3 Tips for Switching to Aluminum-Free Deodorant (2024)

3 Tips for Switching to Aluminum-Free Deodorant (1)

Let’s face it, it’s always easier to keep doing things the exact same way than it is to make a change — even if you know that the new routine is better for you (hello, possible links between aluminum and health risks). The research is ongoing, but it raises enough questions that making the switch to a natural or aluminum-free deodorant makes sense to a lot of people. On the other hand, making this switch can bring up a whole bunch of concerns, like worries about smelling weird, dripping sweat constantly or developing creepy underarm rashes.

But it’s hard to ignore a growing pile of research that suggests aluminum-free deodorants are a healthier, safer way to go. When you’re ready to take the plunge, here’s the right way to make the switch, and what you can expect during the changeover.

What to Expect

Maybe you've heard the rumors about a super-sweaty detox period when going aluminum free? After years (or decades) of having your sweat ducts plugged up by the aluminum salts in antiperspirants, your body needs to recalibrate and get used to sweating again. During this 'detox' or transition period - which typically lasts about 2 weeks -you may find yourselfsweating more and notice a different, pungent odor from your sweat. Or maybe you're one of the luckier ones that experience no detox at all (everybody is different!).

If you do find that you're going through a detox period, hang in there and be consistent. Switching to a high-performance deodorant that keeps you protected while your body adapts can help. And, as much as you may want torevert back to your old antiperspirant on those sweatier days, try not to as it will make it harder for your body to fully adjust.Be prepared for a mid-day refresh if needed and stay the course.The detox willbe over soon.

To help the detox along, you may want to try acharcoal- or clay-based maskunder your arms, or amild acid-based facial toner, to draw impurities from your skin. You can also give your skin a little extra love with some extra virgin coconut oil or Manuka honey as an overnight treatment.The good news is that a lot of people report that, once they pass through the detox period, they tend to sweat less overall.

Consider the Ingredients

Many natural deodorants rely on baking soda as a powerful odor neutralizer. While this is a great ingredient to protect against odor, not all baking soda-based formulas are created equal. Choose a formula with a lower concentration of the ingredient and a soft, smooth texture to avoid irritating delicate underarm skin.Another one to watch out for - essential oils. Many natural deodorants use loads of essential oils which can irritateyour skin.

If you find that your skin is irritated when you start using your new deodorant, here are a few tips. Try splitting up when you shave and when you apply your aluminum-free deodorant, spacing it out by 20-30 minutes or shaving your underarms at night and applying your deodorant in the morning. Also you may want to try a fragrance and essential oil-free formula. And lastly, make sure to soothe and nourish your skin to reduce redness and inflammation. You can apply one of those all-star natural remedies mentioned above - extra virgin coconut oil or Manuka honey - or a skin-soothing balm with calendula flower extract to before you go to bed.

Keep It Dry

You’ve heard this one before: Bacteria thrive in warm, moist environments. Your #1 weapon to fight off the source of underarm stench? Keeping things clean and dry. When switching to an aluminum-free deodorant, be sure to carefully pat your underarms dry after you get out of the shower, before applying product.

Also, some clean beauty brands include ingredients specifically designed to safely provide a clean, dry feeling. To create Type:A’s dry-cream formula, we tested many combinations of starches, including arrowroot powder, cornstarch, and tapioca, to discover the optimal balance for the strongest naturally-based protection.

Looking for the best aluminum-free deodorant for your foray into clean personal care? Click here to learn more about Type:A’s aluminum-free deodorant, including both the natural ingredients and the safe synthetics it uses, and how its sweat-activated technology works to keep you feeling fresh during your toughest workouts.

Ready to switch to the best aluminum-free deodorant?You're in the right place.

Written by Kristen Geil

3 Tips for Switching to Aluminum-Free Deodorant (2024)

FAQs

3 Tips for Switching to Aluminum-Free Deodorant? ›

Well, how long it takes for a natural deodorant to feel as though it is working differs from person to person. it can take up to 30-days for your body to learn to sweat naturally and regulate itself again. You should expect your armpits to smell a little pungent for the first couple of weeks.

