10 Tips for Switching to Natural Deodorant Easily
Discover how to switch to natural deodorant effortlessly with tips on managing the detox phase, reducing body odor naturally, and finding the best formula for your skin.
Let me guess. Slowly but surely you’ve been switching over your beauty and personal care routine to natural, non-toxic products – but there’s one area that you haven’t quite mastered yet: DEODORANT.
I know exactly why. Deodorant is the one thing you’re too scared to mess with.
When you leave the house in the morning – whether you are going to the office, running errands or heading to the gym to work out – you need to be sure that you will not end up a stinking mess by the end of the day. No one wants to be that person!
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Tips for Switching to a Natural Deodorant
Switching to natural deodorant can require an adjustment period, but the good news is that with the right approach, you can make the transition less stressful and much less stinky.
I’ve done it myself, and even more importantly, my husband and two sons have made the switch to clean deodorant brands! The transition time was a bit longer for the guys I have to admit, but they did it and it makes me feel better that they are using safer products in their daily routine.
Here are 10 helpful tips to make the switch to natural deodorant a breeze:
1. Expect a Detox Period
Your body may need to detox as it eliminates the buildup of aluminum and other toxins from your old deodorant. This process can take from one to four weeks.
2. Exfoliate Your Underarms
Gently exfoliate your underarms with a washcloth, loofah, or a mild scrub to remove buildup and unclog pores.
3. Do an Armpit Detox (Optional)
Applying an armpit detox mask made from bentonite clay mixed with apple cider vinegar can help draw out toxins and speed up the detox process. You can also cleanse with the Underarm Bar – a charcoal based soap that boosts the power of your deodorant.
4. Try an Armpit Transition Period
Some people will benefit by going deodorant-free for a few days before switching to natural deodorant to give your body time to adjust. Obviously, this is best done when you don’t have a lot of public outings or intense workouts – but give it a try if you can!
5. Choose the Right Natural Deodorant
No doubt you’d love me to tell you about the amazing natural deodorant that works for everyone. I’m sorry to tell you it doesn’t exist.
Each one of us is different – from the amount of sweat and odor we produce, to the level of activity we engage in, to our personal skin sensitivities and fragrance preferences.
Your favorite natural deodorant probably won’t be the same as mine – and that’s OK!
Fortunately, natural ingredients including minerals, plant powders, butters and oils from nuts and seeds, and essential oils have all the anti-bacterial and sweat absorbing properties that we need to keep wetness and odor at bay.
Jump to the end of this article for a breakdown of the effective natural ingredients to look for in a deodorant.
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6. Reapply if Necessary
When you first start using a natural deodorant, you might need to reapply more than once a day, as your body gets used to the new formula.
7. Wear Breathable Fabrics
Opt for natural fiber clothing like cotton or linen to allow your skin to breathe and reduce sweating.
8. Stay Hydrated & Eat Clean
Drinking plenty of water and eating a balanced diet full of whole foods and fiber (and less processed food and refined sugar) can help reduce body odor naturally. Reducing strong smelling foods like onions, garlic and certain spices can help too.
9. Give It Time
Your body might take a few weeks to fully adjust. If one formula doesn’t work for you, try another with different ingredients. Don’t give up!!
10. Address Any Skin Sensitivity
Some people experience irritation from the baking soda in natural deodorant formulas. If you do, try switching to a baking soda-free formula instead.
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Effective Natural Deodorant Ingredients
Here are some of the beneficial ingredients you might find in the best natural deodorants:
Odor Neutralizing Agents
- Baking soda* – raises PH of skin, making it less hospitable to bacteria growth
- Activated charcoal – acts like a magnet, drawing out odor-causing bacteria and other toxins from skin
- Magnesium – minimizes odor and treats skin problems
- Saccharomyces ferment – a vegetable based enzyme that inhibits odor
- Essential oils – naturally antibacterial and antimicrobial
*A note about baking soda: Many people rave about baking soda for odor control, yet a small number find that it causes skin rashes, bumps or other sensitivities. From what I’ve read, this is usually a temporary phase as your skin detoxes from conventional deodorants, however many brands now make baking-soda free deodorants for sensitive skin.
Wetness Absorbing Ingredients
- Arrowroot
- Tapioca starch or cornstarch
- Kaolin clay
Moisturizing & Skin Soothing Ingredients
- Coconut oil
- Shea butter
- Plant oils – jojoba, sunflower
- Beeswax
- Candelilla wax – a plant-based substitute for beeswax
- Glycerin
- Aloe vera
- Propanediol (vegetable derived)
A note about deodorant formulas:
Some people complain that deodorants made with coconut oil and/or shea butter can stain your clothes. If that is a problem for you, you may prefer a deodorant with a base of glycerin or propanediol.
Have you made the switch to natural deodorant? How has the process gone for you?
