SIGN IN FOR FASTER CHECKOUT
Quick Summary
Swapping out aluminum-based antiperspirants for natural deodorant is more than a wellness trend. It's a detox your underarms will thank you for. Aluminum clogs pores and disrupts natural sweating, often causing irritation, inflammation, and buildup. This guide outlines how to safely detox, exfoliate, and transition into aluminum-free deodorants. Backed by a real customer’s journey, it shares practical tips like increasing sweat, exfoliating gently, and using natural products like Bend Soap’s goat milk deodorant. The result? Healthier skin, fewer bumps, and a deodorant that actually works.
I've written before about why swapping deodorant (which may seem insignificant) is still important. The verdict may still be out on conventional aluminum deodorants and antiperspirants' link to diseases like cancer, but there's no denying that aluminum-based deodorants and antiperspirants clog pores.
Clogged pores in the armpits? I'll pass! Clogged pores under your arms can lead to a range of symptoms including itchiness, bumps, inflammation, and more - so why don't more people jump on the natural deodorant train? It turns out the path to an aluminum-free deodorant life can be difficult (and smelly) to navigate.
We got the scoop from one customer about her journey into natural deodorant and gathered up all her best tips to pass along to you. Check out our conversation below or skip ahead to jump right into her tips.
A Conversation with a Crunchy Customer
Bend Soap (BS): What finally made you decide to do a deodorant detox?
Customer: I knew I needed to make a product swap because I had read about how harmful applying aluminum deodorants and antiperspirants could be. I was using antiperspirant, which is even worse than deodorant. Anything that stops your body from reacting naturally - like not sweating - can't be good for you.
And my underarm skin spoke for itself: consistently bumpy, inflamed, and strangely darker compared to the rest of my skin.
BS: When you decided to swap, did you immediately replace your antiperspirant with a natural alternative?
Customer: I didn't think it'd be a great idea to jump into applying another deodorant without doing a bit of a cleanse first, so I opted to do a short detox period.
BS: Can you tell us a little more about what you mean by "detox"? What did it consist of and how long did it last?
Customer: Sure. My armpit detox was only a couple of weeks long, and I didn't change much other than stopping with an aluminum-based antiperspirant. I stopped cold turkey instead of phasing it out. I also tried to prioritize softly exfoliating my underarm skin to dislodge any buildup and dead skin. They'd been bumpy and clogged for so long that I thought exfoliating might speed up the detox process.
BS: You stopped using antiperspirant cold turkey? What was that like?
Customer: It was a rough start. I've read online that when you detox from more conventional aluminum deodorants, your sweat has a tendency to increase in volume and smell worse, which was true for me too. But there's a light at the end of the tunnel. The first few days were tough, but I tried to remedy this by showering twice a day until my body recalibrated.
BS: What advice would you give to someone who wants to make the switch but is nervous about this phase of the detox?
Customer: Lean into the sweat! The more you sweat, the faster your body is removing toxins. I used the detox period as an opportunity to up my exercise, but like I said - multiple showers during the day helped too.
It's not a glamorous couple of days, so if you're sweating that profusely, it may be better to do it during a time when you won't have to interact with too many people. But the best advice is: do it! It does get better, and it's worth it.
BS: After your detox, did you decide to go completely deodorant free?
Customer: No, unfortunately that's not feasible or sustainable for my lifestyle. I tried a few different brands. Some were better than others, but none of them checked all the boxes. Some even made my sweat smell worse!
I was already a fan of Bend Soap's natural goat milk lotion, so I decided to add deodorant to the list. It was the perfect way to reintroduce myself to deodorant, and since it's natural, I didn't experience the same negative effects that I had with conventional store bought aluminum antiperspirants. I haven't gone back since trying Bend Soap's deodorant.
Armpit Detox Best Tip Takeaways
Sweat It Out
Sweat production is going to spike once you stop using aluminum based deodorants or antiperspirants, especially if you stop cold turkey. Advice? Embrace it, and maybe even amplify it.
The more you sweat, the faster your body will be able to detox. Exercising or using saunas while you're detoxing may help shed toxins and unclog pores faster, just be sure to also increase your water intake accordingly to stay hydrated!
Scrub Away
Some of the signs your armpit pores are clogged include bumps, ingrown hair, and itchiness in your underarms. While you're detoxing, our source suggests also gently exfoliating the area to eliminate any remaining residue that may be built up after prolonged antiperspirant use.
The goal is to help your pores break free, so a mild abrasive like Bend Soap's salt and sugar scrubs could be just the exfoliating ticket you need.
Showers to the Rescue
We don't recommend showering twice a day indefinitely, but during the most intense beginning phase of an aluminum deodorant detox, showering intermittently throughout the day may keep any odor at bay.
Using wipes to freshen up may also be helpful, especially if you've chosen to detox in the dead of summer!
