There are always some people out there who say “oh I tried natural deodorant once but it didn’t work for me”. What they may not realise is that if you have been using commercial antiperspirants, your body needs to go through a detox phase when you swap over. The truth of the matter is that your aluminium-laden roll-on or spray is probably making you smell worse and if you switch to an aluminium free alternative, it can take up to 30 days to detox effectively.
What can I expect?
When switching to a natural deodorant, natural deodorant bar, natural deodorant glass jar, natural deodorant stick, natural deodorant tin or natural crystal deodorant you can expect to transition for between two to four weeks and during this time, you might find you smell a bit stronger than usual after some time however, you will find the smell goes completely because your body and its good bacteria has restored its natural balance.
The first week of using natural deodorant, natural deodorant bar, natural deodorant glass jar, natural deodorant stick, natural deodorant tin or natural crystal deodorant you might not notice much difference but this is because the aluminium in your antiperspirant ‘plugs’ up your pores, preventing you from sweating. As these plugs clear, you can expect your detox to enter the next stage. As you enter week two, there will be a big increase in the growth of bacteria under your arms. You may feel additional moisture because your body is now sweating, flushing out all the toxins that were trapped there before.
By week three, your bacteria levels will have begun to subside (phew!) and the bacteria that occurs naturally under your arms will begin to re-balance and stop overproducing odour. At this stage of using natural deodorant, natural deodorant bar, natural deodorant glass jar, natural deodorant stick, natural deodorant tin or natural crystal deodorant you should also notice a decrease in the amount of sweat that you produce, but please note that you will still produce it. We recommend wearing natural fibres like sustainable bamboo, organic cotton and natural linen as they are much more breathable meaning sweat and bacteria can evaporate more easily, away from your skin.
As you move into week four, your body should have adjusted to your new natural deodorant, natural deodorant bar, natural deodorant glass jar, natural deodorant stick, natural deodorant tin or natural crystal deodorant. Whilst you will still sweat (because that is healthy), by continuing to use a natural deodorant you can neutralise any possible smells.
This might seem like a scary process to embark on but trust us, natural deodorant is worth it in the end because ultimately you are taking a decision that is healthier and better for your body, sustainable and environmentally friendly. Your body and our planet will thank you for it!
Thank you! This is very very helpful, I was starting to doubt organic deodorant but I despised using toxic commercial deodorant. I hate it when products harm your body, the environment and overall make you feel unpleasant. This helped me understand natural organic deodorant.
So glad I read this explanation. If I had started using natural deodorant without reading this, I would probably have given up.
All ready to go now!
This is super helpful and I can pass on through word of mouth to doubters and naysayers! Thank you
Very useful information, thank you. I am about to start using natural deodorant and I would definitely have been put off by week two if I hadn’t known what to expect.
Hi Erika,
Thank you so much for your lovely feedback 🙂 I’m glad the article has helped
I very much want to use a vegan eco friendly deodorant, but every time I have tried a stick or roll on I quickly get eczema, I am prone to eczema anyway. I now use superdrug spray which causes me no allergy problem. So what is likely to be the problem and can you help?
Hi Karen,
Thanks for your comment.
It sounds like you may be reacting to the bicarbonate of soda included in some of our deodorants.
We stock a range of bicarb free deodorants. I have included a link below for you.
https://www.peacewiththewild.co.uk/product-category/skincare/natural-deodorants/soda-free/
I just wish all these crunchy granola companies would stop letting the perfect be the enemy of the good, because even if I didn’t want to continue plugging my pores with aluminium, not everyone can use natural deodorant. I’ve tried multiple, including fragrance free, and they all start to irritate my skin with regular use.
I really, really wish I could get a deodorant I can use in plastic free packaging, but unless you’re prepared to switch to something with multiple plant extracts and just hope you aren’t allergic to any of them, there are no options.
Hi Carrie,
Thank you for your comment!
I don’t suppose you have tried a bicarb free natural deodorant? it sounds like your skin may have reacted to the bicarbonate of soda found in many deodorant bars.
We stock a wonderful range of bicarb free deodorants which may be the product you are looking for!
https://www.peacewiththewild.co.uk/shop/?product_cat=natural-deodorants&source_id=274&source_tax=product_cat&filter_ingredients=soda-free
https://www.peacewiththewild.co.uk/product/natural-deodorant-stick-bicarb-free-lavender-bergamot/
That’s really useful information, thanks. I’ve been using the natural deodorants for a couple of months but, not knowing to expect a detox stage, was somewhat confused by increased sweating and bad odour when I woke each morning … now I know why! … but I haven’t had any of that for a couple of weeks now. And find the rub on creamy deodorants very easy to use and effective.
That’s really helpful! I’ve tried a natural deodorant before but didn’t know this and gave up within a week and gave the stick to my daughter who also gave up. We thought it didn’t work. I’ve ordered another natural one from you guys and now I know what to expect I’ll give it a month before I make any judgement this time. Thanks – I really want to be a sweet smelling eco warrior!
Thank you so much for your kind comment, I’m so glad you found this helpful!
I switched at Christmas after getting a stick as a present. I then bought a second one and now ordered another 2 as nearly run out. I did not notice any effects at all, but may not have been sweating as much! In fact within the week I thought I was sweating less and have had no issues since. I use the natural deodorant sticks and no longer have marks on my clothes or sweat marks – it never needs topping up in the day! I have tried making my own, which works ok, but does not compare to the product here – at I like putting my money towards these to help continue their production.