How long does it take for the body to adjust to aluminum-free deodorant? ›

Well, how long it takes for a natural deodorant to feel as though it is working differs from person to person. it can take up to 30-days for your body to learn to sweat naturally and regulate itself again. You should expect your armpits to smell a little pungent for the first couple of weeks.

What happens to your body when you switch to aluminum-free deodorant? ›

By now, your sweat glands will have cleared away any leftover aluminum. So your body will now start to regulate its own heat by ridding of small toxins through sweat. At this point, there will be backed-up acids in your sweat making their way to your skin's surface. Such acids will produce body odor.

Why do I smell when I switch to aluminum-free deodorant? ›

This process is natural, but can cause a bit of odor and excessive sweating while your body works overtime to detox. Even though this is a natural and expected process, adjusting to a natural and aluminum-free deodorant can be rough. Thankfully, it won't last forever – your body just needs time to regulate itself.

Why am I sweating so much after switching to aluminum-free deodorant? ›

So, when you switch to an aluminum-free deodorant, your body has to readjust and get used to perspiration again. This process can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks. During this period of adaptation, you may find yourself sweating more and noticing changes in the odor of your sweat.

Why do I have BO when I use aluminum-free deodorant? ›

"When switching from an antiperspirant to a deodorant, you are removing the aluminum and releasing waste which has been blocked. This is a natural process as part of our body's built-in mechanisms, but it may contribute to releasing some slightly unusual body odor in comparison to what you are used to.

What are the side effects of switching to non-aluminum deodorant? ›

You might hear a lot of people say they have to “detox” their armpits when they switch to a natural deodorant. Many of our customers do report experiencing an adjustment period when they switch. During this period, many of them report they smell and / or sweat more than usual.

Why do my armpits itch after switching to aluminum-free deodorant? ›

If your skin reacts to a natural deodorant, it's most likely a case of contact dermatitis, Dr. Skelsey says, adding that any of the ingredients mentioned above can trigger this reaction. It generally looks like a red, itchy rash that scales or peels, and there are two types of contact dermatitis to be aware of.

Why does 0 aluminum deodorant not work for me? ›

Your body is too used to relying on the aluminium “plugs” in your sweat glands to stop it from sweating. It has forgotten how to do it properly which makes it hard for natural deodorants to work effectively. Your body needs some time to get back into the swing of things.

Is it worth switching to aluminum-free deodorant? ›

On the other hand, making this switch can bring up a whole bunch of concerns, like worries about smelling weird, dripping sweat constantly or developing creepy underarm rashes. But it's hard to ignore a growing pile of research that suggests aluminum-free deodorants are a healthier, safer way to go.

Do you still sweat with aluminum-free deodorant? ›

While natural deodorants may contain ingredients designed to absorb sweat, only aluminum is effective is preventing it. Expect to be sweatier than you would be with an aluminum-based product. Moreover, some people report being especially sweaty (and smelly) for a week or so while their body adjusts to the switch.

How do you know when your armpits are detoxing? ›

A deodorant detox phase typically lasts anywhere from a week up to a month, and during that time period you may experience: Increased armpit sweating. Increased body odor. Rash-like bumps in your armpits.

How long does it take to detox from aluminum deodorant? ›

A 2 to 4 week transition period can be expected when transitioning from antiperspirant to natural deodorant. Studies show that antiperspirant users experience a transient increase in odorous bacteria in the underarm area when they stop using antiperspirant.

What is the point of aluminum free deodorant? ›

Less armpit irritation. Increased natural detoxification of the body through sweating. Odor masking and prevention with pleasant, often natural fragrances such as lavender, citrus and rosemary. Moisturized healthier armpit skin if you choose a deodorant with aloe or other moisturizing ingredients.

How long does it take to get aluminum out of your body? ›

Although most of the absorbed aluminum is excreted in the first week after exposure, it is estimated that the excretion process may last between a few hours, a few days, and even a few years [22, 23].

Why do my armpits itch after switching to aluminum free deodorant? ›

If your skin reacts to a natural deodorant, it's most likely a case of contact dermatitis, Dr. Skelsey says, adding that any of the ingredients mentioned above can trigger this reaction. It generally looks like a red, itchy rash that scales or peels, and there are two types of contact dermatitis to be aware of.

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