Natural deodorant is having a major moment, and for good reason. Armpits are sensitive. They’re major lymphatic zones, AKA a place where the lymphatic system, or what’s essentially the lazy river in your body responsible for picking up and cycling out toxins and intruders, releases unwanted visitors. Synthetic fragrances and potentially harmful ingredients such as phthalates and parabens can be absorbed into the body at higher rates through your pits.

There’s also the aluminum, which has raised a lot of eyebrows over the years. Most classic deodorants are actually anti-perspirants, designed to mask odor as well as stop sweating. But sweating is a natural detoxification process, and all aluminum does is literally plug your glands so sweat can’t get out, keeping those unwanted toxins and other guests inside of your body.

The Pit Purge

The rumors are true: switching to a natural deo is can be a sweaty, smelly ordeal. One reason why? During the purge period, aluminum is being released, and sweat glands are unplugged. They also tend to overcompensate in an effort to get those pores cleared out, therefore we’re sweatier than our natural state. Don’t worry, it doesn’t last forever! All it takes is a bit of patience while adjusting, however we do have a few tips for making the process a bit less pungent.

Adjustment Tips

1. Use a clay mask on your armpits. A gentle but effective clay formulation, such as our Wildflower Clay Mask or Geranium Clay Mask, will help to draw out remnants of your old antiperspirants, toxins, impurities, and excess oil without overwhelming the sensitive area.
2. Go commando - on your armpits, that is. For at least a few days, use literally nothing. This is where social distancing really comes in handy.
3. Keep a refreshing, clarifying mist on-hand. Our Rose + Neroli Toner and Jasmine + Coconut Mineral Mist are both great to keep in your bag for on-the-go assistance.
4. Do some sort of lymphatic stimulation. Dry brush, gua sha, consistent walks and other forms of exercise, using a rebounder, stretching - all of these practices help to get your lymph flowing.
5. On that note, drink a lot of water! The lymphatic system needs water to be able to do its job.

Friendly reminder too that deodorants are not antiperspirants. Sweating is an important function. We need it! True deodorants, on the other hand, contain ingredients that neutralize odor-causing bacteria. So if you’ve been using an antiperspirant for a while, feeling more sweat in your pits than you’re used to might be a bit uncomfortable at first, but that sweat is a good thing and over time, your body will acclimate it’s moisture levels! You also don’t need very much of our highly effective natural formula - just a swipe or two will do.