Pros: Clear, odorless, non-staining, no irritation. Keeps me dry and non-stinky.
Cons: Oojy cold, clammy, slimy feel.
The Bottom Line: If you are OK with aluminum-based products, this is pretty darned good stuff. The best fragrance-free deoderant I have found so far. It really works!
hularider's Full Review: ALMAY Clear Gel Fragrance-Free Anti-Perspirant & D...
I used Secret Unscented deoderant for years. Then they changed the formula and gave it a hint of "eau de portapotty" a while back, and I have been hunting for a new deoderant ever since.
My skin is very sensitive, so many anti-perspirants and deoderants leave my underarms raw and irritated. And I have asthma and some fragrance allergies, so the perfumy products can leave me wheezing, with swollen eyes, and tears and snot streaming down my face.
About three months ago, I purchased Almay Clear Gel Fragrance-Free Anti-Perspirant and Deoderant. It definately lives up to its labeling.
A sniff-test reveals a slight scent, almost like rubbing alcohol, but not so strong or heavy. Just a bare hint, rather fresh smelling. It quickly disperses on application.
The product is completely clear on the skin, and has left no detectable residue on my clothing. I also have found no discoloration, staining, or bleaching of my clothing.
It does feel cold, clammy, and sticky when applied. On hot days, it feels like my armpits are glued shut. I have found it useful to dust a little face powder over it when I wear sleeveless clothing.
I'm not terribly thrilled that the active ingredient, Aluminum Zirconium Tetrachlorohydrex Gly (17%), is an aluminium compound. Aluminum compounds have been implicated in some human health problems. But it does reduce my sweating and body odor. When I wear boots, I even put a little on the bottoms of my feet, and it helps control "evil sneaker stench" immensely!
After three months of use, the Almay hypoallergenic gel has caused no irritation or redness.
Another thing I like about this Amay produuct is that a little goes a long way. It goes on so smoothly that I don't need much to get even coverage. It does take practice, though, as it is kind of slimy and goopy, and can shoot out of the container when you pull off the cap. Go eaaaaaassssyyyy with the push-up dial thingie to get more, because it can splurt out and get all over if you are not careful.
Like other aluminum compounds used in deoderants, it acts by clogging pores, so the sweat can't get out. Hmmmm, now I'm thinking all the aluminum-based products I've used over the years may have something to do with the armpit zits and cysts I've had. I never knew the anti-persperants work by putting itty-bitty "corks" in your pores!(duhhhh)
The stuff also is hygroscopic, as in "water absorbing," so it also absorbs the sweat that does get out. Thus, by preventing the sweat in the first place, it prevents odor because there is nothing for the odor-causing bacteria to grow in.
The inactive ingredients are: Water, hydrating is good! Cyclopentasiloxane, a silicone fluid emollient (skin softener) which is used in a lot of cosmetics. Dimethicone, a silicone-based organic polymer used in things from contact lenses to heat-resistant tiles to shampoos. Dipropylene Glycol, a plasticizer which controls viscosity and is pretty much non-toxic and almost odorless. Glycerin, a colorless, odorless, viscous sugar alcohol PEG 12 Dimethicone Crosspolymer, an emulsifier and stabilizer also used to control viscosity. PEG/PPG 18/18 Dimethicone and PEG/PPG 19/19 Dimethicone, which are, I believe, used to kind of "time" the release of the active ingredient.
All in all, it seems less toxic than some of the other stuff I subject my body to on a regular basis. And when I use it, I don't stink.
Another thing I like about the fragrance-free deodorants is that when I do wear a perfume - I can tolerate a few, as well as some of the natural plant oil fragrances - they do not clash. the Almay is completely undetectible by me withing minutes after applying, so there is no clash at all with any of my fragrances.
Gentle formula provides outstanding protection without irritation. Quick-drying gel leaves no trace of white residue on you or your clothes Hypoalle...More at DERMAdoctor
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