Yet another sign that spring has sprung!

[STEVE IN MASS]

Ivy Block is made by a division of the company I and Mr. Kav used to work for. It is actually made using a bentonite, which is an alumina/silica formulation.

At the plant I worked at, we used an alumina (aluminum oxide) slurry to manufacture our products. While I, too, don't get poison ivy, other guys did, and they swore by applying the alumina slurry we used to it, letting it dry on their skin, and the rash would dry up within a day and be gone. This makes sense, as alumina is extremely hydroscopic (adsorbs moisture), and would also soak up the oils.

That is probably why the deodorant works, as many contain aluminium oxide.

BTW, the Ivy Block is not marketed as a "cure". It is to be used BEFORE possible exposure to the ivy, and creates a barrier so that you don't get it in the first place.