Don't Sweat It: Here's What to Do When You Forget Deodorant (2024)

FAQs

Don't Sweat It: Here's What to Do When You Forget Deodorant? ›

Rubbing lemon juice on armpits can help curb the smell. You can also use baking soda and cornstarch to make a quick, natural deodorant. Combine one-part baking soda with six-parts cornstarch and dust a little on your underarms.

If you plan ahead, that could be using an antibacterial wash in the shower. If not, "the old hand sanitizer trick always works," says dermatologist Dr. Mona Gohara, referring to the in-a-pinch solution of rubbing hand sanitizer under your arms to kill bacteria.

"Some people just don't sweat very much," says board-certified dermatologist Dr. Sheila Farhang, so they may opt for deodorant only. She explains that many deodorants are formulated with alcohol, "which helps decrease body odor by targeting bacteria."

“I use a foaming hand sanitizer by Clean Well that has thymol as the active ingredient, and it instantly eliminates odor. It won't last all day, but it's perfect in a pinch.” She adds that if you want to prevent bacteria buildup in your armpits, consider a daily swipe of hand sanitizer.

Paper towel and soap : If you're concerned about your stink, wet a paper towel with warm water and a drop of hand soap from the bathroom. Wipe down your armpits and dry them. Depending on how sweaty you get, repeat the process every few hours as needed.

Deodorant. Rubbing alcohol can be a quick helper if you're out of deodorant. You can spray directly on your armpit, but avoid after shaving since it can sting. Some people also mix essential oils such as lavender with the alcohol for a skin-soothing scent.

(As for how long you can go without deodorant, that's totally up to you. It could be a couple weeks, or it could be forever.) Even if you feel like deodorant is a necessity that's hard to say goodbye to, you might be pleasantly surprised with the alternatives to deodorant below.

Moisturize Intermittently

Since they are damp, Dr. Zalka recommends using a pH-balanced underarm or body lotion once or twice a week, or more as needed for dryness. Another tip for keeping underarms sooth and supple: “If you notice irritation, take a break from shaving and deodorant,” she says.

Can I use lemon instead of deodorant? ›

“Lemons can temporarily decrease odor in the armpits, and the alpha-hydroxy acid in citric acid can kill odor-causing bacteria,” Dr. Geeta Yadav told Shape in an interview, but added that “antiperspirant and deodorant are a much better and safer way (than using lemons)” when it comes to diminishing body odor.

Apply apple cider vinegar: Apple cider vinegar has antibacterial properties that can help to kill the bacteria that cause underarm odour. Dilute apple cider vinegar with water and apply it to your underarms with a cotton ball. Let it dry before putting on your clothes.

Go take a shower, watch TV, read a book for a while. Then, collect the clothes and give them the sniff test, especially around the pit area and anywhere you sweat profusely. If you find an odor that is unpleasant, that might be an indicator that you have a body odor problem that is leaching into your clothing.

“If you stop wearing deodorant or antiperspirant, you can develop a stronger odor over time,” Doyle said.

According to Lipner, nighttime is the ideal time to apply an antiperspirant deodorant. “We sweat less at night, so the antiperspirant can come into closer contact with sweat glands and decrease sweating," Lipner explains.

"Everybody's underarms sweat, even at rest with no activity or stress," he says. "And if you go for a long time without using antiperspirant, you'll still have the normal amount of sweating." Sadly, the same goes for odor: "It's going to happen without deodorant."

Is it OK if I don't use deodorant? ›

“If you stop wearing deodorant or antiperspirant, you can develop a stronger odor over time,” Doyle said. “When you stop using (such products) and sweat more, this creates a breeding ground for bacterial and fungal overgrowth, which can cause odor to become stronger.”

For example, one tablespoon bentonite clay, activated charcoal or baking soda, as each help detox the armpit — or one teaspoon of all three. Then add one to two teaspoons water and one teaspoon apple cider vinegar. Mix all ingredients together into a paste, then apply the mask to your pits generously.