Congrats! You’ve decided to break up with aluminium antiperspirants and give your armpits the fresh start they deserve. Big move.
Your pits would throw you a standing ovation if they weren’t, you know, attached to your body.
But before you expect instant BO-free bliss, let’s talk about what’s really going on under there (because yes, your underarms are about to go on a journey).
Switching to natural deodorant isn’t just a simple out with the old, in with the new. It’s a pit reset.
If your underarms have spent years being reliant on the sweat stopping powers of aluminium and hospital grade anti-bacterial agents they might throw a bit of a tantrum before settling into their fresh, natural state.
But don’t sweat it (well, actually, do sweat it!! Your body is meant to do that 😉). We’ve got all the tricks to help you transition smoothly, stink-free, and stress-free.
The Detox Phase: What’s Actually Happening?
Let’s clear something up. Sweating is not the enemy. It’s literally how your body regulates temperature, helps to remove toxins, and keeps things running smoothly.
The real issue? Your antiperspirant has been blocking this natural process for years. Over time, this changes the microbiome under your arms, which can cause you to sweat even more and smell even worse.
So, when you finally quit the antiperspirant and free the sweat, your pits go through an adjustment period. For some people the adjustment is virtually instant (this is about half of us), but the other half of us will need to go through what we call the “detox phase”.
Here’s what to expect when you “detox”:
- Your sweat glands wake up and *might* go a little overboard at first.
- Your odour might shift as your skin’s microbiome rebalances.
- You might feel like you smell different, because you do!! Your body is adjusting to life without pore blockers.
It’s totally normal and won’t last forever. For some people it’s a coupe of days, and for some it’s up to 4 weeks. Think of it as your pits learning how to sweat again. And like any detox, it takes a little time to adjust.
On that note, here are four tips to help you transition smoothly (and stink-free).
1. Give your pits a detox
Your underarms have been through a lot. Years of blocked pores, trapped sweat, and questionable life choices (like reapplying deodorant over old deodorant - don’t worry, we’ve all been there hehe). Now’s the time to give them a fresh start.
Armpit Detox Mask to the rescue! Your pits have been through a lot, but this little powerhouse is here to clear out the gunk, reset your skin, and get you smelling fresh ASAP. The gentle-but-mighty clay mask draws out impurities, kicks product buildup to the curb, and helps rebalance your underarm microbiome, so your pits can finally embrace their natural deodorant era. It’s packed with drawing and neutralising clays (kaolin, zeolite, colloidal silver, and bentonite) that do all the hard work without being harsh or drying.
How to use it:
- Apply a thin, even layer to clean, dry underarms.
- Let it sit for 10-15 minutes while it works its magic.
- Rinse thoroughly with warm water and pat dry.
- Use it 2-3 times a week during your transition period, then drop down to once a week for maintenance.
TIP: If you're already a natural deodorant convert, this armpit detox mask can be used weekly to help your natural deodorant become even more effective.
2. Exfoliate your underarms
Sweat, bacteria, and dead skin love to hang out together (and not in a good way). Regular exfoliation helps prevent clogged pores, irritation, odour, and keeps things fresh. We recommend washing really well under your arms every day and exfoliating under your arms once or twice a week (in conjunction with using the Armpit Detox Mask).
How? Grab some coffee grounds, sugar, or an exfoliating mitt and gently buff away dead skin. Gentlybeing the key word! Your pits are not a cast-iron pan, so scrub like you care about them, not like you're trying to remove burnt-on lasagne 😉
Our picks for pit exfoliation are the Kicks and Giggles Coffee Body Scrub or the Spoonful of Sugar Exfoliating Scrub.
3. Find the right natural deodorant
Let’s set the record straight: your pits are always going to sweat and we know that’s a good thing. The key is neutralising odour and absorbing moisture without messing with your body’s natural processes.
A good natural deodorant should have:
- Odour-neutralising ingredients like bicarb soda or magnesium, and zinc to fight bacteria.
- Moisture-absorbing ingredients like kaolin clay and activated charcoal to keep you feeling fresh.
- Nourishing ingredients like coconut oil, shea butter, and vitamin E to keep your skin a happy chappy.
- If you’ve got sensitive skin, look for bicarb-free formulas to avoid irritation while your pits adjust.
Shameless plug: our Natural Deodorant & Anti-Chafe Sticks and Natural Deodorant Pastes have all of the above and come in different strengths to match your sweat levels whether you lightly glisten or go full waterfall mode.
4. Trust the process
Making the switch to natural deodorant is one of the best things you can do for your body. But like any good breakup, there’s an adjustment phase. Your pits might freak out at first, but stick with it, be patient, and show them some love.
Before you know it, you’ll be sweating like nature intended (without the skunky stench!!). And once your natural deodorant is working for you, it’ll have your back (and your pits) all day long and then some.
PS. Here are a few more quick ways to help your pits through the transition period and make things way more comfortable:
- Stay hydrated: Sweat is mostly water, so drinking more helps flush out toxins faster.
- Eat cleaner: What goes in affects what comes out (yep, even through your pits). Highly processed foods, alcohol, and too much caffeine can make sweat smell stronger. Whole, fresh foods help keep things neutral, so maybe swap that third coffee for a green smoothie (just once, we believe in you).
- Reapply when needed: A quick top-up during the day is totally A-OK.
- Wear breathable fabrics:Tight, synthetic tops can trap sweat and bacteria, making odour worse. Stick to cotton, bamboo and linen to give your pits some breathing room.
- Wash your clothes properly: Your clothing might be a haven for odour-causing bacteria. Washing your clothes with antibacterial soap can help break up the stink cycle.
Remember a little persistence now = a lifetime of happy, stink-free armpits.
Worth it? Absolutely 🙂
