Here are just a few reasons you should toss your toxic antiperspirants today and how to make the switch to natural deodorant…without smelling bad. 

No one wants to be “that person” on a crowded Subway or in a stuffy meeting room who just can’t seem to figure out how to use deodorant and stinks up the whole area with their overwhelming body odor. Nor do you want to have massive pit stains discoloring your white shirt and causing you to fear ever lifting your arms. However, chemical laden deodorant sticks and aerosols are not the answer. Here are just a few reasons you should toss your toxic antiperspirants today and how to make the switch to natural deodorant…without smelling bad.

Beauty products are full of parabens, chemicals, toxins, heavy metals, propylene glycol, and artificial fragrances that leech into your body and can contribute to a number of alarming health concerns. Even if you eat right and exercise and try to live a generally healthy, clean lifestyle, it is impossible to be totally healthy without taking an honest look at the ingredients in your cosmetics. Deodorant isn’t the only culprit, either. Your lotion, makeup, and body wash are all suspect. Start by switching to natural deodorant, but don’t stop there! Do some detective work and find out what’s really in the products you are putting on your body. 

Sweat is Natural

Believe it or not, underarm sweat is natural, and can actually be a good thing. It is merely the bodies’ way of getting rid of harmful toxins and regulating temperature. Think about it, if you never sweat, your body would just hold onto all those toxins rather than expelling them. Antiperspirants help do exactly that. By clogging up your pores with chemicals and aluminum compounds to prevent sweating, antiperspirants can have a seriously detrimental effect on your body. 

Plus, it is not actually sweating that causes BO. It is the combination of sweat (which is just salt and water) and bacteria that naturally forms on the skin. 

Deodorant May Contribute to Breast Cancer and Alzheimer’s 

Numerous studies have shown that there may be a very concerning link between aluminum compounds in antiperspirants and the development of breast cancer in women. However, more research is needed to definitively confirm these concerning findings. There is also alarming evidence to suggest that aluminum-containing products may cause Alzheimer’s. It seems to make sense to eliminate something that even might increase your risk of breast cancer or Altzheimers. Especially if other alternatives are available. 

Natural Deodorant Does Work 

Though you may be skeptical about ditching your artificially-fragranced, paraben-laden deodorant that smells like fresh linen, natural deodorant does actually work. Plus, most natural deodorants contain ingredients that are good for you and work to soothe and moisturize your underarms without blocking your pores or creating ingrown hairs. They can cut down on irritation from shaving, and once your body adjusts, keep your armpits from causing a stench as well. 

Some natural deodorants may contain baking soda, which could potentially cause skin irritation or a rash if your body isn’t used to it. So make sure to test any new products out on a small portion of your underarm before layering it on. 

How to Switch to Natural Deodorant

Unfortunately, it isn’t as easy as simply grabbing any “natural deodorant” off the shelf and expecting perfect results. There are a few important steps to keep in mind before you make the switch. 

1. Natural deodorant isn’t an antiperspirant. If you struggle from overactive sweat glands, you may have a harder time switching to natural deodorant. Because it doesn’t contain the same sweat-gland-clogging compounds as traditional deodorant, it won’t be nearly as effective in preventing sweat. But remember, sweat is totally normal and is an important process that you don’t want to disrupt. Over time, your body will adjust to the new deodorant and will usually begin to sweat less. For the first few months, try wearing dark colored, breathable clothing to help avoid any embarrassing sweat stains. 
2. It does help control the stink. One of the main hangups that keep many people from making the switch is that they think they’ll smell bad. Fortunately, natural deodorant is specifically designed to control the bacteria on your skin that causes that nasty smell. Also, good hygiene is key, and if you regularly shower and are using a soap or body wash that works to cleanse without chemicals, you shouldn’t have to worry about stinking. Most deodorant recipes or store-bought natural alternatives use essential oils or some other type of gentle, natural scent to help aid in stench management as well. 
3. Detox period. It is essential that you start your transition with a detox period where you use nothing under your arms for three days. This will give your body time to return to normal pH levels without deodorant interference and will make your underarms more receptive to the natural options since there will be no residual barrier. It will also help prevent any skin irritation that could arise from many baking-soda based alternative deodorants. It is a good idea to do this detox over a weekend or when you are planning on staying home for a few days since you won’t necessarily smell great. Be sure to keep your armpits clean with natural soap and warm water. 
4. Everyone’s body is different. When it comes to body chemistry, we are all incredibly different. The natural deodorant alternative that your friend swears by may cause you to stink to high heaven. There will be some trial and error involved before you find the method that works best for you. If you don’t want to commit to the DIY route, be sure to read the label of your natural deodorant carefully to make sure that there aren’t any hidden harmful ingredients or chemicals.

How To Make Natural Deodorant At Home

Check out our easy recipe for a natural deodorant that has absolutely zero harmful added ingredients and will keep you smelling fresh and clean. If you’re looking for a recipe without baking soda, give this homemade deodorant (baking soda free) a try!

What You’ll Need

• 6 Tablespoons Melted Virgin Coconut Oil (buy here)
• 6 Tablespoons Arrowroot Powder (buy here)
• 3 Tablespoons Aluminum Free Baking Soda (buy here)
• 15-20 Drops Essential Oils (buy here)

Instructions:

1. The easiest method for making natural deodorant is to pour the dry ingredients into a food processor. Then add the essential oils and pulse a few times to incorporate them into the mix. Then carefully pour in the melted coconut oil until the ingredients are completely combined. Store the deodorant in a small jar or pour it into an empty deodorant tube.

Not into DIY deodorant?

That’s okay! There are many brands of natural deodorant available in most stores. Some of my favorite brands are Primal Pit Paste, Schmidt’s Naturals and Primal Life Organics.

Don’t give up too soon! It is possible to find an effective store-bought natural deodorant or DIY option to prevent BO and avoid filling your body with toxins. You may just have to be willing to face a few days of smelling bad to figure it out. Stick to it…your health is at stake.