At the beginning of October, I switched from an antiperspirant to a natural deodorant. I had heard that antiperspirants were “bad” so I decided to make the switch without really understanding why regular deodorants had been cancelled. I ended up absolutely loving my Kopari natural deodorant and now, two months later, I’ve put in the research to truly understand the product.

Toxic Ingredients in Antiperspirant

–Aluminum– an ingredient used in antiperspirant to clog the pores and prevent sweating. Aluminum may cause gene instability and promote the growth of cancer cells.

–Parabens– used as a preservative in products. Parabens may interfere with how your body regulates estrogen and promote the growth of cancer cells.

–Phthalates– an ingredient used to help the deodorant stick to your skin. This chemical has been linked with irregular testosterone function which may interfere with fertility later on. 

–Triclosan– used to prevent bacterial contamination in many cosmetic products. In fish and amphibians, it has caused irregular thyroid function and has also been linked to unusual hormone activity.

 

The Detox Period

I didn’t switch to a natural deodorant for a long time because I was afraid of the detox period. I think this is what prevents a lot of people from making the switch. About four years ago, I tried the Native natural deodorant. I don’t remember smelling weird, but I do remember feeling like my underarms were unusually wet.

If I had the critical eye I have now when it comes to products, I would’ve done my research and figured out that I was in the detox period as opposed to believing the product didn’t work.

The detox period is when you switch from an antiperspirant to a natural deodorant and your body re-regulates. Antiperspirant works by clogging the sweat glands with ingredients like aluminum. When you make the switch, your body is likely to sweat more and you may experience some body odor during the detox period.

 

How long does the detox period last?

So, here’s the thing, when I started using Kopari deodorant, I actually did not experience a detox period. It was a shockingly effortless switch and there was only one day when the weather was hot and I was doing some manual labor when I noticed the slightest odor.

If you do experience a detox period, it will last about 2-4 weeks. To avoid being “stinky” during this time, reapply the deodorant more often if needed and drink a lot of water. Make sure you stick with the natural deodorant for at least a month so you can actually tell if it works!

Products to Help You Through the Detox Period

Since I didn’t experience any issues during the detox period, I didn’t get around to trying these products, but there are a couple that may be able to help you with the transition.

 

–Indian Healing Clay ($10)

You’ve probably heard about this mask since it’s extremely popular due to its affordability as a clay mask. Not only can you use it on your face to help with acne, you can use it in your armpits to help with the detox period. 

The Indian Healing Clay comes in a powder that you can mix with water and apply directly to the underarms. If you do try this method, I would recommend doing it before you get in the shower so you can wash it off easily.

 

–Pacifica Coconut and Charcoal Underarm Detox Scrub ($15)
I haven’t heard anything about this product, but I am definitely intrigued that this product was created specifically for the detox period. This scrub uses charcoal, green tea, and coconut to help unclog your underarm pores while making the switch.

*Pacifica is offering 25% off sitewide

Natural Deodorant Options

–Kopari Coconut Deo ($14)

This product is absolutely phenomenal. I haven’t experienced any issues with body odor or excessive sweating since I made the switch It feel so soothing and hydrating on my skin unlike how my previous antiperspirant felt. I’ve already repurchased another stick even though I haven’t finished my current stick.

I have the driftwood scent and I’m not gonna lie, sometimes I open up the container just to smell it. I know driftwood is considered a more masculine scent, but I really like it and I think it pairs well with my vanilla perfumes! The Kopari deodorant also comes in four other scents: original (sweet coconut milk), beach (fresh sea breeze), gardenia, and fragrance free.

*Kopari is currently offering 20% off sitewide!

 

–Native Natural Deodorant ($12)

I tried this deoderant about four years ago and I didn’t like it because I didn’t know I was in the detox period. I heard lots of good things about this deodorant and it is very popular! Native deodorant comes in nine different scents, not including their seasonal scents.

*Native is offering $10 off $30 with the code BLACK

 

–Farmacy Freshen Up All-Natural Deodorant ($15)

I had no idea Farmacy sold natural deodorant until I wrote this post! I have never tried their products, but I hear raving reviews about their honey mask. This deodorant uses papaya, clay, and tea tree oil to keep you fresh all day long.

*Farmacy is offering 20% off sitewide and 30% off when you spend $120

 

–Schmidt’s Deodorant Stick (~$9)

I honestly have not heard much about Schmidt’s deodorant, but their products are formulated without aluminum salts, propylene glycol, parabens, and phthalates, and artificial fragrance. The deodorant comes in about 24 different scents.

*All of Schmidt’s deodorants are discounted by about $2-3 right now

I’m so glad I put in the time to research this topic and learn about natural deodorants. I made the switch without truly understanding the products I was using and now I feel understand why natural deodorants are the better option for our bodies. Have you tried natural deodorant?

 

Sources for my research:

-Time Magazine- 5 Things Wrong With Your Deodorant

-Made Safe- Deodorant and Toxic Ingredients