Switching to Natural Deodorant - Detox (And Smell!) Explained
So, you've made the switch from conventional deodorant to natural deodorant and you find yourself thinking, "this stinks..." You're not alone! Many people believe natural deodorants just aren't for them — but they can actually work for anyone.
What most people don't realize is that your body has to go through a detox period when you give up mainstream deodorants. Yep, you read that right – you have to detox from your deodorant. But it's not as bad as it sounds – we promise!
Here's why you should switch to natural deodorant, what to expect during a detox period, and how to make the detox as odor-free as possible.
Antiperspirant vs. Deodorant
To understand why our bodies detox, let's break down the difference between conventional deodorant and natural deodorant.
Most conventional deodorants actually double as antiperspirants. To keep you from sweating, antiperspirants use ingredients like propylene glycol, aluminum chlorohydrate, and aluminum zirconium to block your pores.
Aluminum-free deodorants like ours use tapioca starch, coconut oil, and other plant-based ingredients to absorb wetness and neutralize odor molecules, rather than preventing sweat from happening.
Why Should I Switch to a Natural Deodorant?
Aluminum in antiperspirants is an effective sweat blocker, but sweating is a good thing! Sweating is our body's mechanism for both temperature control and detoxification. Our bodies eliminate waste when we sweat, but aluminum blocks that natural process. That's why many people are ditching antiperspirants and looking for aluminum-free deodorants instead.
Deodorant by Bite uses an aluminum-free formula so you can sweat out all of the nasties – the only aluminum you'll find here is in our plastic-free metal case ;). We also keep out baking soda, a common skin irritant found in many other deodorants. The full list of ingredients and fragrances are available on our site as part of our commitment to transparency.
What to Expect When You Detox From Antiperspirant
When you switch to a deodorant after continued use of an antiperspirant, your body sweats out aluminum and releases waste that has been trapped. This process is natural, but can cause a bit of odor and excessive sweating while your body works overtime to detox.
Even though this is a natural and expected process, adjusting to a natural and aluminum-free deodorant can be rough. Thankfully, it won't last forever – your body just needs time to regulate itself.
How long does it take to adjust to natural deodorant?
The length of a detox phase (as well as the amount of odor and sweat) varies from person to person, but most people say it takes them about a month to fully adjust. This adjustment typically happens in a few different stages.
Stage 1 - "This is easy"
It may take a few days or even a week before you notice any unwanted side effects of detoxing from antiperspirants.
Stage 2- "Oh no no no"
The smelliest part of your detox will likely last a week or two. This is when most people give up, but you can do this! Your body is working hard to purge all of the bacteria and chemicals that have been trapped inside by your antiperspirant.
Stage 3 - "Sweaty, but better?"
By the third week, the body odor will start to die down but you may notice more sweating than usual. This is your body doing a final sweat purge.
Stage 4 - "I got this"
You're almost at the finish line! Around week 4, your underarms are sweating less and smelling better.
How to Make Your Detox Easier
To make the transition period a bit easier, there are a few methods you can try.
Clay masks and charcoal scrubs can help pull out dirt, oil, and the buildup left by antiperspirants, expediting the purge (and its smelly effects). Just apply every few days or when you notice odor starting to return.
We've also had some Bite fans tell us that the exfoliating acids they use in their skincare routine, such as glycolic acid and salicylic acid, help eliminate odor during the transition. These exfoliating acids get rid of the odor-causing bacteria and can smooth out skin. Apply this once or twice a week on clean skin and stop using if you notice irritation.
And lastly, use a deodorant that you like and that works well. Deodorant by Bite keeps you smelling fresh and feeling dry without the harsh chemicals (or plastic packaging!). Our one of a kind scents – Neroli, Rose Vert, and Santal – are sure to make the transition away from antiperspirants worth it.
FAQs
It's known as a detox when switching to a natural deodorant. So, when making the switch, don't be surprised when your body will go into overdrive as it will want to release waste and sweat out the aluminum! The truth is, it's not that your natural deodorant isn't working, your body is working harder.
Do armpits detox when switching to natural deodorant? ›
What most people don't realize is that your body has to go through a detox period when you give up mainstream deodorants. Yep, you read that right – you have to detox from your deodorant. But it's not as bad as it sounds – we promise!
Why do my armpits smell bad after using natural deodorant? ›
Sometimes, the effectiveness of natural deodorant rests entirely on the formula or fragrance and your body chemistry. If you try a scent and you find you are smelling even worse then you probably need to switch to a different scent profile. If you tried a minty scent try a floral scent.
How many days does it take to detox from deodorant? ›
A deodorant detox phase typically lasts anywhere from a week up to a month, and during that time period you may experience: Increased armpit sweating. Increased body odor. Rash-like bumps in your armpits.
