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SKU 3053 CURRENT ISSUES IN CHEMISTRY

TITLE: CRYSTAL DEODORANT

LECTURERS NAME: PROF. MADYA DR. ISMAIL ZAINOL


GROUP MEMBERS NAME NAZIRATUL ASYIKIN BINTI MOHD SAM SITI SAUFU BINTI MAT ISA NORAMIRA BINTI AHMAD TAJUDDIN ID NUMBER D20091035116 D20091035140 D20091035139

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SWEATING Sweat Glands

We have about 3 million sweat glands distributed over the entire body. Especially in the armpits, on the neck, head, forehead, and on the palms of the hand and the soles of the feet. They are missing on the lips, in the nail bed, eardrums, and to a large extent , in the genital area. On the hands, feet, forehead, and armpits there can be as many as 350 sweat glands per square centimetre.

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Types of Sweat Glands

Our body has approximately two million tiny sweat glands. We have two types of sweat glands in our body; eccrine and aprocine glands. Eccrine glands are the common ones and are located in our palms, forehead and soles of our feet. They are directly connected to the central temperature regulator in the diencephalons, therefore play a crucial role in regulating body temperature. They do not only excrete more water, but also toxins and metabolic end products. Depending on the temperature, sweat glands are able to secrete between 0.5 and 8 litres of liquid per day. Aprocine glands are found in our armpits and the end of our hair follicles. There is a difference in the type of sweat released by both these glands. Eccrine releases sweat that is more of water and thin in nature. Apocrine glands on the other hand produce a more viscous secretion. Aprocine releases thicker sweat that has a yellow colour to it because of the presence of fatty acids and proteins. They are also referred to as "odour glands". They do not develop until the body reaches puberty. Then they develop mainly in the hair roots, such as in the armpit, around the anus and in the genital area. Odour glands are not main contributors to temperature regulation but are activated during strong emotional conditions, such as anger, pain, fear, or sexual drives.

Figure 1: Sweat gland

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Why we are Sweating?

Sweating or perspiration is our body's natural way of cooling us down. We may feel the heat more when we sweat but the truth is that the body is cooling itself by releasing all the built in heat. Our body needs to maintain a normal temperature of 98.6 Fahrenheit failing which we are likely to suffer a heat stroke. Sweat is released through small holes known as pores in our skin. Human skin has two types of sweat glands, these are the apocrine glands and the eccrine glands. The apocrine glands are located in areas of the body that have hair follicales such as scalp, armpits and public region. When sweat comes in contact with the atmosphere, it evaporates leaving a cool feeling behind.

1.4

Sweat Composition

Sweat is almost made of water with small amounts of chemicals like ammonia, urea, sugar and body salts like sodium chloride, but also potassium, magnesium, phosphate, sulphate, volatile low fatty acids, neutral fats, immunoglobulines, cholesterol, and odour substances.

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BODY ODOR

Body odor is influenced by the actions of the skin flora, including members of Corynebacterium, which manufacture enzymes called lipases that break down the lipids in sweat to create smaller molecules like butyric acid. These smaller molecules smell, and give body odor its characteristic aroma.

Figure 2: Corynebacterium tuberculostearicum

Figure 3:Butyric acid molecule formula and sructure

Propionic acid (propanoic acid) is present in many sweat samples. This acid is a breakdown product of some amino acids by propionibacteria, which thrive in the ducts of adolescent and adult sebaceous glands. Because propionic acid is chemically similar to acetic acid with similar characteristics including odor, body odors may be identified as having a vinegar-like smell by certain people.

Figure 4: Propionic acid molecule formula and sructure

Isovaleric acid (3-methyl butanoic acid) is the other source of body odor as a result of actions of the bacteria Staphylococcus epidermidis, which is also present in several strong cheese types. While Bacillus subtillis creates strong foot odor.

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ANTIPERSPIRANT AND DEODORANT

Antiperspirant or deodorant, this is a quick substitution that can quickly stop odors. However, the warm and moist environment of the underarms is perfect for establishing more odors. Rubbing alcohol will only provide a temporary fix. Antiperspirants work by clogging, closing, or blocking the pores with powerful aluminum chemicals so that they cannot release sweat. While, deodorants work by neutralizing the smell of the sweat and by antiseptic action against bacteria.

Figure 5: Anti-perspirant product

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DIFFERENCES BETWEEN ANTIPERSPIRANT AND DEODORANT

Most people think antiperspirants and deodorants are the same thing, but they are not. Deodorants are considered a cosmetic product while antiperspirants are regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) because they are classified as a drug due to the effect they have on the body. Antiperspirants work by clogging, closing, or blocking the pores with powerful aluminium chemicals so that they cannot release sweat.

