Milk of Magnesia as a Deodorant?  Sound farfetched?  Well, I’m here to tell you that it’s a wonderful, healthy alternative to deodorants/antiperspirants that contain aluminum and parabens and other unsavory ingredients.

After my bout with both breast and thyroid cancer in 2003, I stopped using all commercial soaps, antiperspirants/deodorants, shampoos, and cleaning products.  In other words, I went chemical free.  The antiperspirants on the market today all contain aluminum, which is a heavy metal.  In studies, aluminum has been found in the tumors of breast cancer patients.  Aside from aluminum, most antiperspirants also contain parabens, which also are known to be contained in breast cancer tumors.

Let me tell you it wasn’t easy as I had been drawn in by the fragrant aromas of the commercial antiperspirants/deodorants.  I also found it difficult to stay odor free all day without using my favorite antiperspirant under my arms.  When going out, I would dab some fragrant essential oil under my arms just to cover any odor.  Also, being on a limited budget, I couldn’t afford the pricey organic/natural deodorants.  They were even more expensive than the ones with all the chemicals.

Then I joined the Magnesium Advocacy Group on Facebook.  It’s a wonderful group that advocates Magnesium as an essential mineral that our bodies need.  I’ve learned so much from this group and I will share more of what I’ve learned in future blogs.  One thing I’ve learned is that plain Milk of Magnesia is amazingly effective as a deodorant/antiperspirant.  I have been using it for a few years now, and I can honestly vouch that it works as good, if not better than any clinical strength antiperspirant on the market.  It’s odorless and doesn’t add any perfume scent, but it guards against body odor and the bacteria that cause it.  It just doesn’t cover up the odor like most products on the market.  It prevents the odor.

White Stains on Clothing?

I finally got my daughter interested in using Milk of Magnesia and one of the first things she asked me was if it leaves white stains on clothes.  I can proudly say it does NOT.  She had white stains already on her clothes so, I did some research on how to remove white perspiration stains from clothing and in doing so, I found out what really causes them. The white stains come about as a chemical reaction between your sweat and the aluminum contained in the antiperspirant.  That is yet another good reason to stay away from commercial aluminum containing antiperspirants.

So, what kind to buy?

Ok, now as far as what type of Milk of Magnesia to buy, my recommendation is to get the plain unflavored one.  The flavored one has too many unsavory ingredients.  Also, try to get one that only contains Magnesium Hydroxide as the Active ingredient and Purified Water as the inactive ingredient.  Many brands also contain Sodium Hypochlorite.  Try to avoid that.  It’s basically bleach…and who needs that under your arms?  I have found in the past that the generic (i.e. store brands) usually were good choices and less expensive, but many of them now also contain Sodium Hypochlorite.  The one store brand I’ve found so far that still remains pure is Dollar General’s DG Health brand Milk of Magnesia.  It does not contain Sodium Hypochlorite and it’s inexpensive at only $2 per bottle.  Also, if you’re like me and you’re hooked on fragrance, I suggest you try putting a dab of your favorite essential oil scent along with your milk of magnesia.

As I’ve stated above, I started using the milk of magnesia a few years ago.  Since then, other companies have put Magnesium Hydroxide in their deodorant products.  Dr Teals is the one I’ve been using and I love it.  I haven’t tried Native as yet, but I’ve heard great reviews about it.   They not only have Magnesium Hydroxide as their main ingredient, but also a lot of other beneficial ingredients and wonderful fragrances.

Also, to apply the Milk of Magnesia, I use my fingertips, or a cotton ball and just dab it on under my arms.  If you prefer not to do it that way, then there are empty Roll-On Bottles available on Amazon.  They are very inexpensive and can be reused/refilled over and over.   Check these out!

So, there you have it.  Milk of Magnesia as a deodorant/antiperspirant.  Who knew?

To detox your body from heavy metals, such as aluminum, try Spirulina and Chlorella.