Naturally Fresh From TCCD Q&A

WHAT ARE THEY & HOW DO THEY WORK?
The Naturally Fresh Deodorant Crystals were specifically designed for men and women who are allergic to or irritated by conventional deodorants – ten percent of our population! They are made of mineral salts which are pure and natural, fragrance free, non-staining and provide 24 hour, hypoallergenic protection against body and foot odor. They both function as natural deodorants which kill odor causing bacteria while permitting the pores to excrete toxins naturally. This is vital to maintain healthy, auxiliary lymph nodes which are located in the underarm area.

WHO SHOULD USE OUR PRODUCTS?
Approximately ten percent of our population cannot use conventional deodorants for various reasons. Generally, either the perfumes which are used to mask odor or the antiperspirant ingredients will act as allergens and cause rash and irritation. For this reason, men and women who have sensitive skin require hypoallergenic, fragrance free products. The problem with most natural deodorant products is efficacy. Fortunately, Naturally Fresh Deodorant Crystal products are extremely gentle, yet amazingly effective. This is the perfect product for active people seeking a healthy alternative and better lifestyle.

WHAT ABOUT THE ALUMINUM ISSUE?
Aluminum compounds are abundant in our environment. They are found in most foods and drinking water.

Many people and doctors have concerns in respect to the processed aluminums found in conventional deodorants. These processed aluminums have very small molecules and can penetrate the skin. Alum, on the other hand, is naturally occurring and not processed. It has a large molecule and does not penetrate the surface of the skin.

HOW DO DOCTORS FEEL ABOUT NATURALLY FRESH DEODORANTS?
Allergists, Dermatologists and Oncologists all recommend the Naturally Fresh Deodorant Crystal brand of deodorants to their patients.

The manufacturer/distributor, TCCD International will be detailing doctors all over the United States with trial/travel size samples throughout the year.

WHICH PRODUCT DO MOST PEOPLE PREFER?
It depends on the person. However, if the person has allergies, we would recommend the spray mist as this is the most gentle product.

HOW DO YOU USE THE PRODUCT?
Moisten the stone by running it under water and apply it to underarms as you would any other deodorant. It is recommended to run it under water after applying then dry the stick off. The roll on and spray mist may be applied directly to your underarms. They do not have to be wet before use.

I AM USING IT AND IT IS NOT WORKING?
Everyone’s body is different. On some people it may work immediately but on others it may take up to 2-3 weeks before it may begin to work as your body adjusts.

I HAVE AN ACTIVE LIFESTYLE HOW MANY TIMES SHOULD I APPLY THE DEODORANT?
Use it as needed; it is not harmful to your health. The more active you are the more you should apply the deodorant.

WHY AM I STILL SWEATING?
Naturally Fresh deodorant is not an antiperspirant. You will continue to sweat, however, you will not have any underarm odor.

HOW DO I KNOW WHEN THE PRODUCT EXPIRES?
The crystal stick never expires if it is not opened. Once it has been opened, the product is good for one year. The roll on and spray mist have a 2 year shelf life if unopened. Once they are opened they are also good for one year.

IS IT SAFE FOR CHILDREN TO USE?
We recommend seeking professional advice from your physician.

WHAT DOES THE PINK RIBBON MEAN?
The pink ribbon means “Cancer Awareness”. It was developed by the Susan G Komen foundation. TCCD International is a consistent financial contributor to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.

CAN THESE PRODUCTS STAIN MY COUNTERTOPS?
Yes, they can. Although they are very gentle on people’s skin they can stain various types of surfaces, because they are made from mineral salts. Please keep the product dry after use. Wipe the surface by removing any wet spots after use.

But what about potassium and ammonium alum which is found commonly in deodorant crystals and sticks? Is this safe?

It is defined as:

Alum \Al"um\ (&?;), n. [OE. alum, alom, OF. alum, F. alun, fr. L. alumen alum.] (Chem.) A double sulphate formed of aluminium and some other element (esp. an alkali metal) or of aluminium. It has twenty-four molecules of water of crystallization.

ammonium alum n : a white crystalline double sulfate of aluminum: the ammonium double sulfate of aluminum

potassium alum n : a white crystalline double sulfate of aluminum: the potassium double sulfate of aluminum

The chemical formula for potassium alum is K2SO4AL2(SO4)3 24H2O.  Potassium alum is a colorless substance that forms large octahedral or cubic crystals. It is white, transparent, and very astringent. Bauxite is the ore from which alum is drawn. It is formed by the rapid weathering of granite rocks in warm, humid climates and can be purified and converted directly into alum.  Potassium alum is soluble in seven times its weight of water at room temperature and is very soluble in hot water. When crystalline potassium alum is heated, some of the water of hydration becomes chemically separated, and the partly dehydrated salt dissolves in this water, so that the alum appears to melt at about 90 degrees C (approx. 194 degrees F). When heated to 200 degrees C (approx. 392 degrees F), potassium alum swells up, loses all water, and becomes a basic salt called burnt alum. Potassium alum has a density of 1.725.

The deodorant stones feature physically large potassium or ammonium alum molecules and are not absorbed into the skin/blood. Water has a molecular weight of 18. A potassium alum crystal molecule has a molecular weight of 474.38. A potassium or ammonium alum crystal molecule, in solution, is hydrated 24 times and consequently has a molecular weight of 654. It is impossible through natural means to get water to permeate the skin. Witness the large number of moisturizers available at the cosmetic counter and imagine how difficult it would be for a molecule that weighs 36.3 times as much as water to permeate the skin.

The pH of the solution resulting from the topical application of potassium alum with perspiration is typically in the slightly acid range of 4 to 5.  

Alum is a natural compound in nature, is present in the water we drink, in almost all the foods we eat, and in the air we breathe. The compound has many uses -- medicinal (induces vomiting, astringents in medicine); pickling; setting dyes; in fire extinguishers; in cutting paper; and in baking powder. According to a study conducted at the University of Wisconsin, the average American adult diet includes between 20 to 60 milligrams of alum per day, of which 20 to 50 milligrams come from FDA-approved food additives. Another 2 to 10 milligrams come from the natural content of the foods eaten. 

In its natural form, alum is the third most abundant element in nature, after oxygen and silicon. It has been part of our environment since the beginning of time and is one of the basic building blocks of our universe. It makes up almost 8% of the earth’s crust, surpassed in quantity only by oxygen at 47% and silicon at 28%. It is in soil and clays that only when processed produce metallic aluminum products.