Ready to let go of the harsh chemicals and toxins in mainstream deodorants and antiperspirants? Congrats - you’ve made a great choice! There is a laundry list of chemicals commonly found in mainstream deodorants that are harmful to your body: aluminum, phthalates, formaldehyde and parabens just to name a few. Some of these additives are endocrine disruptors and block immune function – definitely not something you want in your body! Aluminum, a common ingredient in antiperspirant, blocks pores to eliminate sweating, which can also be harmful.
Have you tried to make the switch to natural deodorant before, only to be thwarted by an increase in body odor? This is normal! Your body has to go through a detox period of up to 30 days, as it purges itself of an unhealthy buildup of chemicals and aluminum.
Don’t give up! We have some tips and tricks to help you get through the detox phase. So, how do you make the switch to aluminum-free deodorant?
Step 1: Select a natural deodorant
The first step is to find a natural deodorant that you will love. When looking for the best deodorant without aluminum, steer clear of all synthetic chemicals. Look for a product that contains naturally derived and beneficial ingredients like Vitamin C and Usa Urvi Extract, which help reduce underarm darkness and uneven skin tone, leaves underarm hair and skin softer and prevents ingrown hairs and soothes any irritation due to razor burn or waxing. Our 2-in-1 dark underarm lightening and deodorant cream targets all your pit problems at once. Created with sensitive underarms in mind, The Original is the perfect solution for dark uneven skin tone, razor burn irritation, ingrown hairs, and embarrassing odor. Check it out here.
Step 2: Ditch your old deodorant
Time to make the commitment. Once you find the best non-aluminum, chemical-free deodorant, do a happy dance and throw away your old product.
But be prepared - the next step is the hardest part! It’s time to detox from aluminum-based deodorant.
Step 3: Understand the transition to natural deodorant
Once you stop using your old deodorant you will probably notice that your body odor increases - don’t give up! Your body is detoxing and releasing all the toxins that have been trapped in your pores. You’ll also sweat more, especially if you’ve been using aluminum-based deodorants. This is a good thing - your body needs to sweat. Sweat doesn’t actually smell – the bacteria that feeds off your sweat is what creates unwanted body odor, and we have some tips below on how to battle that bacteria. In fact, there are several home remedies that can help speed up the process of re-balancing your underarm pH and minimize foul underarm odor.
So how long does it take to switch to natural deodorant? It really depends on your body chemistry and how long you’ve been relying on antiperspirants. In truth, it can take anywhere from two weeks to four months to transition to natural deodorant.
Step 4: Home remedies for transitioning to natural deodorant
Remember that this is a process. Your body is in the purging phase, getting rid of aluminum, toxins, chemicals, and bacteria. These home remedies and tips can help.
- Make a bentonite clay mask.
- Mix 1 tablespoon of bentonite clay with 1 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar and 1-2 teaspoons of water. Using a glass bowl and a wooden spoon (do NOT use metal), mix until the consistency is like a creamy frosting.
- Spread the clay mask on your armpits and let sit for 5-10 minutes. Maybe lie down, close your eyes, and do a little meditation!
- Wash it off with warm water.
You can use a clay mask daily until you notice your underarm odor begins to subside. You can also use coconut oil in place of the apple cider vinegar and water for a soothing concoction that has antibacterial properties, thanks to the coconut oil.
- Take hot baths. Here’s your excuse to soak in a calm, relaxing bath! The hot water helps open the pores and encourages sweat, speeding up the process of removing toxins. Light some candles, put on soothing music and enjoy.
- Avoid foods that cause body odor. Some studies show that eating red meat can lead to unwanted body odor. Other common foods that can lead to body odor are broccoli, cauliflower, kale, cabbage, onion, garlic, asparagus, curry, seafood, and alcohol. Avoid these while your body detoxes.
- Drink lots of water. Water helps flush your body of chemicals and toxins and it helps to dilute the odor they produce. Aim for at least 64 oz. of water a day, or one 8 oz. glass of water every hour for 8 hours.
- Use a product that contains salicylic acid. Salicylic acid (BHA) is a naturally occurring acid that lowers the pH of your skin, making it harder for bacteria (the culprit of stinky armpits) to thrive. Our underarm brightening cream contains BHA to help combat body odor naturally.
- Use a natural acid you already have at home. You can also use apple cider vinegar as a natural acid to help neutralize odor-causing bacteria. Witch hazel works great too! Just gently rub the liquid on your armpits with a cotton ball after showering and let them air dry. You can use your new natural deodorant after they dry.
Step 5: Stay the course
You might want to give up - don’t do it! Going back to your old ways means reintroducing harmful chemicals into your body. It also means that you’ll have to start all over again if you decide to make the switch in the future.
Remember that natural deodorant doesn’t keep you from sweating, be prepared to sweat – it’s a good thing! Eventually, after your body detoxes, you won’t have a strong odor.
If you’re looking for the best non-aluminum deodorant, try The Original packed full of naturally derived ingredients that block body odor, brighten and even-out skin tone, and keep your underarms feeling soft and fresh.
