Ask HN: We need studies on how Magnesium Oxyde deodorant impact skin's bacteria

8 points by kahon65 3 years ago | 6 comments

Some studies exist that have shown deodorants change skin's bacteria in such way that bad ones like Staph. could penetrate the skin and proliferate on the skin instead of good bacteria.

For other and various reasons, Magnesium (Oxyde and Hydroxyde) deodorant have been created.

What are their impact on bacteria?

Is this magnesium absorbed by the body? (I bet yes, and it would not be harmful I guess).

alexfromapex 3 years ago |

I also wish more studies would be done on aluminum as an antiperspirant in deodorant. We already know that aluminum is not good for humans. As new information comes to light in science, as it has with sunscreens, it seems prudent to do reviews.

LinuxBender 3 years ago |

I dont know about oxide specifically but people soak in Magnesium Sulfate in the bathtub all the time. It is absorbed but to what degree I do not know. There are known risks and warnings issued for using bath salts. [1] I assume perhaps incorrectly that there could be similar/related risks. Perhaps some biologists would be kind enough to chime in.

[1] - https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/epsom-salt

Wildgoose 3 years ago |

If you allow your skin’s good bacteria to flourish then you don’t need deodorant. I wash with soap-free cleansing bars (Seba Med for those interested) that doesn’t disturb your skin’s natural oils and I don’t need deodorant - deodorants with aluminium being particularly bad. They kill good bacteria thereby allowing harmful (and bad smelling) bacteria to proliferate.

n42 3 years ago | |

Sorry, this sounds like classic smelly person nonsense. Have you ever asked anyone you trust to tell you if you smell? I’m more inclined to believe you’re just blind to your own stank, same as you can’t smell your own home until you’ve been away on vacation.

Wildgoose 3 years ago | | |

And yet my wife and daughters think it's unfair I don't smell. You might want to visit Asia sometime - Japanese people actually object to the smell of deodorants.

nojito 3 years ago | |

Good bacteria also cause you to smell fyi