I tried out my first natural deodorant more than 5 years ago - partly because of irritation and partly because I was trying to rid my skincare products with parabens/carcinogen and then I threw it out. Two years later, I tried again and this time I’ve stuck with it. Here’s what I wish I had known before I bought my first tube:
You’re probably going to stink at some point. It didn’t happen for me right away, but at about the 3/4 week mark I was just never completely fresh-smelling. Worse so when I was sweating. It’s not necessarily a very intense smell but, at least in my case, it was more musty than anything. During this stinky period, I found out that deodorants ought to be reapplied depending on your body chemistry. The period didn’t last very long but I was grateful that it was during a work-from-home period.
Your pits will sweat. Unlike the antiperspirant I was used to, using a natural deodorant meant that not only would my general body sweat more, my armpits would also sweat. Honestly, this was the weirdest sensation for me. My anti-perspirant was definitely doing its job before. As far as I understand, you sweat because there is nothing blocking the sweat- whereas with anti-perspirants, they are chemically formulated to block or reduce sweating in the area it’s applied to. I understand now that sweating is actually better for your pit skin than not sweating so while I still do not enjoy the sensation, I guess it’s better to sweat than not.
Natural doesn’t mean zero irritation. My first attempt to use natural deodorants without irritation was less than successful. I learned pretty quickly that just because something was natural, didn’t mean it wouldn’t cause irritation. Baking soda-based and crystal deodorants literally made my armpits burn, darken and in one case even strip. It was not pretty. So, when I re-entered the natural deodorant market, I made sure to check for what was good for sensitive skin and to take note of what ingredients I should stay away from.
The market is small but gets bigger everyday. The natural deodorant market is picking up speed, so if you can’t find one that works for you now, just keep checking. The formulas are rapidly improving and there has been a spillover to the mainstream market as well - I was pleasantly surprised to see Dove come out with a ‘zero aluminium ‘ option.
Taking care of your armpit skin will make the deodorant work better. If we didn’t know before I hope the internet has now taught us that we are to bathe daily with soap and a wash rag. But apart from those basics, I like to apply rose water, witch hazel or a moisturising toner under my arms, especially after shaving. I also like to give my pits a break at night - so when I shower before bed I just cleanse and skip the deodorant.
If you want to try a natural deodorant, here are some of my favourites:
Have you tried a natural deodorant yet? Which one has worked for you? Let me know - I plan to try a few more brands just for fun this summer.
‘til next time,
Jan