Transitioning from conventional to natural deodorant is daunting. For starters, natural formulas don't normally contain aluminum, the primary antiperspirant used in deodorants. Many worry about the increase in underarm dampness that comes along with natural deodorants and question whether non-chemical ingredients can really, actually curb their B.O.
The answer is yes, they can, but transitioning from one to the other is rarely seamless. Switching to natural deodorant takes time and patience. But rest assured the effort is worth it for peace of mind knowing you aren't subjecting your skin to harsh chemicals.
Here are seven tips for making the switch to natural deodorant.
Always Apply to Clean Armpits
You should only apply your natural deodorant to clean pits. Scrub those underarms thoroughly to ensure all traces of sweat, old deodorant, and bacteria are gone. Cleveland Clinic even recommends keeping pits shaven "so that sweat evaporates more quickly and does not have as much time to interact with bacteria." It's the bacteria, after all, that mixes with sweat and results in a fowl smell.
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.
Wear Natural Fabrics
Cleveland Clinic recommends avoiding synthetic fabrics. Natural fibers like cotton, wool, bamboo, and hemp allow your skin to breath. Some of them—merino wool, bamboo, etc.—are even better at wicking away moisture than synthetics. They also hold in less odor and wash out better whereas the likes of polyester and nylon can start to stink after a while.
Apply More Than Once a Day
With most natural deodorants, it isn't enough to simply apply once in the morning then forget about it. Keep in mind that with the lack of aluminum, you'll see an initial increase in sweatiness. So, when you do break a sweat during your lunchtime walk or on the stuffy bus ride home, don't be afraid to wash and reapply. If using a liquid roll-on, let it dry fully before putting on a shirt.
Treehugger Tip: If you find that you are an especially and embarrassingly sweaty person—no shame, it's normal!—then look for formulas containing moisture-absorbing cornstarch or arrowroot powder.
Don't Stress About Dampness
While it's good to wash the bacteria from your armpits a few times a day, don't become an overwasher. Too much cleaning can lead to skin irritation and dryness, which isn't what you need during this transitional stage.
Prepare to experience some dampness throughout the day. It's normal. What's not normal is blocking our pores with metal. If your natural deodorant is working, your mild sweating shouldn't smell.
Drink Water and Eat Well
In case you need another reason to drink more water, staying hydrated can "water down" your sweat, therefore making it less odorous. Certain foods can also make your sweat smell more pungent and difficult for the natural deodorant to mask.
According to Ohio State University, these include vegetables in the Brassica family, such as cauliflower, broccoli, and cabbage, because they contain sulfur. Red meat, alcohol, seafood, asparagus, and strong spices such as curry, fenugreek, garlic, and cumin are also on the list.
Give It Time
Dermatologists say it takes up to eight weeks for your skin to get used to a new product, including deodorant. If your armpit pores have been blocked daily for decades, there's bound to be buildup that needs flushing out before your sweat glands can start behaving normally again. Most estimates say our bodies rid odor-causing bacteria after about four or five weeks.
Go ahead and seek out sweaty activities to get it flowing. Have patience. Give your body time to transition, and don’t expect instant improvements. Many find that they sweat less in the long run using natural deodorant than they did while using chemical deodorants.
Buy a Good Product
Not all natural deodorants are created equal. Some can contain common skin irritants like baking soda and essential oils like lemongrass, lavender, peppermint, and tea tree. Sensitive skin or not, you should start with a safe and unscented formula (and try a small amount on your arm first to make sure you aren't allergic).
A good natural deodorant for sensitive skin might include arrowroot powder or cornstarch instead of baking soda for absorption. Aloe vera and coconut oil are great for keeping your armpits smooth, and both contain antibacterial properties. However, it's best to avoid oils if you're a heavy sweater.
Some deodorants come in bar form, which eliminates the need for plastic packaging. For a zero-waste option, you can also make your own deodorant using common kitchen ingredients.
FAQs
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. With MOOD, changing to natural deodorant is easy.
How long does it take to stop smelling after switching to natural deodorant? ›
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. With MOOD, changing to natural deodorant is easy.
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.
What to expect when switching to a natural deodorant? ›
What to Expect When Switching to Natural Deodorant
- Former antiperspirant users will probably experience a temporary spike in the level of odor-causing bacteria in the second week after starting to use a natural deodorant. ...
- By the third week, your underarm microbiome should be more balanced.
For most people who report experiencing an adjustment period, it can be anywhere from 2-4 weeks. And then there are some lucky folks that adjust right away! The moral of the story is to stick it out, at least for one month to see if it will work for you.
Why do I still stink after months of using natural deodorant? ›
These bacteria become trapped within the moist dark crevice of your armpit creating the perfect environment for more bacteria to breed. If the bacteria is not properly cleansed from your armpits each time you shower, you are not applying your deodorant to a clean environment!
How long to detox armpits before using 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.
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.
Do armpits adjust to natural deodorant? ›
The Adjustment Period When Switching to 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.
What is the healthiest deodorant to use? ›
Below, we list top-rated and Select staff-favorite natural deodorants that are in line with our experts' guidance.
- Native Regular Deodorant.
- Necessaire The Deodorant Gel.
- Schmidt's Deodorant Stick.
- Salt & Stone Natural Deodorant.
- Soapwalla Deodorant Cream.
- Evolvetogether Natural Deodorant.
- Kosas Chemistry Deodorant.
It's natural to sweat a lot more once you decide to make the switch to natural deodorant. In this period of time, your body is getting used to being aluminum-free. Just let your body do the work and relax. Sweating helps your body cool down and release toxins, so it's time to welcome the change.
Why do my armpits burn after switching to natural deodorant? ›
Natural deodorants are often made with common irritants that can cause an armpit rash. Natural deodorants often contain baking soda, or sodium bicarbonate, to help neutralize body odor.
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.
How many swipes of natural deodorant should I use? ›
When it comes to natural deodorant, less is more. One to two swipes is all you need.
Why did I stop using natural deodorant? ›
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.
Will I smell if I use 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 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.
Will my armpits stop smelling if I stop using deodorant? ›
Though stopping antiperspirant or deodorant use altogether hasn't been thoroughly studied, Dr. Zeichner says your underarm odor will likely return if you stop wearing it (so beware). However, that doesn't mean you can't improve your scent without it.
Why do my armpits smell hours after putting on deodorant? ›
However, unlike antiperspirant, deodorant does not block sweat. Thus, the potential mingling of sweat and bacteria might lead to unexpected odors even after deodorant has been applied.
