How do you say...you smell?

Question

I have a co-worker who has a very healthy lifestyle. She's vegan, uses only natural products and only drinks water. She doesn't use deodorant because she claims it's "bad" for you and doesn't need it anyhow due to her healthy diet. The problem is...she does need it! How do we suggest to her that she try using, at least, one of the "natural" deodorants on the market? And what are some that really work? Maybe we'll make her up a gift basket!

Answer 1

A gift basket sounds good to me!! There are many great natural deodorants that are "not anti-perspirants which use aluminum" that is unhealthy and goes straight to your lymph glands in armpit. Some research has stated that the incidence of breast cancer has risen since the use of anti-perspirants. The natural health idea is to allow the sweat process but smell nice. A great natural deodorant is Amazing THAI Crystal Deodorant Mist. Inexpensive about $5 at Whole Foods Market and lasts over a year. Tom's has some good ones. Sunrider has a great one, but very expensive and has to be ordered on line.

Answer 2

I don't know of any that work / dont work.

Vegans, for some reason, the foods they sometimes eat, do tend to pour out their pores!

My fiancees' xwife smelled of hot peppers, garlic, pickled peppers etc. Was truly a funky smell, but there isn't much that can be done about it, save for showering, and deoderate, if they are funky from sweat.

Deoderant is mostly for armpits, to keep you from smelling funky, from sweatting so much.

Maybe a Body Spray will work? Those are like a perfume.

If she isn't willing to use a deoderant, then, she most likely won't want to use a perfume / body spray...

But, take into account, you have to find which one works right for your body's natural odors... Because everyone's body naturally stinks. LOL

Maybe make her up a gift basket of a BUNCH of products, including: all NATURAL stuffs of: Body Soaps, Body Sprays, Shampoos & Conditioners, Deoderants, Perfumes, etc.

It might cost a lot more, but, she might actually find things she truly likes!!

Sounds like she is really willing to talk about herself and won't be insulted by receiving such a gift.

Good luck to you & her.

~Becca

Answer 3

Yogazen,
You do have a right to go to work in an environment where you do not feel harassed or made to feel uncomfortable.
This is a federally enforced law. To be forced to work in such an environment is called a HOSTILE work environment. If some one cannot have a conversation about sex, tell jokes that may be ethnically flavored, even ask if some one is in this country legally and has documentation to back it up w/o risking loosing their job because some one might overhear their PRIVATE conversation. being offensive w/ your bodily odor definitely ranks up there. It is something that is within her control. Please consult your supervisor as to company policy regarding the procedure for handling such issues in the work place. If your supervisor does not address this issue to your satisfaction follow the chain of command to the next level. there are anti-retaliation policies effect in most companies.
Melaleuca make natural deodorants here is a link to product and pricing information. http://www.melaleuca.com/ps/index.cfm?f=ps.productDetail&pid=3998&sCatId=15 .
going to your supervisor and making them aware of the issue and offering a resource on hoe to resolve the issue will show them that you care and are genuinely interested in getting the issue resolved for everyone in the most helpful and expediant manner.

Answer 4

Well, you speak to her boss. And it's his job to explain to her that the dress code includes being fresh smelling.

I'm a manager. I've had to tell some middle east guys, point blank, if you want to continue working here, then you will shower every morning and put on deodorant. End of story.

The corporate dress code policy should include standard things like this. It just isn't deodorant. I've had to tell women not to wear so much perfume. Men that they have to wear socks. Surprising how dense people are.

Answer 5

If I was in your place, I would find the soonest convenient moment to say something along these lines:

"Jane, I want to tell you something, and please don't take it personally in any way. I only mean the best for you. But... quite a number of people are saying you have uhhhhhhh (and then v. quickly) a perspiration problem (look apologetic/embarrassed), and I thought you should know......... [Then say again} Sorry, but I thought you would rather know... (and give a supportive look). "

If she then asked you if you thought she did too, you can softly say, well .... yeah, I sometimes do.

The best way is very fastest, soonest (for her sake) and when you can catch her all alone in a totally private moment. I think as good a time as any is when you are both at work, & she is at her desk because you can then quickly return to your work, and she can get herself busy again without too much embarassment

Answer 6

There is no easy way yogazen.

But it will take tact, and timing.

If you are the one who is closest to her (in friendship)
and you are obviously one who cares,
you will find a way to tell her that there is a point where at certain times of the day, bodies take on a "natural" odor.

One cannot live their lives 15 minutes removed from their last shower.
For that reason, "natural" deoderants have been formulated.

If your delivery is cool and friendly,
she will see your caring style and know you speak from the heart.

Whatever you do,
do not discuss her with others,
for your heartfelt caring will be undermined by "who else have you discussed me with"

I wish you well.

Answer 7

Natural fanatic huh? try this: you and your fellow workers make up a small talk, about a slice of apple in between the armpit w/c works as a good deo, or try lemon. it works too. then make sure she hears it. no, ENSURE that it gets to her, with your line of words, . . but not in a rude or hurtful way. ..
everyone should stink in that area anyway( inc. you) if you don't rely on your deo. right? be honest... o.k nice. that's sexy., really.

Answer 8

just give her the gift basket and just say that you thought about her , and that you thought she might like them. and bring up that since she in to beign naturall well that you found these nice natural products, and you thought about her. and give her a hug and a kiss .. simple as that. i dont think it even gives out the wrong message . just the fact that you thought about her beign special. thats all!!!!! i think the gift idea sounds good , i mean how else would you put it, or do it. just keep it friendly. good luck to you. :D

Answer 9

Have everyone who works with her walk in and out of her space saying What's that smell? Of course not attributing the smell to her. She may eventually get the hint that way

Answer 10

This is a job for a supervisor, if she's offending others in any manner, report her and let a superior handle this. cleanliness and a reasonably neat appearance should be required of all employees in any workplace.