How to Switch to Natural Deodorant (Without Stinking!)

Deodorants and antiperspirants reduce sweat by blocking your pores, the small openings in your skin where sweat exits. They contain various ingredients, including aluminum salts, which dissolve on the skin and enter the pores, helping to plug them and reduce sweating. Is it safe to apply aluminum on your body daily?

Why we're all switching to natural deodorant

Aluminum can be toxic to the body when exposure levels exceed the body’s ability to eliminate it (through your kidneys). Aluminum is not an essential metal for human health, and high levels can interfere with biological processes by displacing essential minerals like calcium, magnesium, and iron (source). Chronic exposure to aluminum has been linked to neurological issues, as it may accumulate in the brain and contribute to conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease (source). It has also been associated with impaired kidney function, particularly in individuals with pre-existing kidney disease, since the kidneys are primarily responsible for detoxing aluminum. While the body can generally tolerate low levels of aluminum, minimizing unnecessary exposure is recommended.

Furthermore, a 2017 and 2018 study both cite concerns about the relationship between aluminum salts and breast cancer. Those with breast cancer reported using antiperspirants more frequently and starting at a younger age compared to those without breast cancer. Both groups had aluminum salts in their breast tissue, but higher levels were found in women with breast cancer in the upper outer quadrant who used aluminum products more often.

The 2018 study also suggests that excessive aluminum exposure may alter how the body produces or responds to estrogen, the female hormone, which can bring long-term harm to the endocrine system. Because the endocrine system supports so many important bodily functions, we will always advocate for cutting out as many hormone disruptors as possible, especially in your daily use products.

"But natural deodorant doesn't work"

If natural deodorant doesn't work for you, you are probably doing it wrong. Here's our tried and true protocol for switching to natural deodorant without stinking! Not to brag, but this has worked for everyone we have recommended it to and it's likely to work for you.

Step 1: Get a natural deodorant that works

Well the first step is to actually find a natural deodorant. But don't just pick up any "aluminum-free" deodorant at the store. Deodorants have more than one concerning ingredient. You will also want to avoid mineral oil, petrolatum, PEGs, hydrogenated castor oil, and fragrance. Yes, even the aluminum-free ones will contain these concerning ingredients.

You also want to avoid natural deodorants that rely too heavily on oils because this will leave oil stains on your clothes. Excessively oily deodorants usually do not dry well and will also leave you feeling sticky. While some oils are okay, make sure the deodorant's formula is balancing it with oil-absorbing powders like arrowroot or baking soda.

At Crunchy & Co, we are huge fans of these two natural deodorants, which are not only effective, but don't ruin your clothes: Little Seed Farm and Agent Nateur.

Little Seed Farm deodorant is a cream and takes some getting used to if you've used deodorant sticks your entire life. But we promise you the switch is worth it! We love that it is baking-soda-free which can be irritating for some people, and the packaging is zero waste!

Agent Nateur deodorant is the most luxurious deodorant we have ever tried. The scents smell so rich, and they contain no concerning ingredients. We have 3 types in our shop. Check them out!

Step 2: Detox your pits

Because aluminum deodorants work by blocking your pores, you likely need to flush out the remains of your old deodorant. You can achieve this with a clay-based detox mask. We love this Detoxifying Pit Mask by Earthley. The French green clay works to draw out toxins from your skin.

Many find that they only need to perform this detox at the beginning of their natural deodorant switch. However, if you suffer from anxiety or stress, or perform a lot of physical activity, regularly detoxing helps keep you stink-free!

Step 3: Pair your deodorant with one of these sprays

Hypochlorous acid is such a powerhouse ingredient and needs to be a staple in your bathroom cabinet. This multipurpose topical spray helps tame acne, disinfect hands, kill post-gym bacteria, relieve eczema, and end stinky pits! This spray will even get rid of active stink. So if you're feeling stinky and don't have access to shower yet, spray this on your pits and your B.O. will be gone in a few minutes.

If hypochlorous acid isn't your thing, you can also use a potent magnesium spray before applying deodorant. We chose this magnesium spray by LA Salt Co for our shop after interviewing several brands because they were able to supply us with a Certificate of Analysis on the potency and test results for heavy metal contaminants. They were also very reasonably priced as we discovered some brands were charging more for less potency.

Magnesium is also an active ingredient in many natural deodorants and some people find that they can even use it on its own for odor control. But proceed with caution: sometimes Magnesium can sting a little when applied. It should not cause any redness, but the sting might be there, especially if you have just shaved.

To use regularly, spritz on your arm pits before applying your natural deodorant. Allow to dry or rub in, and then apply the deodorant. Some like to use this every time they apply deodorant, while others use it sporadically. Your body will tell you what you need.

Step 4: Detox from within (optional)

Usually those 3 steps are enough to transition to natural deodorant. However, for serious body odor struggles, you might consider an internal detox. Chlorophyll works wonders as an internal deodorant. We chose this Chlorophyll supplement by Juna for our shop because of its potency and purity. Other Chlorophyll supplements on the market add unnecessary natural flavorings and dyes.

In addition, taking probiotics, and ensuring you are consuming enough magnesium and zinc can also help address body odor from within. 

"Will this work for me?"

Based on our experience, and barring any other complicated health issues... yes, this will work for you. The armpit detox gives you a clean slate, the hypochlorous acid or magnesium spray kills any stinky bacteria, and the deodorant will do its thing.

If you've tried this, let us know in the comments!