I Switched To Natural Deodorant During Quarantine, Here’s What I Found Out | Essence (2024)

I sweat, a lot, and for seemingly no reason. That’s just one of the things I found out when I stopped using an antiperspirant and deodorant. You’d think that wouldn’t come as a surprise for someone who’s been in her skin for 37 years, but quarantine has forced all of us to truly become one with our bodies and all their processes.

I found out more than I could have imagined about my body when I decided to switch to natural deodorant during quarantine. I thought it would be a seamless shift. But as it turns out, my antiperspirant and deodorant was doing important work that I didn’t give it much credit for.

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My rationale was simple: I don’t have to be around people, so if I sweat or if I smell during the switch, no one has to bear it except my fiancé. And he already loves me so it’s all good. Well, I did sweat, and I did smell. And I smelled some more.

Some natural deodorant brands have tools like pastes that you can apply to your armpits while you “detox” so that the sweaty and smelly period is more bearable. But the efficacy of those tools has its limits.

I also learned that working from home, particularly during a pandemic, can be extremely stressful. I sweated more than I ever did at the office as my moods went up and down and my body temperature followed. It also felt like I was sweaty just for the sake of it, even when I wasn’t stressed or moving around much. Exercise was pretty much out of the question.

To some degree it was great for testing how effective—or not—these natural deodorants were. But while my fiancé’s love for me has no limit, his tolerance to an excessively smelly me does.

I Switched To Natural Deodorant During Quarantine, Here’s What I Found Out | Essence (1)

Also, all natural deodorants are not created equal. Just because the ingredients sound great doesn’t mean that they mix well with your body chemistry. Because in fact, it really is all just chemistry. I had an allergic reaction to one organic deodorant cream that was really effective. I didn’t smell and didn’t sweat as much, but I eventually began to break out in an itchy rash and had to stop using it.

And while many natural deodorants claim to work all day, there is often a necessary midday re-up, and sometimes an evening re-up too. Some brands will try to up the ante on the smell as a workaround to this, but I simply found those to be abrasive and overpowering in the worst way. My deodorant should never be stronger than my perfume.

I also learned that I love a clear deodorant that dries quickly. Thick, white, pasty and chalky deodorant turns me off. Many natural brands are still mastering the reconciliation between desired consistency and keeping out the unwanted junk. But it might take a while before we get a natural that mists on and dries in seconds.

Now, that isn’t to say that the payoff isn’t worth it to go au natural. You have to consider to what extent you’re cutting out harmful chemicals and parabens from entering your body through your armpit pores versus the need to reapply deodorant often during the day and having white streaks on your clothes occasionally. It really will come down to a personal lifestyle choice.

I Switched To Natural Deodorant During Quarantine, Here’s What I Found Out | Essence (2)

What I mostly learned is that making any shift in a beauty and wellness go-to this major will require a ton of open-mindedness and flexibility on my part.

For now, I’m using aluminum-free deodorants while I try to find an all-natural that delivers everything I need, and in a discreet on-the-go package for that midday reapplication. I’m dedicated to the process because I think it’s important for my health. But for now I can at least be happy that I’m past the difficult detox stage, and I’m now in the stage of patience and discovery with slightly better smelling armpits.

I Switched To Natural Deodorant During Quarantine, Here’s What I Found Out | Essence (2024)

FAQs

I Switched To Natural Deodorant During Quarantine, Here’s What I Found Out | Essence? ›

I Switched To Natural Deodorant During Quarantine, Here's What I Found Out. The road to natural is paved with obstacles, including smelly days and sweaty nights. I sweat, a lot, and for seemingly no reason. That's just one of the things I found out when I stopped using an antiperspirant and deodorant.

Is it normal to smell when switching to natural 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 armpits when you switch to natural deodorant? ›

More Sweat – At the start, you may notice more sweat than usual. This happens because, unlike antiperspirants, natural deodorants don't block your sweat glands. While it might feel uncomfortable at first, it's actually a good sign. Your body is doing what it's meant to do – removing toxins through sweat.

How long does it take to detox when switching to natural deodorant? ›

It may take a few days or even a week before you notice any unwanted side effects of detoxing from antiperspirants. The smelliest part of your detox will likely last a week or two. This is when most people give up, but you can do this!

How long do you stink after switching to aluminum free deodorant? ›

During this 'detox' or transition period - which typically lasts about 2 weeks - you may find yourself sweating more and notice a different, pungent odor from your sweat.

What are the side effects of switching to natural deodorant? ›

Some people experience small, tender, red bumps that appear in their underarms when they switch from a traditional deodorant or antiperspirant to an all-natural deodorant. Other underarm rash symptoms can include: Redness. Bumps.

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.

Why not to use natural deodorant? ›

FACT: EVEN "NATURAL” PRODUCTS CAN POTENTIALLY CAUSE SKIN REACTIONS. Skin irritation and allergic reactions are the most common health issues caused by antiperspirants and deodorants—and they can happen with traditional or natural products, Dr. Siddiqui says.

How to stop stinking with natural deodorant? ›

Always Apply to Clean Armpits

If you begin to detect an odor throughout the day, wash your armpits again with soap and water—or at least give them a wipe-down with some apple cider vinegar—before reapplying your natural deodorant.

Do you smell when detoxing? ›

Body odor from alcohol detox is common. First, someone who is in withdrawal from alcohol will often experience profuse sweating. Sweating naturally leads to body odor, but the profuse sweating for days can produce a more potent odor.

What to know before switching to natural deodorant? ›

Tips to Prepare for Natural Deodorant
  • Don't Be Afraid to Sweat. The aluminum in our deodorants clogs pores, blocking sweat. ...
  • Prepare with an Underarm Mask. ...
  • Exfoliate. ...
  • Stay Hydrated. ...
  • Keep Your Clothing Light. ...
  • Freshen Up with Apple Cider Vinegar. ...
  • Be Patient.
Jul 22, 2019

What happens when you start using aluminum free deodorant? ›

Your body odor is probably going to smell different, and potentially stronger, than what you're used to. That's because your body is simultaneously purging its sweat glands and recalibrating the balance of microscopic organisms that live on your skin. It's establishing a new normal.

Why are my armpits dark after switching to natural deodorant? ›

You've found a natural deodorant that works well, but suddenly your pits are noticeably darker. This darkness is caused by melanin—and melanin is created by your body to protect skin that has been damaged or is suffering from prolonged irritation.

Why do I smell after switching to natural 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.

Why do my armpits stink no matter how much deodorant I use? ›

Even if you're using deodorant, you might still experience smelly armpits. This could be due to various factors such as diet, stress, hormonal changes, or even the type of bacteria present in your underarms.

Why do I sweat so much 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.

Why doesn't natural deodorant work for me? ›

Challenging Transition Phase: The shift to natural deodorant often leads to a period where the body must reacclimate to its natural sweating process, resulting in increased sweating and more noticeable body odour during this adjustment phase.

How long does it take for native deodorant to work? ›

Native doesn't contain any aluminum, but uses baking soda as its to absorb wetness. Native gives new customers fair warning that it can take up to 14 days to get the maximum effectiveness out of Native when making the switch.

Why did my natural body odor change? ›

Changes in body odor are often the result of lifestyle changes, such as an altered diet or exercise regimen. However, in some cases, a sudden change in body odor may be a sign of an underlying health condition. Generally speaking, body odor can affect anyone, and it should not usually cause a person to worry.

Why do I suddenly smell bad even with deodorant? ›

Your body odor can change due to hormones, the food you eat, infection, medications or underlying conditions like diabetes. Prescription-strength antiperspirants or medications may help.

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