While, deodorants work by neutralizing the smell of the sweat and by antiseptic action against bacteria. Natural crystal deodorants are just that, natural. And that is the main difference. There are no added chemicals or fragrances. And, as previously mentioned, natural crystal deodorants allow the body to sweat, but without odor.

Traditional deodorants use chemical rich fragrances to mask odor and cover up the bad bacteria smell. Antiperspirants block the skin from releasing sweat, thereby inhibiting the bacteria growth process. All antiperspirants have an aluminum-based compound as their main ingredient, such as:

Aluminum chloride Aluminum zirconium tricholorohydrex glycine Aluminum chlorohydrate


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Aluminum hydroxybromide Aluminum hydroxide (ATH)

All of them are controversial ingredients that are potentially unhealthy for our bodies.

The aluminum ions are drawn into the cells that line the sweat gland at the top layer of skin. When the aluminum ions enter into the cells, water passes in with them. As more water flows in, the cells begin to swell, squeezing the sweat ducts closed and preventing sweat from escaping. People who choose to use a crystal deodorant instead often do so because they are concerned about the potential health risks of applying such chemicals to the thin and highly absorbent layer of skin under the arm.

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CRYSTAL DEODORANT History

In 1984, Jerry Rosenblatt, Founder and CEO of Crystal, while he was travelling in France , he was introduced to a manufactured product, made of mineral salts, which purifies water. That same product, he later discovered, also worked as a natural yet powerful deodorant. Jerry began importing this product, assembled a small team of friends to shape, mold, smooth, and package each stone by hand. No two rocks were the same, each measuring anywhere between eight to ten inches in diameter and weighing between six to nine ounces. Jerry named the product Le Crystal Nature A crystal deodorant is a deodorant product made with potassium alum or ammonium alum. Both are double sulfate forms of the class of minerals known as alums. When potassium alum is extracted from the earth it is a translucent crystalline mineral that contains veins or fractures like those seen in marble. A translucent deodorant stone is 100% pure potassium alum and does not contain any potentially harmful impurities. Alum crystals are highly soluble in water, which explains their ability to act as a deodorant.

Figure 6: Example product of crysral deodorant

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Ingredients

Crystal deodorants consist of Potassium aluminium sulfate, also known as potassium alum or just alum, is a white crystalline double sulfate usually encountered as the

dodecahydrate, formula K2SO4.Al2(SO4)3.24H2O. Potassium alum is made from aluminium hydroxide, sulfuric acid and potassium sulfate. The reaction between the sulfuric acid and the ore creates aluminum oxide. This is then reacted with potassium sulfate to form potassium aluminunum sulfate or called potassium alum in forms of a solid solution.

Figure 7: Potassium aluminium sulphate chemical formula

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Alum

Alum has been used for a very long time in reservoirs to clarify water. That is, it helps suspended particles settle to the bottom so they can be removed. It has also been used as a remedy for canker sores and in a styptic pencil to stop bleeding after shaving. That said, there is no doubt that alum contains aluminum, often hydrated potassium aluminum sulfate (potassium alum).

Figure 8: Potassium aluminium sulphate (alum) mineral

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How it works

Deodorant crystals containing synthetically made potassium alum are a weak irritant to the skin. When the human body sweats it is basically just releasing salt and water through sweat glands in the skin. Contrary to popular belief, sweat does not have a distinctive smell of its own. The smell associated with sweat is actually caused by bacteria on the skin that eats sweat and excretes waste; and it is the bacteria waste that produces a foul odor. Everyone has bacteria on their skin, and it is perfectly normal. The bacteria on our skin ordinarily do not produce a noticeable smell, but when sweat is present the bacteria begins to rapidly grow and produce an increasing amount of odor. When a crystal deodorant is applied to the underarms, some of the mineral is dissolved by the body's sweat (the stick can also be pre-moistened with water). This leaves behind a thin layer of mineral salts on the skin's surface. That layer of salt prevents body sweat from coming into contact with odor-causing bacteria. Crystal deodorants are designed to prevent naturally odorless sweat from becoming a breeding ground for bacteria. Most
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commercial deodorant products contain antibacterial agents or perfumes to prevent body odor or mask its scent. Potassium alum is a natural anti-microbial that inhibits the growth of odor-causing bacteria. As an anti-microbial potassium alum adjusts the pH of the skins surface and creates an environment where bacteria cannot grow. Therefore, odor is prevented, and the body is able to maintain its proper course of eliminating toxins through sweat, as well as controlling body temperature, all without odor.

