What Switching to Natural Deodorant Is Really Like

What You Need To Know About Switching to Natural Deodorant

At some point on our green beauty journey, most of us have felt the disappointment of spending a wad of cash on a natural deodorant, used it like a maniac, and then given up because it’s a pile of rubbish. If that sounds familiar to you, then I’m glad you are reading this.

Over the years people have told me that either their natural deodorant does not work, makes them smell even worse or stains their clothes. And while those might be compelling reasons to end your relationship with natural deodorant, it’s important not to give up making the switch. Read more about why you should ditch your mainstream deodorant here.

natural deodorant tips

1. Buy a good product.
Look for one that has a well-formulated combination of baking soda, arrowroot powder and naturally antibacterial essential oils. Unfortunately, there is a tiny percentage of people that find baking soda irritating. If you’re in that category, look for one that contains magnesium oxide instead.

2. Make sure your armpits are clean.
Basically, natural deodorant won’t work on smelly pits.

3. Don’t shave your armpits right before you apply.
Since a good formula will have some intense botanical actives, you might want to shave the night before to avoid irritation.

4. It’s ok to feel damp.
I know that is a pretty radical idea because we have been told that sweat is really gross, stinky and unladylike. But really, it’s a natural and important detoxification process, and it’s not gross. Don’t be afraid of your armpits!

5. Wear natural fabrics.
Tight synthetic materials don’t breathe, and will make you feel sweaty and uncomfortable. I think this is the case whether you wear natural deodorant or not! Natural fabrics are also easier to clean.

6. Re-apply as needed.
If you are having a big day out in the heat, a serious workout or even a stressful meeting, you might want to apply a second time. No big deal.

7. Give it a chance to start working.
If your new deodorant isn’t working after a week, don’t give up on it. Use the entire product and then makeup your mind. You need to give your body time to transition.

Since switching to natural deodorant, I have found that I sweat less and barely have any smell. I can even go for a couple of days before I need to wear any deodorant. But that didn’t happen over night. In fact, like the adorable woman in the video clip, I was pretty sweaty and stinky in the beginning. But I think that was because I wasn’t using properly formulated products. I tried so many different brands over the years, and I wasted a lot of money. Nothing really worked very well, and in the end I formulated my own!

Melissa xx

Video Credit @HelloGiggles