Finding a natural deodorant and antiperspirant that truly works may be likened to seeking out the Holy Grail. You’ve spent endless hours (and not insignificant sums of money) attempting to discover a method to reduce the use of harmful beauty products. Maybe you’ve stopped using shampoos and conditioners derived from petroleum switched to natural cosmetics or used eco-friendly cleaning goods and laundry detergent. No matter where you are in your eco-journey, here is a list of natural deodorant and antiperspirant options that you may use.
Antiperspirant vs. Deodorant
If you’ve been using conventional antiperspirants and are used to feeling dry throughout the day, you should consider switching to a natural antiperspirant. Deodorants do not make you stop sweating. If you perspire a lot, search for antiperspirants that contain baking soda, arrowroot powder, tapioca powder, cornstarch, or vegetable glycerin. Consider the form factor as well. Some natural deodorants are sold in jars and must be applied with your fingertips. Others are conventional stick shapes. Either way is OK; it all depends on how you want to utilize your products.
How to Switch to Natural Deodorant and Antiperspirant
While switching deodorants may appear to be a simple process, transitioning to natural deodorants requires some skill and patience. It will take some time for your body to adjust to natural deodorant and antiperspirant if you’ve been using conventional deodorant and antiperspirant for years. That doesn’t mean you have to suffer and stink for the next month. It just implies that you will need to give your body some time to acclimatize. This is how it is done.
Let your body breathe
Many individuals are unaware that there is a significant distinction between antiperspirant and deodorant. Antiperspirant prevents perspiration by clogging your pores with aluminum. So, how does natural deodorant work? Deodorant is intended to mask your odor rather than your sweat. The majority of antiperspirants are also deodorants, which means they battle both perspiration and body odor. But here’s the thing: our bodies are built to sweat. Sweating aids in the elimination of pollutants and the regulation of body temperature. If you’ve been using an antiperspirant, expect to sweat more while switching to natural deodorant.
Exfoliate and be Patient
Exfoliating your underarms is the first step in establishing a new anti-stink/anti-sweat program. Use a mild exfoliator, washcloth, or loofa with soap in the shower to remove dead skin and old deodorant beneath your arms. Don’t scrub too vigorously. You don’t want to aggravate the area’s delicate skin. When you convert to a natural deodorant, your armpits will undergo a detoxification process, which can result in some… well, stench. The changeover phase is expected to take between two and four weeks. If you don’t want to embrace your natural musk, try these essential oil body spray concoctions that will make you scent like a luscious lemon grove or a bright apple orchard.
Let yourself sweat
Our bodies are built to sweat. Sweating aids in the elimination of pollutants and the regulation of body temperature. If you’ve been using an antiperspirant, expect to sweat more while switching to natural deodorant. You may notice that your clothing appears cleaner after discontinuing the use of antiperspirant. This is due to the aluminum in antiperspirant causing unattractive yellow armpit stains on your clothes. Keep in mind that switching to natural deodorant or antiperspirant might take some time for your body to adjust. You may experience more perspiration or smell more. In most cases, this only lasts a few weeks as your body adjusts to the new product.
Watch and Observe
As your body adjusts to the new substance, keep an eye out for any unpleasant reactions such as rash or burning. If you observe any of these, discontinue the use of the product immediately. Certain meals might cause your perspiration to stink, so make sensible choices to keep your body smelling lovely and fresh. If you’re switching to a natural deodorant, you’re probably already mindful of what you consume. However, avoiding processed, sugary, and fatty meals and drinking enough water while your armpits cleanse can assist.
Keep your skin happy
Natural does not necessarily imply negative effects. Even the greatest natural deodorant, like any other product, may include chemicals to which you are allergic or that are unpleasant to delicate skin. Check the ingredient list before using any items. While baking soda (also known as sodium bicarbonate) is safe for most individuals, it might irritate some. Warm it up just a little to decrease friction. Gently press the stick against your skin (without touching) and wait 10–30 seconds for your body heat to warm the product. Use less of the stuff. You only need one or two swipes! Applying immediately after shaving is not recommended. At night, avoid using deodorant.
Expectation When Switching to Natural Deodorant
Natural deodorants are harder to apply
If you’ve ever used a natural deodorant before, you know how it feels like when you first apply it. Shea butter, baking soda, and wax work together to create this effect. Most natural deodorant directions say to warm up your underarms by keeping the product there for a few seconds before applying it to your skin. While rubbing the deodorant on your skin helps with application, it’s not ideal if you’re rushing in the morning.
It Melts Easily
Natural deodorants frequently use coconut oil as a primary active ingredient. Natural deodorants tend to melt more quickly than synthetic ones due to the higher melting point of coconut oil (77°F). To keep your natural deodorant in a solid state, keep it out of direct sunlight and out of the car.
Lacks Fragrance
Many cosmetic goods contain the ingredient “fragrance,” which suggests that the product involves chemicals. Because of this, many natural deodorants do not have any fragrance. However, if you’re prone to B.O. or sweat a lot, the fragrance will help you stay protected. If you’re more concerned about odor than you should be, use a scented natural deodorant instead.
Follow steps before transitioning
Detoxing your armpits can help your natural deodorant work better and make the switch to a new product easier. It restores a healthy balance of natural bacteria in the pits by removing years’ worth of deodorant and antiperspirant accumulation. Natural deodorant may be an easy switch for people who just have a modest amount of perspiration. However, if you’re a heavy sweater, you’ll want to add an extra layer to keep perspiration and stains away from your armpits. Undershirts with built-in perspiration resistance come in handy in these situations.
Endnote
There are several compelling reasons to use natural deodorants and antiperspirants instead of standard ones. Aluminum, parabens, phthalates, and triclosan are among the problematic compounds included in deodorants and antiperspirants. If you’d rather not expose your skin to potentially harmful chemicals, an all-natural deodorant is an excellent option. Many deodorant alternatives are made with gentle ingredients that are less likely to irritate the skin when used instead of traditional deodorants. Also, daily use of deodorant or antiperspirant can produce pit stains and leave unsightly residues on your clothes. Deodorant alternatives are an option if you’re sick of dealing with stinky armpit stains or having to toss away clean clothing because you’re using too much deodorant.
Kristine Decena is a professional editor with over 10 years of experience in the publishing industry. She specializes in editing food and drink, footwear, clothing, and other lifestyle content. She has worked for such notable companies as The New York Times Company, Food Network Magazine, HarperCollins Publishers Inc., Hearst Corporation and Condé Nast International. Kristine is a graduate of Ohio University where she obtained degrees in English Literature and Journalism before embarking on her career as an editor.