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Advantages of crystal deodorant over others deodorant

Crystal deodorants contain no parabens. Parabens which are used as preservatives. The problem with them is that they are similar to oestrogens in their activity and may disrupt the proper functioning or hormones in the body. There are studies showing that parabens have been found in the tumours from breast cancer sufferers. They are mostly found in the area nearest to the underarm in the outer parts of the breast. Propylene glycol which is an agent that prevents substances from drying out. Propylene glycol was (and still is) used as an antifreeze and it has found its way into deodorant. It is aneurotoxin that has been known to cause contact dermatitis, kidney and liver damage.

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ISSUES WITH CRYSTAL DEODORANT Aluminium free?

From Dr. Mercolas site: Some of the most popular natural deodorants are the crystal deodorant stones and sprays. But most people dont know that these crystal deodorant products contain aluminum. The crystal deodorant stones are made from alum. The most widely used form of alum used in the personal care industry is potassium alum. The full chemical name of potassium alum is potassium aluminum sulfate. Lets get this straight. Even though aluminum is widely distributed in the earths crust, it is NOT needed in ANY amounts in your body. All evidence to date points to aluminum as a poison that serves no beneficial role in your body and should be avoided. Aluminum is widely recognized as a neurotoxin, which has been found in increased concentrations in the brains of people with Alzheimers disease.Unfortunately, if you use antiperspirants or some deodorants, you are most likely exposing yourself to aluminum. Aluminum salts can account for 25 percent of the
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volume of some antiperspirants. A review of the common sources of aluminum exposure for humans found that antiperspirant use can significantly increase the amount of aluminum absorbed by your body. According to the review, after a single underarm application of antiperspirant, about .012 percent of the aluminum may be absorbed. Multiply this by one or more times a day for a lifetime and you can have a massive exposure to aluminum a poison that is not meant to be in your body. Antiperspirants work by clogging, closing, or blocking the pores that release sweat under your arms with the active ingredient being aluminum. Not only does this block one of your bodys routes for detoxification (releasing toxins via your underarm sweat), but it raises concerns about where these metals are going once you roll them (or spray them) on. From Naturally Freshs Website: Do your products contain aluminum? No, Naturally Fresh Deodorant Crystals contain the naturally occurring compound Alum (Potassium or Ammonium), not to be confused with harmful processed aluminum (Aluminum Zirconium or Aluminum Chlorohydrate). Technically speaking, aluminum is a metal while Alum is a compound. Many of these processed aluminum molecules can be absorbed into the skin and bloodstream. Alum molecules create a barrier against odor causing bacteria and contain a large molecule which does not penetrate the surface of the skin. Another online article: Potassium alum is a naturally occurring form of aluminum salt. The difference between potassium alum and aluminum chlorohydrate is that potassium alum is a much larger molecule, not thought to be absorbable through human skin. From Beauty Brains forums said that The natural crystal deodorant do contain aluminium in its main ingredients; the potassium alum or known as potassium aluminium sulphate. However, this kind of deodorant is better than other type of deodorant for its not stopping the sweating process instead it helps to control the growth of bacteria which is the reason for your body stinks.

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Cancer and Alzheimer contributors

An article in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute (Oct 16, 2002) concluded that there was no connection between use of antiperspirants and the risk of breast cancer. More recently, though, a study suggests that aluminum compounds can change the way breast cells divide, even at low concentrations (Journal of Applied Toxicology, online, Jan. 6,
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2012). The authors of this research conclude: "Our observations do not formally identify aluminium [British spelling for aluminum] as a breast carcinogen, but challenge the safety ascribed to its widespread use in underarm cosmetics." There is also research to suggest that aluminum concentrates in breast tissue, possibly from exposure to aluminumcontaining antiperspirants (Journal of Applied Toxicology, April, 2011).

A study in the Journal of Inorganic Biochemistry (Nov. 2011) points out that: "The human breast is exposed to aluminium from many sources including diet and personal care products, but dermal [skin] application of aluminium-based antiperspirant salts provides a local long-term source of exposure." These researchers note that nipple aspirate fluids have been shown to contain aluminum at higher levels in breast cancer patients than from healthy control subjects "providing evidence of raised aluminium levels in the breast microenvironment when cancer is present." A thoughtful review of this entire topic was published in Best Practice & Research. Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism by a British oncology professor. Some of the comments include: "Several components of cosmetics have genotoxic properties, including the aluminium salts.." "Dermal absorption of topically applied antiperspirant aluminium salts has been demonstrated through intact mouse skin and and the skin of the human underarm. Aluminium in the form of aluminium chloride or aluminium chlorhydrate has been shown capable of interfering with the function of oestrogen receptors of human breast cancer cells both in terms of ligand binding and oestrogen-regulated gene expression." That is, these compounds may act as hormone disruptors.

