Thinking about switching to natural deodorant? Most people who give up hit one of two snags: a few weeks of adjusting, or an itchy rash from baking soda. Here's how to avoid both and make the switch stick.
Deodorant vs. antiperspirant: what changes
Antiperspirants use aluminum compounds to temporarily block your sweat glands. Deodorants don't stop sweat; they tackle odor, which comes from bacteria breaking down sweat on your skin. So after you switch, you'll sweat normally. That's expected, and a good natural deodorant keeps you smelling fresh.
What to expect in the first few weeks
Many people notice more odor or wetness for the first one to four weeks after stopping antiperspirant, while their skin settles into a new normal. It doesn't last. A few things make it easier:
- Switch during a calm stretch, like a cooler week, not right before a big event.
- Keep a travel-size stick with you to reapply midday.
- Wash your underarms well every day.
- Wear breathable fabrics like cotton and linen.
Why some natural deodorants itch
Many natural deodorants rely on baking soda. It fights odor well, but it's strongly alkaline, while healthy skin is slightly acidic. On sensitive skin, or right after shaving, that mismatch can cause redness, itching or a rash. If that's happened to you, the fix isn't giving up on natural deodorant. It's choosing a baking soda-free formula.
What to look for in a natural deodorant
- Baking soda-free odor fighters like magnesium hydroxide and zinc oxide
- Moisture absorbers like arrowroot powder and kaolin clay
- Skin-soothing butters and oils like shea butter and coconut oil
- A scent you love, or unscented if you're sensitive to fragrance
Our Probiotic Deodorant is made exactly this way: magnesium, zinc and probiotics with arrowroot, kaolin clay, shea butter and coconut oil, and no aluminum or baking soda.
How to apply natural deodorant
- Apply to clean, completely dry skin.
- Hold the stick against your skin for a few seconds to warm it, so it glides on.
- Two or three swipes is enough; more doesn't work better.
- Give it a minute to absorb before you get dressed.
- Reapply in the afternoon on hot or active days.
Try before you commit
Not sure which scent you'll love? Start with the 1 oz sample, or read our scent descriptions. Once you find your favorite, you can subscribe and save 20% on monthly delivery.
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