Natural deodorant not working? Stick with it - you might need an arm pit detox. (2024)

FAQs

Do you need to detox your armpits before using natural deodorant? ›

While an armpit detox can help speed up the adjustment period you experience when switching to a natural deodorant, it's also a great way to rid your underarms of the chemicals that they've been exposed to through the years.

Wash really well under arms every day. Exfoliate under your arms once or twice a week. Grab some coffee, sugar or exfoliating mitt and give some love to your underarms. Apply a clay mask to under your arms.

You should expect your armpits to smell a little pungent for the first couple of weeks. This is because your sweat glands are purging and getting rid of all of the built-up bacteria and chemicals that have been trapped whilst you've been using antiperspirants.

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.

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.

Don't reduce perspiration

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.

Mix 60ml of hydrogen peroxide, 60ml of water and 60ml of baking soda. Allow the baking soda to dissolve before smearing the blend atop the site. Allow the stain treatment to sit for 10 minutes. Then, rinse.

Best Overall

Give your pits the protection they need with our top pick, the Uriage Clinical Strength Deodorant. It's a roll-on antiperspirant that glides on in just a few swipes to keep sweating at bay. The aluminum-based formula works by reducing underarm wetness, though it also targets odors.

Most armpit detoxes use a homemade mask of bentonite clay and apple cider vinegar. Some also include water to dilute the vinegar. Others use equal parts bentonite clay and coconut oil for a more soothing, hydrating mix that still has some antibacterial properties, thanks to the coconut oil.

Why do I still stink after lume? ›

If you notice odor a short while after applying Lume Whole Body Deodorant, the most likely culprit is your clothing. This happens because fabrics, especially man-made ones, warm up not too long after you put them on. Any waxy, oily residue from past deodorants (and even fabric softeners and scent-boosters!)

If you still smell after taking a shower, you might not be thorough enough in your cleansing methods. Perhaps you forgot to wash your armpits or other sensitive areas entirely. Antibacterial soaps and scrubs can also help.

This adjustment typically happens in a few different stages. 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.

Skin Irritation: Ingredients in natural deodorants, particularly high levels of baking soda, can sometimes lead to skin irritation or discomfort, especially for those with sensitive skin or allergies to specific natural components.

As said above, apple cider vinegar can help reduce the presence of smelly bacteria, such as Actinobacteria and Micrococcus sedentarius, and support the skin's natural pH balance in the process (which is slightly acidic). This contributes to a healthy “skin microbiome” in your armpit area.

The best thing is to try to cool down and stop sweating, then wash or wipe your armpits to remove sweat and bacteria. Then apply deodorant or antiperspirant to dry skin.

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.

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.