It will probably take many more years to resolve the controversy about any relationship between aluminum and breast cancer. In the meantime, people who seek to avoid aluminum in their armpits will probably want to look beyond crystal-type natural deodorants. Many people find that milk of magnesia applied to the underarm helps against odor, so that may be an attractive alternative.
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6.3

Aluminium toxicokinetics

According to review by researchers in University of Kentucky Medical Center, Aluminium may distribute to the brain from the nasal cavity, but the significance of this exposure route is unknown. Systemic Al bioavailability after single underarm antiperspirant application may be up to 0.012%. This MiniReview updates and expands the MiniReview of aluminium toxicokinetics by Wilhelm et al. published by this journal in 1990. The use of 26Al, analyzed by accelerator mass spectrometry, now enables determination of Al toxicokinetics under physiological conditions.

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ALTERNATIVE DEODORANT AND ANTIPERSPIRANT Sodium Carbonate

There are many more natural ways to prevent your body from being smelly. One of them is by using baking soda, which can easily found in your kitchen. Its scientific name is sodium carbonate or sodium hydrogen carbonate, chemical compound with the formula NaHCO3. Sodium bicarbonate is a white solid that is crystalline but often appears as a fine powder. It has a slightly salty alkaline taste resembling that of washing soda (sodium carbonate). The natural mineral form is nahcolite.

Figure 9: Sodium Bicarbonate chemical structure Since it has long been known and is widely used, the salt has many related names other than baking soda such as bread soda, cooking soda, and bicarbonate of soda or simply bicarb. The word saleratus, from Latin sal ratus meaning aerated salt, was widely used in the 19th century for both sodium bicarbonate and potassium bicarbonate. The term has now fallen out of common usage.
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Baking soda, aka sodium bicarbonate, helps regulate pHkeeping a substance neither too acidic nor too alkaline. When baking soda comes in contact with either an acidic or an alkaline substance, its natural effect is to neutralize that pH. Beyond that, baking soda has the ability to retard further changes in the pH balance, known as buffering. This dual capability of neutralizing and buffering allows baking soda to do things such as neutralize acidic odors (like in the refrigerator) as well as maintain neutral pH (like in your laundry water, which helps boost your detergents power). Its a simple reaction, but one that has far-reaching effects for a number of cleaning and deodorizing tasks. Baking soda works wonders as deodorant because it neutralizes the odour of sweat. Just sprinkle a light covering of baking soda onto a damp washcloth. Then pat on your underarm and dont rinse. Baking soda added to water raises the temperature slightly. Chemical reaction between baking soda and water is exothermic and so the water gets a little warmer. This is because the binding energy of the chemical bonds of the products has an excess over the binding energy of the components. Therefore, energy is released and the water warms up. The cause of body odour is due to the presence of bacteria on your skin that breaking down your sweat. The bacteria are able to live on your skin because of the pH is too alkaline that favoured their growth. Thus, when you applied baking soda as above, it will neutralize the skin surface. Bacteria cannot continue living on your skin because it is not alkaline anymore, and solve your body odour problem.

Figure 10: Baking soda powder

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7.2

Control body pH

Our body already have natural mechanism to prevent it from bacteria growth. As for sweating process, as sebum and sweat mix up on the skin surface, they form a protective layer often referred to as the acid mantle. Acid mantle has a particular level of acidity characterized by pH from about 4 to 5.5 meaning it is mildly acidic that prevents the growth of pathogenic bacteria and fungi.

According to Dr. Danny Siegenthaler, one of the main influences on the skin's pH is regular soap which is very alkaline; usually having a pH range of nine to 11. This makes the skin's acid mantle a lot more alkaline and prone to bacterial growth and increased body odour. This can be prevented by using pH balance body washes that are designed to help the skin maintain healthy pH levels.

Figure 11: pH balance body wash product

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Apple cider vinegar or vinegar

Other than that, According to Health-911, as an alternative to deodorant you may use apple cider vinegar or white vinegar. Simply dab a cotton ball in vinegar and wipe on the skin. This reduces body odor because it increases the acidity of the skin and bacteria cannot survive in such conditions.

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Figure 12: Apple cider vinegar product

7.4

10 Ways to Eliminate Body Odor Naturally

Lime (Citrus auntifolia) Lemon juice mixed with a little whiting and gets rubbed such as armpits believed to repel unpleasant body odor.

