Last updated on January 2nd, 2023 at 12:12 pm
My journey to natural deodorant wasn’t an easy one. I tried switching to a natural aluminum free deodorant around five, six years ago. Used the deodorant for one day then gave up. It stayed sticky and wet feeling all day, stained the shirt I was wearing and did not keep the body odor tamed at all!
Since then aluminum free deodorants have come a long way and I’m happy to say I ditched my toxic deodorant over a year ago and haven’t looked back.
Toxic Chemicals to Avoid In Deodorants
Aluminum. It has been linked to possibly causing higher chances of Alzheimer’s and may be linked to cystic breast tissue and breast cancer. Aluminum clogs the pores to prevent sweating but we are supposed to sweat! It’s our body’s way of releasing toxins.
Triclosan. It’s an antibacterial chemical used to mask the smell but it can actually throw your microbiom off causing you to smell worse. It’s an endocrine disrupting chemical that’s been linked to breast cancer.
Parabens. They’re used as preservatives and have been linked to breast cancer. They are endocrine disrupters. Parabens mimic our estrogen hormones.
Phthalates. These ingredients are used to extended the life of fragrances in products. They can mess with the endocrine system as well and has been linked to early onset puberty and breast cancer.
Fragrance. The issue with fragrance as an ingredient is companies do not have to disclose how they’ve made the fragrance. They can use whatever toxic chemicals and they don’t have to be listed on the label.
How to Switch to Natural Deodorant
First start by reading the label on your current deodorant/antiperspirant. If it contains any of the above ingredients toss it!
Second be patient and know it might take some time for your body to adjust. Don’t give up and try a few different natural deodorants to find the one that works for you. Everyone’s body chemistry is different. Here are some of my favorite natural nontoxic deodorants.
Third you absolutely need to do an armpit detox. After years of using conventional deodorants your armpits are probably clogged. This leads to having that funky odor and actually sweating more. If you skip this you might sweat more which is what happened to me the first time I tried to make the switch.
Will I Sweat or Stink More If I Use Natural Deodorant?
No you won’t after you detox your pits and give your body time to adjust. I actually sweat less and never stink (except during that fourth trimester period) even during the crazy summer months and heavy workouts! I used to be that person using extra strength deodorant plus a prescription antiperspirant. I was even considering Botox for a bit.
Will I Get a Rash?
So this depends all on your body. Sometimes the baking soda in natural deodorants is too strong for some people. Some natural deodorant brands replace the fragrance with essential oils. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing but we all have different sensitivity levels. Try not to apply deodorant right after shaving. Remember to start detoxing your armpits right away. It’ll help prevent any rashes since it will be getting the chemical buildup out. I never developed a rash and my skin can be pretty sensitive at times.
How Long Does the Process Take?
On average about 3-4 weeks. By week 3 my body had fully adjusted to natural deodorant. I also fully believe what I put in my body made the adjustment easier than the first time I tried. I drank plenty of water, stayed away from highly processed foods, extra sugar and cut out the alcohol.
How to Detox Your Armpits
It’s pretty simple. Just use some bentonite clay with equal parts water and brush it on. Let it sit for about 10 minutes and rinse off. Earthley has a really good detox mask you could use too. I would do this right before my shower. At the start of my journey I did this every other day. Then after about two weeks, I did it once a week for about two more months. Since then I honestly haven’t done it since even though it’s recommended to still do a detox every now and then.
Are you ready to make the switch to natural deodorant? Here are some of my favorite ones to try.
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