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How to Switch to a Natural Deodorant + Detox Your Armpits

Jun 02, 2019

Last year when I decided to start swapping out my beauty products for non-toxic versions, one of the first things I swapped was my deodorant. I had read about the long-term health issues that have been linked to conventional deodorant, and for me it just wasn’t worth the risk, especially with so many natural options on the market.

 

I’ve never been picky about my deodorant, so I figured the transition would be as easy as running out of my current deodorant, and switching to a natural one.

 

I was wrong.

 

I was not prepared for the detox, transition phase, nor did I know where to start when it came to picking a natural deodorant. So now that I’ve gotten the trial and error out of the way for you, I wanted to share why I switched, some methods I used to make the transition easier, and some natural deodorant brands I love!



Why Switch to Natural Deodorant?

 

The problem with “normal” deodorant: Conventional deodorants are made with harmful chemicals like aluminum and parabens, and our skin is our largest organ that absorbs whatever we put on it. Many of these chemicals have already been banned in Canada and the European Union because they have been linked to developmental toxicity, hormone disruption, and increased risk for Alzheimer’s and Breast Cancer.

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Many deodorants are also antiperspirants, which stop your armpits from sweating. It seems like a win, but sweating is one of the ways our body naturally detoxes and keeps our body temperature in check.

 

Clogged pores and feeling overheated may seem like a small price to pay short-term, but the long-term effects of putting these chemicals on such a sensitive and absorbent part of your body just aren’t worth it when there are so many great alternatives on the market.

 

Also, you know those yellow stains you get on your white shirts? Those aren’t from your sweat, they’re from the aluminum in your deodorant. Just one more reason to say goodbye to your old deodorant.

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How Do I Switch Without Smelling?

 

The biggest complaint I hear when it comes to switching to a natural deodorant (natural meaning, aluminum, paraben and toxin free) is that they don’t work as well as the deodorant we’re used to.

 

The reason that it initially seems this way is because our bodies have to detox when we stop using the aluminum-laden antiperspirants we’ve been putting on our pits since middle school.

 

When our bodies are going through this detox phase, it’s actually the bacteria under our arms that is changing and making us smell worse, not the new deodorant. It can take up to 30 days for our bodies to fully detox from aluminum, but we can speed this process up a bit (and make it less smelly) through a few different methods:

 

Masking: Y’all know I love a good mask, and armpit masks are not an exclusion. Mix a 1:1 ratio of bentonite clay & apple cider vinegar and put it on your armpits for 15 minutes once a week while your body is detoxing. This helps pull the toxins right out of your pits!

 

Cleansing: Much like we use toner to kill bacteria on our face, you can use a toner to kill bacteria in your pits. Apple cider vinegar and witch hazel are great options! Just apply them with a cotton ball or use a spray bottle to get rid of bacteria and neutralize B.O. before you put on your deodorant. You can also cleanse with a natural soap in the shower to get those pits squeaky clean!

 

Sweating: I know that’s what we’re using deodorant to avoid, but it’s a natural process that is actually so good for your body! When you’re detoxing, you’re literally sweating out the toxins that have built up over the years. I won’t lie, you’re going to be stinkier at first, but I promise it goes away once you get all those toxins out of your body. A hot bath, sitting in a sauna, or just good ole’ fashion exercise are great ways to get your sweat (+ your natural detox) on.


 

A few extra tips if you’re still feeling sweaty and/or sticky while you detox:

 

Stay hydrated! This is just another way to help your body naturally rid toxins.

 

Reduce your intake of foods that cause B.O. - sugar, coffee, alcohol, red meat, spicy foods and processed foods.

 

Apply arrowroot powder or cornstarch after your deodorant to help absorb some of the excess sweat your body will be producing during your detox.


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What Natural Deodorant Should I Use?

 

I’ve tried *many* natural deodorants over the last year, and I’ve linked a few of my favorites below. The brand I’m currently using is Hey Humans,  which is a clean deodorant in a compostable tube for less than $6 at Target. Another clean and sustainable option I love is Helmm - it's refillable and smells amazing!

 

You can browse a few of my other favorite brands below!

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Spring Cleaning Checklist

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7 Sustainable Undie Brands to Shop

By Ana Cahill • 04 Aug, 2021
Today's National Underwear Day, and it's got me reminiscing on one of my favorite jobs ever - a bra specialist at Victoria's Secret. When I started working there at 18, it was a dream job. I adored the brand, worked with some amazing girls, and the company took great care of us in terms of competitive pay and all the free things. At this point in my life, I didn’t really know anything about sustainability or fast fashion, but I remember the first time I was asked to cut a garbage can full of “damages” (merchandise with small holes, minor stains or other imperfections) to shreds before tossing them in the dumpster, like it was yesterday. I asked my manager why we couldn’t just bring them home or donate them and she said “because the company doesn’t want anyone wearing an imperfect version of their product.” Excuse me?! I was shook by this statement, and it inspired me to start asking questions and doing my research on things like what other companies were doing with their damaged goods, who was making them, why we were getting so many imperfect items we could afford to just throw away. And so began my pursuit into sustainable fashion, supporting brands who do good for people and the environment, and educating others on how to be conscious of the brands they’re buying from. Does Victoria’s Secret still make some dang cute clothes + lingerie? Heck yeah they do, but at what cost? Good On You (my favorite app for learning about brands ethics) rates them “not good enough” in both labor and environmental impact. Thankfully, there are so many INCREDIBLE alternative brands available now that are doing good for both people and the planet. And nothing makes you feel good like looking good AND doing good. Here are a few of my favorites: Third Love Third Love was founded by women, for women, with the goal of celebrating every body type, every dimple, scar, and blemish. If they are unable to sell a product for any reason, it's donated to charities or to other causes where it can be repurposed. The founders believe in giving back to the community, and are actively donating to women’s charities across the nation. You can use the code " TL-UNDIES " to get 10% off 3 for $30 or 10% off any undie packs on your first purchase! 2. Azura Bay Azura Bay is the first sustainable undie brand I ever shopped, and I absolutely adore them. They're a small, female-owned business dedicated to providing a variety of cute and comfortable options for loungewear, bras, undies and more! You can use the code " ANA10 " for 10% off your purchase! 3. Organic Basics "Basically Better Made” is Organic Basics motto, and they live up to it with their super comfy everyday underwear from high-quality organic materials, They even weave silver into the organic cotton for their SilverTeach pieces which makes them antibacterial and heat regulating! 4. Boody Wear The most comfortable bras and bodysuits I've ever worn, and they make everything from activewear to loungewear and more, all crafted from organically-grown bamboo viscose for comfortable, sustainability, and health. Use code " ANA15 " for 15% off your first purchase! 5. Cuup Cuup is a great option for sustainably-made underwire bras. They offer forty sizes ranging from AA to H, and they partner with a vertically integrated production facility to ensure that every bra is of the highest quality. 6. Wama Underwear Wama Underwear is on a mission to "pioneer the hemp underwear industry by making the best hemp undies in the world and constantly improving the fit, function and design." Hemp fabric has many benefits like being naturally anti-bacterial , super soft and breathable, and of course it's environmentally-friendly - and unbelievably comfy! 7. Pact Their cotton basics are perfect for building a sustainable stable wardrobe. They go to great lengths to make sure their entire supply chain, from the growing and harvesting of the organic cotton to the final sewing and all the processes in between, is as clean and responsible as possible. I hope you love these brands as much I do! xx, Ana
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