Do you use a natural deodorant? When you begin your journey to waste free, non-toxic living, switching deodorants can be the most intimidating. Not only does a natural product that doesn’t prevent sweating take some to get used to, but it’s also hard to find your perfect natural deodorant fit—what works for one person doesn’t necessarily work for another.

Don’t throw in the towel, ditching your antiperspirant is well worth it and here’s why.

woman with arms in air

Natural deodorants contain ingredients that impact your body positively. With ingredients like shea butter, olive oil and mineral-rich clay they actually improve the condition of your pits, leaving them smooth and less prone to irritation. They allow the good bacteria on your skin to work, helping to reduce odour, even when you’re not wearing deodorant. How? Sweat itself doesn’t cause body odour. It is when it mixes with the bacteria on your skin that it can start to get a leeeetle stinky. Natural deodorants help control the bacteria, therefore reducing (or eliminating) any smell.

women drinking detox tea

The detox period (fact or myth)

One of the questions we get asked most is ‘Is there a detox period when you switch to natural deodorant?’ Our answer- yes.

When you first make the switch to a natural deodorant you may go a couple of days or weeks without noticing a difference. This is because the aluminium compounds in antiperspirant form a gel- like plug that restrict the pores. This is what stops you from sweating.

As these pores unblock and you start to sweat more you will initially experience a growth in odour causing bacteria under the arms. It is important to know that this odour-causing bacteria won’t last forever, it is just a part of the detox that happens when you discontinue use. 

After about three weeks bacteria levels will re-balance and the body will stop over-producing odour increasing bacteria and your underarm moisture levels will normalise. It can take up to 30 days for your body to regulate itself, though for some people the detox stage is shorter.

It is also really important to bear in mind that your deodorant is not the only factor when it comes to keeping you fresh throughout the day. Everything from what you eat and wear to exercise habits and stress levels impact your body chemistry and with that the efficacy of any deodorant.

So a natural deodorant won’t stop sweat but perspiration is good for us; it’s how the body helps rid itself of toxins, and regulates temperature. Sweat is a sign of a healthy, in-balance body.

Here are our top tips for getting through the detox

  1. Use a naturally anti-bacterial charcoal soap in the shower. We love this charcoal soap from Wild Sage + Co.
  2. Carry a handy on the go size natural deodorant around with you so that you can freshen up throughout the day.
  3. Carry out a pit detox. Create a bentonite clay mask for your arm pits using a couple of spoonful’s of bentonite clay and water to help draw out any toxins trapped in your pores.

 

Ready to give it a go? Here are top natural deodorant picks

  1. Lemongrass and Tea Tree deodorant stick from Kutis. Perfect for those who do a lot sport or sweat a lot!
  2. Mint deodorant stick from Earth Conscious. For those who like to start the day with a bang, this deodorant will leave you refreshed and ready for anything.
  3. Lavender and Bergamot deodorant stick from Kutis. This deodorant is gentle and soothing, perfect for those with sensitive skin.

 

Shop all our deodorants here.

 

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