How do you know when your armpits are detoxing? ›
Stage 1: Detoxification
Your pores are opening up and pulling out toxins that have accumulated in your armpit. What to expect: Your body may sweat more than usual, and it's even normal to smell a bit during this stage.
Do you smell when detoxing? ›
Another physical sign of detoxification can be a stronger body odor. This symptom results from the evacuation of accumulated waste and toxins. The process of toxin expulsion can lead to heavy perspiration, which in turn may cause a strong body odor.
How long do you smell after switching to natural deodorant? ›
Well, how long it takes for a natural deodorant to feel as though it is working differs from person to person. it can take up to 30-days for your body to learn to sweat naturally and regulate itself again. You should expect your armpits to smell a little pungent for the first couple of weeks.
What are the side effects of switching to natural deodorant? ›
Some people experience small, tender, red bumps that appear in their underarms when they switch from a traditional deodorant or antiperspirant to an all-natural deodorant. Other underarm rash symptoms can include: Redness. Bumps.
What to know before switching to natural deodorant? ›
5 Best Tips for Switching To Natural deodorant
- Expect a detox period. Preparation is the most important tip. ...
- Sweat it out. The toxins don't want to be in there and we certainly don't want them in there either so what do you say we speed up the break-up process? ...
- Adjust what you eat.
Most armpit detoxes use a homemade mask of bentonite clay and apple cider vinegar. Some also include water to dilute the vinegar. Others use equal parts bentonite clay and coconut oil for a more soothing, hydrating mix that still has some antibacterial properties, thanks to the coconut oil.
You've found a natural deodorant that works well, but suddenly your pits are noticeably darker. This darkness is caused by melanin—and melanin is created by your body to protect skin that has been damaged or is suffering from prolonged irritation.
How to reset armpit bacteria? ›
Personal hygiene and lifestyle
- Keep your skin clean by taking a daily bath or shower with antibacterial soap. ...
- Keep your armpits shaved, so sweat evaporates quickly and doesn't have as much time to interact with bacteria. ...
- Regularly wash clothing, and wear clean clothes.
- Wear loose-fitting clothing made of cotton.
“If you stop using aluminum, salt-based antiperspirants, your skin will naturally shed the aluminum from the sweat glands over time,” he says. When one writer went on an armpit detox, she experienced increased odor during the first few weeks. By week four, that odor had subsided.
Why did I stop using natural deodorant? ›
Skin Irritation: Ingredients in natural deodorants, particularly high levels of baking soda, can sometimes lead to skin irritation or discomfort, especially for those with sensitive skin or allergies to specific natural components.
What are signs your body is detoxing? ›
Other Common Symptoms of Detox
- Irritability.
- Tremors.
- Appetite changes.
- Sleeplessness.
- Excessive sweating.
- Shivering.
- Itching.
- Leg cramping.
You asked, we answered: Can you cure body odor permanently?
- Showering daily.
- Reducing or removing spicy foods.
- Using antibacterial soap or surgical scrub in sweat-prone areas.
- Eliminating your use of stimulants, including caffeine.
- Reducing stress.
"When switching from an antiperspirant to a deodorant, you are removing the aluminum and releasing waste which has been blocked. This is a natural process as part of our body's built-in mechanisms, but it may contribute to releasing some slightly unusual body odor in comparison to what you are used to.
What color is your urine when you detox? ›
Yes, your urine may be pale yellow or even darker if you are detoxing. In addition, they can even have a strong smell indicating an overload of molecules that need to be treated during detox.
Is it good to take a break from deodorant? ›
“There is no need to take a break from deodorant, but if you are sweating so much that you need to use it multiple times a day, you should see a board-certified dermatologist who can recommend other options,” Lipner advises.
What happens when you switch to aluminum free deodorant? ›
Your body odor is probably going to smell different, and potentially stronger, than what you're used to. That's because your body is simultaneously purging its sweat glands and recalibrating the balance of microscopic organisms that live on your skin. It's establishing a new normal.
When you switch from antiperspirant to natural deodorant, your body needs a little detox time. You might sweat a bit more at first, but don't worry! Keep going and soon your armpits will be clean and balanced. After a few weeks, the smell will go away and you won't have to think about the bad stuff in antiperspirants.
Why do my armpits burn after switching to natural deodorant? ›
Natural deodorants are often made with common irritants that can cause an armpit rash. Natural deodorants often contain baking soda, or sodium bicarbonate, to help neutralize body odor.
What are the benefits of switching to natural deodorant? ›
5 Benefits of Switching to Natural Deodorant
- It Helps to Control Odour Naturally. Contrary to popular belief, sweat isn't the culprit of body odour. ...
- It Allows You to Sweat. Sweating is your body's natural cooling mechanism. ...
- You Aren't Putting Toxins On Your Body. ...
- Natural Ingredients Are Skin-Friendly. ...
- Kinder to the Planet.