Figure 13: Lime fruit

Betel leaf (Piper betle) Betel leaves are long known efficacious as an antiseptic also known to contain active substances that can eliminate body odor. Betel known especially potent eliminate body odor
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caused by these bacteria or fungi. Chemical constituents in betel leaf essential oils include kadinen, kavikol, sineol, eugenol, karvakol and tanning substances.

To eliminate body odor, one way is to soak some hot water. Once cool, the water is drunk. White sugar may be added to taste. Another way is to smooth the betel leaf with lime and then applied to the armpit.

Figure 14: Betel Leaves

Clove (Eugenia aromatica) Soak a few of clove bud soaked until it is expands, the water is ready to be served. Water decoction of clove bud with some brown sugar can also be refreshments and warmth the body during raining season.

Figure 15: Some of clove buds Ginger Rhizome (Curcuma xanthorrhiza) Substances - substances contained in turmeric is saponin, flavoinoida and essential oils to eliminate body odor. The trick is to drink boiled ginger rhizome that has been cut - cut finely.

Water that has been shredded ginger juice with a little honey can also be taken to eliminate
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odor out of the body. Additionally, grated ginger can also be massaged into the entire body, and left to dry before being cleared to get maximum results.

Figure 16: Turmeric

Leaves Beluntas (Pluchea indica) Plant commonly used as a living fence has a characteristic smell and taste bitter horsefly. Leaves and flowers containing alkali which acts as an antiseptic. Chemical content such as amino acids (leucine, isoleucine, tryptophan, threonine), fat, calcium, phosphorus, iron vitamins A & C. To eliminate body odor, leaves ordinary beluntas engulfed in raw or steamed first. Beluntas leaves that have been boiled is also delicious eaten as ointment (vegetables with grated coconut flavored). If you often eat leaves beluntas, body odor will disappear. In addition, the lack of bad breath odor will disappear. For those who do not like it, get by drinking boiled water leaves every morning and afternoon. Beluntas also beneficial lowering body temperature ,so much sweat and body temperature to drop.

Figure 17: Pluchea indica sp.

Cucumber (Cucumis Savitus) One young cucumber fruit peeled and rubbed on the body part that smells up again after a bath.
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Figure 18: Cucumber

Basil leaves (Ocimun Baliscium) The active substances contained in the leaves of basil also works as an antiseptic. To get the benefit the leaf could also being made as a salad or use as a vegetable raw ointment. Basil leaves also contain substances that increase appetite. For women who are menstruating, if you eat basil leaves roughly one cell in the morning and afternoon during the period will avoid the odors that often affect women menstruation.

Figure 19: A bouquet of Basil leaves

Bunga kantan (Nicolaia speciosa) The active substances contained which can eliminate body odor is saponin, flavoinoida and polyphenols. Bunga kantan can be used to cook the young leaves and flowers are eaten as a companion to eat rice. Bunga kantan superbly cooked as a vegetable lodeh.

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Figure 20: Few stalks of Bunga Kantan

Ginger (Zingiber Officanale) Many Indians believe that if you consume ginger make them smell sweet. According to Peng Chao Ching of the emperor Shen Nong (3000 BC), fresh ginger can eliminate body odor and closer to the spiritual aura. Ginger terarur if consumed can be very helpful to overcome the problem of body odor.

Figure 21: Ginger

Purut orange (Citrus Bystrix) Yuan bark contains essential oils smell nice. Kaffir lime can be used to eliminate body odor by drinking juice mixed with a lime peel kencur mashed together and enough water

Figure 22: Kaffir Lime


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8.0 REFERENCES Brindza Paul (2013). Does baking soda lower water temperature? If so, why? Accessed from http://education.jlab.org/qa/bakingsoda_01.html on May 10, 2013. Anonymous (2013). Sodium Bicarbonate. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sodium_bicarbonate Annie B. Bond (1999). The difference between deodorant and anti perspirant. http://www.care2.com/greenliving/deodorant-or-antiperspirants.html Corinna Uncerwood (2011). Body odours and pH balance. Accessed on May 10, 2013 from http://www.livestrong.com/article/264776-body-odors-ph-balances/ College of Pharmacy and Graduate Center for Toxicology, University of Kentucky Medical Center, Lexington 40536-0082, USA. ryokell@pop.uky.edu http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2010/02/16/aluminum-lurks-in-crystaldeodorants.aspx http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/2012/02/06/are-natural-alum-crystal-deodorantssafe/&#8221 http://www.mnn.com/lifestyle/natural-beauty-fashion/stories/make-the-switch-to-a-naturaldeodorant http://thebeautybrains.com/2008/02/25/do-mineral-crystal-deodorants-really-work/ http://scarlettswinter.blogspot.com/2013/01/how-to-eliminate-body-odor-naturally.html

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