Natural protection against smell - but not sweat (Sanex Natur Protect Deodorant)

Member Name: alimacb

Product:	Sanex Natur Protect Deodorant
Date:	24/04/09 (223 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: No aluminium, natural minteral alternative

Disadvantages: No antiperspirant

I've been aware of the controversy surrounding the use of aluminium in antiperspirant and the possible link to breast cancer. Several studies have been done on the subject but as they have produced conflicting results, no formal conclusions have been made as yet. Although it never really bothered me too much, I thought I'd give one of these aluminium free alternatives a go.

I scoured the shelves for an aluminium free deo spray and was quite surprised to find a distinct lack of options. Maybe this is because it's the aluminium in antiperspirants that stop you sweating and not many women are willing to risk sweaty pitts!!.

All the products I found were only a deodorant form so I went for the brand I know the best which was Sanex. It came in a 150ml can (I prefer a spray to a roll-on) and I chose the normal skin variety rather than the one for sensitive skin (there are only two options currently available) and cost around £1.90 but I think Boots have a half price offer on at the moment.

The main selling point of this product is that it uses natural mineral alum instead of aluminium. I know it sounds the same but on investigation there is a difference in the two compounds, one is a crystal mineral and one is a metal in the form of aluminium chloride (a substance which reacts with sweat to form a gel 'plug' in the pore). Aluminium is also classified as a neurotoxin.

The smell of this deo spray is actually quite pleasant, it's not very girly or flowery more sort of medically and grassy. It comes no where near to the nice fresh smelling alternatives out there, but to be honest I wear perfume everyday and as such hardly notice the smell at all anyway.

I've been using it regularly over this past fortnight and I've been quite impressed with the results. I'm not a very sweaty person anyway so I've noticed no real difference sweat wise. I've only felt the need to re-apply through the day on one occasion when it was a very hot day in the office and someone had left the heating on!! Even my normal antiperspirant would have struggled to cope with this extreme heat so I wasn't put off at all.

I have also noticed that I don't get the usual 'sting' when using it after shaving which is a real plus for me. I've since found out it's because potassium alum is a styptic and has antiseptic properties. The British Skin Foundation has also validated the research behind the NaturProtect deodorant range.

All in all I've been quite impressed so far, I'm just hoping it holds up to the job during those warmer summer months!!

Summary: A good alternative if you're not a very sweaty person