Tips For Picking A Natural Deodorant & Why You Should Care
- Amani AbouAmmo
- Jul 3, 2022
- 3 min read
Updated: Jun 8
Table Of Content
Why Switch to Natural Deodorant? If your deodorant came with a health warning, would you still use it?
Why Switch to Natural Deodorant?
If your deodorant came with a health warning, would you still use it?
Most of us swipe on whatever smells fresh—without ever reading the label. But hidden behind the scent? A mix of chemicals linked to hormone disruption, allergic reactions, and even long-term health risks. This guide breaks it all down and shows you how to switch to a natural, safe, and effective underarm routine.
1. Difference Between Antiperspirants and Deodorants:
There are two main types of underarm products: antiperspirants and deodorants.
Antiperspirants contain aluminum compounds that block sweat glands to prevent perspiration. They’re mainly for those who experience heavy sweating.
Deodorants, on the other hand, don’t stop sweat but target odor-causing bacteria. Most include added fragrance to keep you smelling fresh.
Your underarms aren’t just for sweat—they house a cluster of lymph nodes responsible for filtering waste and toxins. Applying chemical-laden products here daily may impact not just your skin, but your body’s overall ability to detoxify, which can contribute to a sluggish liver over time.
2. List of Toxic Chemicals:
Here are some common ingredients in commercial antiperspirants and deodorants that raise red flags:
Parabens
Triclosan
Propylene Glycol
Aluminum Compounds
Phthalates
Diethanolamine
BHT
Isobutane
Honestly, some of these are hard to pronounce—let alone understand! But knowing them is the first step to avoiding them.
3. Risk of Fragrance:
Fragrance might sound harmless, but it's a blanket term for hundreds of chemicals—many of which are linked to serious health risks.
Can cause allergic reactions, asthma, headaches, and fatigue
Often include phthalates, known hormone disruptors
Linked to early puberty, reproductive issues, breast cancer, and more
The Environmental Working Group (EWG) has identified over 1,100 chemicals used under the term "fragrance," many with moderate to high health concerns.
4. Product Reviews:
Brands I’ve Tried (Non-Sponsored)
Dove Clinical Protection & Secret Clinical Strength felt gentle but contained questionable ingredients.
I tried a few DIYs, but most didn’t work or lacked full transparency online.
Native sounded promising—aluminum-free with baking soda, probiotics, and shea butter—but included "fragrance." Sadly, it caused body odor over time, and I felt misled.
Crystal (from Sprouts) finally gave me what I needed: a clean formula with essential oils and no residue. The cucumber scent is light, refreshing, and leaves my skin odor-free.
5. Homemade Deodorant Recipe:
Ingredients:
1 oz coconut oil
1 oz baking soda
1 tsp arrowroot powder or tapioca flour
4 drops essential oils (see options below)
Method:
Mix all ingredients into a smooth paste. Store in an airtight container away from direct sunlight. Lasts up to 1 year.
Best Essential Oils to Use:
Lavender, Sandalwood, Patchouli, Rosemary, Cedarwood, Geranium
Antibacterial Options:
Grapefruit, Tea Tree, Cypress, Coriander, Spearmint, Lime, Basil, Orange, Neroli
On-the-Go Spray Alternative:
Add 5 drops essential oils to 1 oz distilled water in a spritzer. Use within 4 weeks.
Sweating is your body’s natural way of detoxifying. When you use aluminum-based antiperspirants that block sweat glands, you’re interfering with your body’s ability to release toxins—especially under the arms, where lymph nodes are concentrated. Supporting this process (not stopping it) is a core principle of holistic care.
6. Good Practices:
Wash underarms with a clean, non-toxic soap nightly
Apply diluted lemon juice (2 parts lemon to 1 part water)
Apply diluted tea tree oil (4 drops in 1 oz water)
Lemon and tea tree oil help tighten pores and reduce sweating thanks to their antibacterial properties.
The shift to natural isn’t just about avoiding toxins—it’s about reclaiming your health and honoring what your body truly needs.
What to Expect When You Switch
If you’re new to natural deodorants, you might experience a short transition period. As your body adjusts, you may sweat more or notice an odor shift. This is normal—it’s your body purging buildup from conventional products. Within 1–3 weeks, most people notice improved odor control and healthier skin.
Every swipe of a natural deodorant is a small, conscious act of self-care. You’re choosing clarity over confusion, wellness over marketing hype, and truth over toxic convenience. From hormonal balance to liver support, the effects of this change ripple through your entire system.
This isn’t just a skincare decision—it’s a lifestyle upgrade.
You deserve to feel safe in your skin—every single day.
Here’s to clean choices, empowered routines, and armpits that breathe easy. ☺️
🧠 Did you know?
Your liver processes everything you absorb through your skin—including ingredients in your deodorant.
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