Natural deodorant - one of those beautiful inventions of modern life that we (thankfully) can't seem to live without. But not all natural deodorant is created equal. And with all the hype comes a lot of misconceptions.
So, let‘s clear a few things up about sweating and natural deodorant, shall we?
Myth 1: Natural deodorant doesn’t work
The common chatter in the locker room? Natural deodorants can’t handle the heat. Time for a fact check: our bodies are designed to sweat as a way to regulate temperature and detoxify. Most antiperspirants use aluminium to clog your pores, and attempt to stop the sweating process cold. Blocking sweat with aluminium is like plugging a volcano. It might look calm on the surface, but underneath, it’s a hot mess. Toxins get trapped, and your sweat glands start throwing a fit.
Woohoo Natural Deodorants, on the other hand, use a clever blend of plant-based ingredients (and zero aluminium) that work with your body’s natural chemistry to neutralise odour without blocking sweat. Think of it like this: instead of putting a stop sign on your sweat glands, we’re giving them a green light to do their thing while ensuring you don’t smell like you’ve just run a marathon in the Sahara. So, while *some* natural deodorants may not work, Woohoo’s most certainly do. And we’ve got thousands of happy pits to prove it!
Myth 2: Sweating is the enemy
Although sweating can often feel about as desirable as a hug from a cactus, it’s actually fantabulous for you. In fact, without sweating, our ancestors might not have survived long enough to invent the wheel, let alone deodorant.
Sweating is a crucial biological function for temperature control and toxin removal. When your body heats up, sweat glands kick into gear, producing sweat that cools your body as it evaporates. Plus, sweating has been shown to help maintain healthy skin by keeping pores clear of bacteria, dirt, and oils. So, next time you break a sweat, give a nod to evolution – it’s got your back.
Myth 3: But if I sweat, won’t I smell like I’ve been wrestling a garbage can?
Plot twist: sweat itself is as odourless as water. Yes, you read that right. The stink? That’s the work of bacteria living their best life on your skin. These bacteria feast on the proteins and lipids in our sweat, producing the pungent smells we associate with body odour. Lovely, right?
While most traditional antiperspirants tackle this problem by doubling down with very strong anti-bacterials (that kill good AND bad bacteria), natural deodorants take a different approach. They use ingredients that create an environment that’s inhospitable for bacteria, cutting out the BO whilst being kinder to your skin’s microbiome.
Myth 4: Natural deodorants will leave you wet and uncomfortable
You've swapped your antiperspirant for a natural deodorant, and now you're worried you'll feel like you're harbouring a mini swamp under your pits. The reality? Natural deodorants aren't designed to block sweat (that's a good thing, remember?), but that doesn't mean you're signing up for a life of dampness.
Many natural formulas (like ours!) contain absorbent ingredients like arrowroot powder, bicarb soda, or charcoal which help keep you feeling dry without clogging your pores. So, while you might notice a bit more moisture (that’s your body thanking you for letting it do its thing), you're not going to feel like you've just taken a plunge in the pool.
Myth 5: If it’s natural, it must be gentle
Ah, the old "natural equals gentle" trope. While it's true that natural deodorants ditch harsh chemicals in favour of ingredients from good ol' Mother Nature, it's worth noting that not every plant-based ingredient is going to be a match made in heaven for every skin type.
For example, some people might find baking soda, a common ingredient in many natural deodorants, a bit irritating.
The key? Pay attention to your body. If your pits are throwing a fit, it might be time to try a different formula. Thankfully, we’ve got two scents for sensitive pits free from bicarb soda -Mellow and Tango. Both are tough on body odour but gentle on your skin.
Woohoo Natural Deodorant & Anti-Chafe Stick (Mellow) 60g
As for our other formulas, we have used protective ingredients to make the irritation potential as low as possible. Highly nourishing shea butter and Vitamin E help to keep your pits in tip-top-shape while obliterating body odour.
Myth 6: Making the switch to natural deodorant is easy-peasy
Let's set the record straight: transitioning to natural deodorant can be a bit like switching from coffee to tea. It's a good move, but for 1 in every 2 people, your body might take a little time to adjust. When you ditch antiperspirants, your pores are suddenly free to do their thing after being blocked with aluminium salts for so long.
You might experience a brief period where you feel a bit sweatier or smellier – affectionately known as the detox phase. But don't sweat it! This is totally normal and temporary. Stick with it, and soon your body will regulate, and you'll wonder why you didn't switch sooner. If you need a helping hand, we recommend using our Armpit Detox Mask to keep things moving along smoothly.
Myth 7: All natural deodorants are created equal
Just like snowflakes, no two natural deodorants are exactly the same. The effectiveness of a natural deodorant can vary widely depending on its formulation, the active ingredients, and - yes - your own unique body chemistry.
For example, our best-selling extra strength option, Wild, is the go-to for so many. But there are others who might find Wild isn’t effective for them, but Urban (a regular strength option with a different blend of essential oils) is their holy grail. Finding your perfect match might take some experimentation, but discovering a deodorant that works in harmony with your body’s natural rhythm is well worth the effort.
Not sure where to start? Try one of our Natural Deodorant Sample Packs. All sample packs come with 2 to 4 weeks of goodness. Here's to fresh starts and even fresher pits!