If you've already swapped out the rest of your beauty and skincare products, it's time to start thinking about taking the final step in swapping deodorant. A detox before you switch is the perfect way to kickstart your best healthy underarm life and unclog your delicate pores.
Armpit Detox Recipe & Instructions
An armpit detox can help speed up the adjustment period you experience when switching to a natural deodorant. It's a great way to help rid your underarms of the chemicals that they've been exposed to when using chemical-ridden deodorants and can make switching to natural deodorant super easy with a much quicker adjustment period. Folks who've tried an underarm detox for themselves have reported the following benefits:
- Their underarms had less odor, even when they didn't apply deodorant afterward.
- When people tried an underarm detox before making the full switch to natural deodorant, they didn't experience a rash or irritation.
Alright, now let's get into the detox! Here's what you'll need:
Armpit Detox Recipe
- 1 Tablespoon of bentonite clay
- 1 Teaspoon of apple cider vinegar
- 1-2 Teaspoons of water
- And a bowl for mixing
Instructions
- Combine all of the ingredients together in the mixing bowl until they make a smooth paste. Set the mixture aside.
- Gently wash your underarms using a mild, all-natural soap and then dry the skin using a clean towel.
- Using your fingers, apply an even layer of the paste mixture to your underarms and let sit for 5-20 minutes. Note that for some folks with really sensitive skin, you may experience temporary redness around your underarms as this will increase blood flow to the area.
- After 5-20 minutes, wash off the mixture at the sink or in the shower using a warm, wet washcloth.
- Repeat daily or as needed until any underarm odor goes away and applying the natural deodorant isn't irritating to the skin.
The Adjustment Period When Switching to Natural Deodorant
We're all different and our bodies will all respond differently when switching from regular deodorant to natural deodorant. Our body's chemistry - across gender, race, diet, hormone ups and downs, health, and even medications - is different on a person-by-person basis.
Deodorant is particularly interesting as:
- What works initially, might stop working after a while (and need extra "attention" to work.)
- What doesn't work right away, may work very well eventually.
- What works for one person, might not work for another.
If you are just switching to natural deodorant, your body may need 1-3 weeks to adjust. We've had feedback from multiple customers who experienced a natural deodorant rash. This can be an initial result if you've been using antiperspirants your whole life because it's a big change for your sweat glands. If you experience some natural deodorant rash or irritation, don't give up! Your body is simply going through the process of adjusting. Silky smooth, non-stinky, natural armpits are still in your future as long as you give yourself enough time to detox.
There are several reasons for this adjustment period:
- Your sweat glands are opening up and releasing toxins.
- Your body pH hasn't adjusted to the sweat.
- You might develop an itch or rash from all the changes.
- If you produce more sweat, it might take a bit longer to adjust.
Since adjusting is different for everyone, here are some ideas to help ensure that you have an arsenal at your disposal for dealing with things as they come up - whatever that might be. Give these ideas a try:
Wash regularly: When you first start using the deodorant, be extra diligent about hygiene by washing each day, particularly at the end of each day to remove sweat and bacteria.
Rub salve, vinegar, or clay: If a rash or raw area develops, be sure to wash. Rubbing a soothing salve or oil in the armpit can help. Or, rubbing a small amount of vinegar (lowering the ph of the armpit) can also help. A recipe including vinegar and bentonite clay is also soothing and helps to extract the toxins.
Dry off and wait: Avoid applying right after showering and shaving. Instead, give your skin the chance to close its pores and adjust to room temperature. Then apply.
Go baking soda free: Consider using a baking soda free deodorant every other day. While many people use baking soda deodorants without problems, some people are extra sensitive to baking soda, especially in that area. If a significant sensitivity exists long-term, try switching completely to a baking soda free version.
You may notice more irritation if you sweat more. Human sweat is slightly acidic with a pH of 4 to 6. This might cause a slight burning sensation when it mixes with alkaline baking soda. However, as the pH of your sweat changes, this will often disappear.
Natural Deodorant for Sensitive Skin
Is your skin overly sensitive to beauty products? Do regular deodorants make your skin break out in a rash? Or, are you just sick and tired of spending money on skincare products that are full of chemicals?
Commercial deodorants and products are often full of toxins we should think twice about putting on our skin - especially if you have sensitive skin.
Natural deodorants don't contain the harsh chemicals found in most commercial deodorants that you'll find in stores. If you have sensitive skin issues, all-natural products can give your skin the love and care it needs.
"The lavender natural deodorant is fabulous. I have tried multiple natural deodorants and they never seem to last more than a couple of hours. I was prepared to have the same experience with this one. How wrong I was!! I put it on in the am of a hot humid day, I even did hot yoga during the day and never had to reapply. I still did not stink by the end of the day! Well done Bend Soap company!"
