Switching to Natural Deodorant - Detox (And Smell!) Explained
So, you've made the switch from conventional deodorant to natural deodorant and you find yourself thinking, "this stinks..." You're not alone! Many people believe natural deodorants just aren't for them — but they can actually work for anyone.
What most people don't realize is that your body has to go through a detox period when you give up mainstream deodorants. Yep, you read that right – you have to detox from your deodorant. But it's not as bad as it sounds – we promise!
Here's why you should switch to natural deodorant, what to expect during a detox period, and how to make the detox as odor-free as possible.
Antiperspirant vs. Deodorant
To understand why our bodies detox, let's break down the difference between conventional deodorant and natural deodorant.
Most conventional deodorants actually double as antiperspirants. To keep you from sweating, antiperspirants use ingredients like propylene glycol, aluminum chlorohydrate, and aluminum zirconium to block your pores.
Aluminum-free deodorants like ours use tapioca starch, coconut oil, and other plant-based ingredients to absorb wetness and neutralize odor molecules, rather than preventing sweat from happening.
Why Should I Switch to a Natural Deodorant?
Aluminum in antiperspirants is an effective sweat blocker, but sweating is a good thing! Sweating is our body's mechanism for both temperature control and detoxification. Our bodies eliminate waste when we sweat, but aluminum blocks that natural process. That's why many people are ditching antiperspirants and looking for aluminum-free deodorants instead.
Deodorant by Bite uses an aluminum-free formula so you can sweat out all of the nasties – the only aluminum you'll find here is in our plastic-free metal case ;). We also keep out baking soda, a common skin irritant found in many other deodorants. The full list of ingredients and fragrances are available on our site as part of our commitment to transparency.
What to Expect When You Detox From Antiperspirant
When you switch to a deodorant after continued use of an antiperspirant, your body sweats out aluminum and releases waste that has been trapped. 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.
How long does it take to adjust to natural deodorant?
The length of a detox phase (as well as the amount of odor and sweat) varies from person to person, but most people say it takes them about a month to fully adjust. This adjustment typically happens in a few different stages.
Stage 1 - "This is easy"
It may take a few days or even a week before you notice any unwanted side effects of detoxing from antiperspirants.
Stage 2- "Oh no no no"
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! Your body is working hard to purge all of the bacteria and chemicals that have been trapped inside by your antiperspirant.
Stage 3 - "Sweaty, but better?"
By the third week, the body odor will start to die down but you may notice more sweating than usual. This is your body doing a final sweat purge.
Stage 4 - "I got this"
You're almost at the finish line! Around week 4, your underarms are sweating less and smelling better.
How to Make Your Detox Easier
To make the transition period a bit easier, there are a few methods you can try.
Clay masks and charcoal scrubs can help pull out dirt, oil, and the buildup left by antiperspirants, expediting the purge (and its smelly effects). Just apply every few days or when you notice odor starting to return.
We've also had some Bite fans tell us that the exfoliating acids they use in their skincare routine, such as glycolic acid and salicylic acid, help eliminate odor during the transition. These exfoliating acids get rid of the odor-causing bacteria and can smooth out skin. Apply this once or twice a week on clean skin and stop using if you notice irritation.
And lastly, use a deodorant that you like and that works well. Deodorant by Bite keeps you smelling fresh and feeling dry without the harsh chemicals (or plastic packaging!). Our one of a kind scents – Neroli, Rose Vert, and Santal – are sure to make the transition away from antiperspirants worth it.
FAQs
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.
Why do you smell when switching to natural deodorant? ›
When you switch to a deodorant after continued use of an antiperspirant, your body sweats out aluminum and releases waste that has been trapped. This process is natural, but can cause a bit of odor and excessive sweating while your body works overtime to detox.
What happens to your body when you switch to natural deodorant? ›
When you switch from antiperspirant to natural deodorant, your body needs a little detox time. You might sweat a bit more at first, but don't worry! Keep going and soon your armpits will be clean and balanced. After a few weeks, the smell will go away and you won't have to think about the bad stuff in antiperspirants.
Why do my armpits smell when detoxing? ›
Switching from a typical antiperspirant or deodorant to a natural one can create an imbalance in armpit bacteria, which can make body odor stronger. The bacteria that live on the skin need time to balance, so a sudden change in products can have a negative effect.
How to switch to natural deodorant without stinking? ›
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.
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.
How long does it take for your armpits to detox? ›
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. This is also referred to as detoxing armpits.
How long to detox armpits before using natural deodorant? ›
If you are just switching to natural deodorant, your body may need 1-3 weeks to adjust. But if you've been using antiperspirants your whole life, it could take a bit longer as the sweat glands in your underarms are going to go through quite the adjustment.
How often should you detox your armpits? ›
How Often Should You Detox Your Armpits? To help with the smell and excess sweat from eliminating conventional deodorants and antiperspirants, you can do an armpit detox two to three times a week up to daily if your skin can tolerate it. It is ok to do it every day if it is helping and you get no irritation.
What is the best detox for armpits? ›
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.
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.
To do an underarm detox, use 1 tablespoon of bentonite clay (a natural, detoxifying clay) mixed with 1 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar, which has cleansing properties, and 1 teaspoon of water. Apply the paste to your underarms for around 10 minutes daily for a week or more until your underarm odor subsides.
What are the symptoms of toxins leaving the body? ›
What Are the Signs That My Body Is Detoxing?
- Headaches and Fatigue. ...
- Mood Swings and Irritability. ...
- Muscle Aches and Difficulty Sleeping. ...
- Changes in Bowel Movements. ...
- Increased Urination. ...
- Eliminating Toxins from the Body. ...
- Individual Variations in Detox Symptoms. ...
- Duration of Detox Symptoms.
You may sweat more than you're used to.
When you start using a deodorant without anti-persperant (aluminum), you're going to start sweating more than you're used to. Your body will begin to regulate this as it adjusts to the change.
Why do my armpits smell so bad when I don't use deodorant? ›
The primary cause of armpit odor is not the sweat itself, but the bacteria that thrive in the warm, moist environment of our underarms.
Is it worth switching to natural deodorant? ›
According to the U.S. Food & Drug Administration, conventional antiperspirant deodorants are safe — so there's no need to worry or switch to a natural deodorant on account of your overall health. However, personal preference or ingredient sensitivity may lead you to consider switching to a natural deodorant.
Does your body have to adjust to native deodorant? ›
The detoxification process takes time, and your natural microbiome of the skin needs time to adjust. In this time, you will also begin to sweat from your armpits, something that you may not be used to if you have always used an antiperspirant. Sweating is natural and helps to decrease the toxins in the body.
Is switching to natural deodorant worth it? ›
Natural deodorant is not better or worse for your health than traditional deodorant or antiperspirant. “A lot of the claims that one product is better than another are just marketing claims that are not based on scientific evidence,” Dr. Chen said. “I don't think there's any proof that one is safer than another.”
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.
What to expect when 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.
