The Benefits of Natural Deodorants & Why an Underarm Detox Might Help You Switch
Switching to natural deodorants has become a trend for many people looking to avoid harsh chemicals and take a gentler, healthier approach to personal care. But making the switch isn’t always smooth—some people notice more odor or irritation at first. That’s where an underarm detox with bentonite clay can help.
Let’s break it all down:
Why Switch to Natural Deodorants?
Conventional deodorants and antiperspirants often contain aluminum, which blocks your sweat glands to prevent sweating. While that might sound like a good thing, sweating is your body’s natural way of regulating temperature and releasing toxins.
Natural deodorants don’t stop you from sweating but focus on keeping odor in check with natural ingredients like magnesium hydroxide and arrowroot powder. Here’s why these ingredients are great:
Magnesium Hydroxide:
This ingredient works by neutralizing the bacteria that cause odor. Unlike baking soda, which can irritate sensitive skin, magnesium hydroxide is super gentle and won’t mess with your skin’s natural balance. It’s perfect for people with delicate or reactive skin.
Arrowroot Powder:
This natural starch absorbs sweat and moisture without blocking your pores. Think of it as a natural way to stay dry without the chemicals. Plus, it has soothing properties that can help calm irritation, making it a win-win for sensitive underarms.
What’s an Underarm Detox, and Do You Need One?
If you’re switching to natural deodorants, you might notice that your underarms go through a bit of a transition. This is because your body is adjusting to sweating again (since antiperspirants blocked it before). During this time, you might notice more odor or feel like you’re sweating more.
An underarm detox using bentonite clay can help speed up this adjustment period. Bentonite clay is a natural, mineral-rich clay that pulls toxins and impurities out of the skin. When applied as a mask to your underarms, it helps clear out leftover residue from antiperspirants, unclog pores, and calm irritation.
While scientific studies on underarm detoxing specifically are limited, bentonite clay has been widely studied for its ability to absorb toxins and cleanse the skin. A 2017 review noted its use in detoxification treatments, showing how its negatively charged particles bind to toxins, removing them effectively.
How to Do an Underarm Detox
Doing a detox is simple and takes just a few minutes:
Mix bentonite clay with a little apple cider vinegar or water to make a paste.
Apply the paste to your underarms and leave it on for 5–10 minutes.
Rinse off with warm water.
Repeat 2–3 times a week until your body adjusts to the natural deodorant.
This process can help your underarms feel fresher, adjust faster to the natural deodorant, and reduce irritation during the transition period.
What to Expect During the Switch
Your body might take 1–4 weeks to adjust to natural deodorants, so don’t get discouraged if things feel off at first. Here’s what you might notice:
Week 1: Sweating might increase as your body adjusts to sweating naturally again.
Week 2–3: Odor-causing bacteria might temporarily increase, which is why the detox can help!
Week 4: Your body starts to balance out, and you’ll likely notice less odor and a smoother experience.
Why It’s Worth It
Switching to natural deodorant is about giving your body and skin the care they deserve. You’re avoiding harsh chemicals, allowing your body to sweat naturally, and using ingredients that work with—not against—your skin.
If you’re ready to make the switch, try incorporating an underarm detox as part of your routine. It’s a small step that can make a big difference in how comfortable and confident you feel during the transition.
Natural care is about patience, but trust the process—you’re doing something great for your body!