- Sarah
"When I thought of all natural deodorant I thought of crunchy folks who smell a little bit ripe all the time. But after experiencing the benefits of the Bend Soap Company goat milk soap, I decided to try their all natural deodorant. I have been shocked at how well it works!"
- Travis T.
Cleaning Tips for Oil Residue on Clothing
As this is an oil-based product, residue on clothing can happen. Here are a few cleaning tips from Marilee:
Certain Fabrics Are Worse than Others: Not all clothing materials are affected by the ingredients in natural deodorant. For example, rayon and polyester tend to hold oil onto clothing more than other fabrics. Cotton seemed to come clean by itself and not hold the oils in.
Try Not to Over Apply Your Natural Deodorant: Residue varies with the amount of sweat, temperature, and amount of product used. We recommend applying only a small amount of natural deodorant to your underarms to prevent and avoid excess oils saturating the underarm area of your shirts.
Most Spots Come Out in the Wash on Their Own: Most detergents will remove oils during the wash without any problem. I just use a high-quality laundry soap and I've hardly had any troubles.
"If keeping your body healthy and free from toxins and chemicals means a little extra cleaning every now and then, then it's worth it!"
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I stop using aluminum deodorant?
Aluminum deodorants clog pores and prevent natural sweating, which can lead to bumps, irritation, and toxin buildup. Switching to aluminum-free deodorant supports healthier underarm skin.
What is an armpit detox?
An armpit detox involves discontinuing aluminum deodorants and allowing your body to purge built-up toxins through sweat. It may include exfoliating and increased hygiene for a few days to a couple of weeks.
How long does a deodorant detox take?
Most people notice a transition period of about 1-2 weeks. During this time, sweating and odor may temporarily increase as the body rebalances.
What can I do to manage odor during a detox?
Shower more frequently, use natural exfoliants like salt or sugar scrubs, stay hydrated, and wear breathable fabrics. Wipes or natural refreshers can help throughout the day.
What's the best way to transition to natural deodorant?
After your detox, choose a natural deodorant free from aluminum, parabens, and synthetic fragrances. Products like Bend Soap's goat milk deodorant nourish your skin while keeping odor in check.
Ready to Make the Switch?
Explore Bend Soap's line of all-natural, aluminum-free deodorants made with goat milk and clean ingredients your skin will love.
Shop Natural Deodorant
5 comments
Thanks for reaching out and commenting on our blog! We hope you found the information provided in this post helpful. :)
To answer your question regarding what scents we have a couple different formulas to choose from first, then once you’ve chosen which formula you want to try out, you’ll find the scents we offer in each listed below.
Baking Soda Formula Scents: All Shield, Honey Grapefruit, Lavender, Unscented, and Woodsman.
Magnesium Formula (Baking soda free): Apricot Blossom, Vanilla Lavender, Unscented.
If you aren’t sure which formula you should start with, we recommend going with our baking soda formula unless you have a known allergy or sensitivity to baking soda, then you’d want to go with our Magnesium formula that is free of baking soda. If you have any questions or need further guidance on finding the best fit for you, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our customer support team at info@bendsoap.com . They will be happy to assist you!
I would like to try your deodorant. What sense do you have?
Hi Jacklynn,
Thank you for reaching out and sharing your concerns with us. I completely understand your disappointment, especially when you were expecting to support a local Oregon business, as well as your concerns about the difference in the scent.
I’d like to clarify that all of our products are made with the same high-quality ingredients and processes that were used in the old Bend facility, and now in our new facility in Tennessee. However, I do understand that the scent of the cinnamon bar in your recent batch doesn’t seem as strong as what you previously experienced. Your feedback is very valuable to us, and I’ll be sure to share your experience with our production team to ensure consistency in our products.
If you’d like to learn more about our exciting journey to Tennessee, you can read a message from our founders here: https://www.bendsoap.com/blogs/sudsy-scoop/a-new-beginning-to-better-serve-you
We truly value your loyalty and want to ensure that our products meet your expectations. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to our customer support team at info@bendsoap.com if you have any further concerns or questions—they’re here to help.
If out and about manuka essential oil applied directly to stinky armpits deodorizes immediately. Holy basil (tulsi) also works but is a bit stronger.
When i found out my Bend Soap was not manufactured in Bend, Oregon, I was not happy. I had just purchased 12 bars of what i thought was from a business in Oregon, wanting to buy local. The soap I received did not have the cinnamon smell to the bar as the original bar i had gotten and i called to ask why. I was told all their soap was made the same…but they absolutely did not have the same strong cinnamon smell which was one of the reasons I was purchasing that particular bar. I was also informed my dozen bars came from the plant down south instead of the Bend location. I am still not happy with the lighter cinnamon scent…but i am continuing to use the dozen bars i originally ordered. Don’t know what i will do when these bars are all gone.