine and that's what's in it. What's the deal about that?

[maladroit]

Roughly the same deal as the one where people won't eat anything microwaved.

[FIGJAM]

Supposedly the aluminum builds up in the body and can cause...............now what was I saying?

[Gunslinger]

wear some deodorant, please. i beg of you. there's too much hugging going on for people to be letting themselves get all stank. i've always just brought my usual stuff and it's held up fine.

THIS! You goddammed hippies...Please don't be the stank-ass fucker that rubs up against my 1966 poly elvis collared Jim Morrison sunset on Venice pink white and yellow tri colored buttoned retro relic shirt/God and leaves your threedays without a shower offense to burn with me the remainder of my stay in playaland. Thank you, your consideration is appreciated

[Christian The Jew]

Please don't be the stank-ass fucker that rubs up against my 1966 poly elvis collared Jim Morrison sunset on Venice pink white and yellow tri colored buttoned retro relic shirt/God and leaves your threedays without a shower offense to burn with me the remainder of my stay in playaland. Thank you, your consideration is appreciated

This guy is one stylish bad ass. Just wear goddamn deodorant so you can hug him. I know I will in my 2077 vault-cotton blue and yellow retro-futuristic post-apocalyptic zip up jumpsuit.

[bluemiragemi]

Was thinking about this question over the weekend...if it is small, and you have the space, why not just store your deodorant in your cooler with your ice? My plan right now is to do that, in a Ziploc baggie.

[thnkfl]

I've found that a splash of cheap vodka in and around the underplaces kills the offending bacteria and leaves me fresh as a spring day...

[BeeWeeDee]

Peppermint Schnapps and being "minty" fresh has some appeal over wasting good vodka on my pits.

[Jovankat]

Doesn't the schnapps get sticky? Isn't it quite sugary?

Actually watered down vodka in a spray bottle is a staple of theatre dressing rooms, it's used as a DIY Fabreeze for sweat stains

[skippy3k]

Supposedly the aluminum builds up in the body and can cause...............now what was I saying?

I believed this for a long time too. But I just heard that there really isn't any evidence to show that aluminum in deodorant increases risks of cancer and Alzheimer's. Although I did hear this from my friend who is currently battling colon and liver cancer, she obviously isn't a medical professional and I wouldn't presume to be an authority on the topic. This is just more of a "huh....well, what do you know" type of statement.

[BeeWeeDee]

I'm sure Schnapps would be sticky and quite likely attract flies. Creme de Menthe would even be better - sticky, attract flying critters AND be green.

[dancingfairygirl]

bump

bring some baking soda. Pour a little in your hand and just a little bit of water. Mix it together until it forms a paste. Rub your hands together and then rub your armpits. You will still sweat, but you won't stink.

Stuff works great. Since junior high school I've used plain baking soda. Arm & Hammer, store brand etc.

I, too, use plain old baking soda. It's cheap, doesn't melt & doesn't contain any nasty chemicals or aluminum and it works like a champ!

You'll still sweat (which is healthy, by the way), but you won't stink!

You can even apply it after you're stinky & the smell disappears like magic!

[Christian The Jew]

bump

bring some baking soda. Pour a little in your hand and just a little bit of water. Mix it together until it forms a paste. Rub your hands together and then rub your armpits. You will still sweat, but you won't stink.

Stuff works great. Since junior high school I've used plain baking soda. Arm & Hammer, store brand etc.

I, too, use plain old baking soda. It's cheap, doesn't melt & doesn't contain any nasty chemicals or aluminum and it works like a champ!

You'll still sweat (which is healthy, by the way), but you won't stink!

You can even apply it after you're stinky & the smell disappears like magic!

Baking Soda added to Burning Man check off list: Check!

[Da Duke]

Put a bay leaf under each arm and you'll smell like soup!

I giggled like a schoolgirl

[pntball727]

Wear it. it does not get that hot, I live the Phoenix and mine survives just fine. if you are that concerned put it in a bag and in the cooler. Don't be the stinky kid, no one likes that kid.

[ecoita]

I brought deodorant and took frequent showers during the first few days. I started wondering why I my armpits smelled like dead animals. After a refresh, it would kick in again. What am I doing wrong?!?? Then, I realized that I hadn't been drinking enough water. Once I increased my water intake, I could skip the extra washes and would smell fine all day and night.

Moral of the story? The water isn't just for peeing clear, but to smell clear too. (if that's a thing... smelling clear.)