Making the ‘Big Switch’ from a conventional deodorant to a natural one can be tough and sometimes the challenge doesn’t end there. How many times have you heard ‘Natural deodorants just don’t work for me.’ Has this stopped you from making the switch HINT: It isn’t the natural deodorant!
Here’s a quick dive into the top 5 reasons why your natural deodorant is not cutting the stench.
You Need More Time
You’re already invested in the natural route; why give it up so soon? All those aluminum-filled years need some time to get out of your system. Your body is now dependent on those chemicals and just needs to adjust to the change. This is commonly referred to as the ‘ armpit detox’ and may be the very reason you give up too soon. Read our blog The Ultimate Guide To An Armpit Detox for more in-depth information about this not-so-pleasant experience.
The ‘detox’ phase can mean different things for different people. For some, it lasts a month; for others, it’s done in a matter of days. But what happens during the actual ‘detox’? In some cases, natural deodorant users may feel they are sweating more than usual. In others, they go through a few days of major slimy stinkiness (gulp!)
Our Advice!
This may seem like an inconvenience you wouldn’t like to go through, but it isn’t that big of a deal in the long run. While the duration of this transitional phase can vary most people power through a very brief detox and before they know it they’re on the other side. An extra swipe of your deodorant later on in the day can help you get through the transition days. Pro tip: consider the wintertime for your detox and transition without breaking too much of a sweat. You’ll probably breeze through!
2. You Are Sensitive to Baking Soda
Manya brands (Like Mona Moon Naturals) use baking soda as one of the main ingredients in their natural deodorant. While baking soda does have countless benefits, like absorbing moisture and killing odor-causing bacteria, for instance, it can also cause skin irritation and rashes on your underarm. These effects are usually misinterpreted as being part of the aforementioned ‘detox’ phase but are actually not. Your skin does not like baking soda and it’s a good idea to stay away. Things to look out for when using a natural deodorant with baking soda:
Dryness
Inflammation
Redness
Breakouts
Discoloration
Soreness
Our Advice
Once you’ve identified baking soda as the thing standing between you and a safe deodorizing routine, the next step is simple - look for a natural deodorant without it!
3. You Need The Right Formula or Scent
You’ve probably heard the term skin chemistry used when it comes to perfumes. It’s what makes one perfume smell completely different on two different people. The same principle applies to the scents in a natural deodorant. What works for one may not work for another. Here is where some experimenting may come into play. When it comes to smelling good the right scent is just as important as the right formula.
Speaking of, not all natural deodorants are created alike. Formulae may vary and that could make or break your deodorizing experience. The important thing to remember is that it is important to sweat (it’s like peeing). Your sweat does not stink! The main culprit is the bacteria on your skin.
The best natural deodorant for you will be the one that deals effectively with that bacteria. Some people find success with a formula that includes baking soda while others may need to go for ingredients like zinc, magnesium, or clays.
Our Advice
Finding your brand may be frustrating and take some trial and error but so worth it. There are so many natural deodorants out there for us to choose from so be patient and give your body some time to transition. Try and go for trial or sample sizes whenever available. Once you’ve found the perfect deodorant for your skin chemistry you can pay full price!
4. You Need a Support System
No major positive health change comes through one isolated step. There are tons of interrelated lifestyle changes you can make to support your system as it works to expel the toxins and chemical build-up that comes from using conventional deodorants and antiperspirants. Drinking more water, eating clean, and actually sweating more are all great ways to expedite that process.
Our Advice
The good news is that many of these lifestyle changes are simple things that can benefit you in more ways than one. Keeping alarms and reminders for drinking water, working out, or any other new change can help you stay on track.
Also, consider adding a clay mask to your routine. Find out the directions in our blog The Ultimate Guide To An Armpit Detox.
5. You Need to Move On From ‘The Ex’
Let’s face it. That antiperspirant worked great. No sweat, no smell, and no awkward transitional phases. But there's a reason we had to move on. And while we have a great, safe, and natural alternative now we can’t expect it to work exactly the same.
The ingredients to begin with are worlds apart. While antiperspirants also may contain chemicals like propylene glycol - the reason why it glides on so well - natural deodorants will have more natural ingredients like oils and waxes. This will affect the texture and rate of absorption. But in the long run what’s a few extra seconds of dry time when we’re saving our bodies from toxins and a world of health concerns? The small adjustment to a natural deodorizing routine won’t even bother you when you get used to it.
Our Advice
There are so many natural deodorants with different textures and consistencies now. Whether we like it stiff or smooth, oily or creamy, we have quite a few to choose from. There truly is something for everyone!