What better time than Social Distancing, to switch to a clean deodorant?

Back in 2016 I learned the importance of switching to a cleaner deodorant option. At first, I didn’t know what to look out for when shopping, so I went through several deodorants that were marketed as “natural” and “clean” but in fact, were not. Over the years, I’ve tried a number of truly clean deodorants and found some pretty solid options to consider.

Antiperspirant VS. Deodorant   

• Antiperspirants

  • Contain aluminum, which prevents you from sweating. Essentially plugs your sweat glands, to keep you dry.

• Deodorants

  • Allow you to sweat, but work to mask the smell of body odor.

Why you should switch to a clean deodorant   

• Antiperspirants contain chemicals like Aluminum, which block the sweat glands, which means they don’t allow the body to detox/extract toxins.
• Humans are meant to sweat! If the body cannot sweat out toxins, they just get backed up into our system. No Bueno!
• Remember, our skin is the largest organ in our body. It immediately absorbs WHATEVER WE PUT ON IT.
• With a product like deodorant that we use all day every day, it’s so important to use clean & safe ingredients, in order to reduce our toxin exposure.

So what’s in conventional deodorant?

• Aluminum

  • Blocks the sweat glands, stoping the sweat process.
  • Why is this a concern?
    • Interrupts the natural  detoxification process via sweat.
    • Research has linked aluminum to detrimental diseases like Alzheimer’s disease and Cancer, and heavy metal toxicity with continued exposure.

• Fragrance

  • Because of proprietary laws, companies don’t have to disclose what’s in their scents, so they can label a number of toxins under the word “fragrance”.
  • Why is this a concern?
    • Over 2,000 ingredients are used to make fragrances, and most of these ingredients are carcinogens and endocrine disruptors.

• Phthalates

  • Ensure that the product & fragrance lasts all day long.
  • Why is this a concern?
    • Known endocrine disruptor
    • Linked to birth defects, negative impacts on neurodevelopment in children, increasing children’s risk of breast cancer, hormonal imbalances, etc.

What to avoid or look out for when selecting a natural deodorant  

• AVOID any product that has “fragrance”, “parfum”, or “eua de toilette” on the label.
• Search for items made with natural ingredients, such as essential oils. (tip: avoid unless you can pronounce or easily identify the ingredients listed on that product).
• Look for MADESAFE seal/label on products.

How to properly detox   

Note: You will experience a short phase of possible stinky odor, which is totally normal. it might happen in the first or second week. It means the sweat ducts are FINALLY getting freed up to breathe and do their thing. Remember that after years of plugging up those sweat glands, your body needs to recalibrate to natural sweating again. Be patient.

• Week One & Two

  • No Deodorant application, let those pits breathe!!!

• Week Three

  • Start applying natural/clean deodorant
  • Minimal swipes. These natural deodorants aren’t filled with the junk, and are more concentrated, so you don’t have to apply as many swipes as you might have been used to before.
  • You may notice more sweating than usual and stronger stink. You may even need to reapply at first. But again the sweat glands recalibrating and the bacteria in your underarms is changing.

• Week Four

  • Stay consistent, and don’t give in to switching back to your old deodorant/antiperspirant. I promise it’s worth it!
  • If you find that the odor s unbearably embarrassing, I’d recommend either wiping the pits with a little Apple Cider Vinegar before OR using Kai Underarm Bar before applying the clean deodorant. This helps eliminate odor-causing bacteria. The Apple Cider Vinegar is a cheaper option.

• Week Five – Six

  • Detox is done
  • Odor should start to dissipate significantly
  • There are a few brands that I like, and switch around with the seasons for texture reasons. I strongly recommend giving whichever clean deodorant you start with a true shot. If after a month or so you don’t love it, then try the next clean option. Eventually you’ll find the one that fits you best (spray, roll on, applying with finger)

Couple ways to support those pits during and after detox

• Diet: Minimize processed food and refined foods. Add in more leafy greens, more vegetables and healthy fats and LOTS of clean water! If you find that week 6 comes around and your stinky le pew, then it might be worth looking towards your nutritional habits.
• Exercise and Sweat on purpose. Movement (even 20 min walks) aid the body’s detoxification process.

My Top Picks

Primally Pure $14, lasts a long time Shop

Holly’s Keeping it Real $14 (Just 4 ingredients)  Shop

Type A: Deodorant $11 Shop

Ursa Major $18 Shop

Helpful Resources for product Investigation and Data

Environmental Working Group

Made Safe

Hidden Toxins + How To Avoid Them