How to Stop Using Deodorant

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Using harsh deodorants and antiperspirants can be harmful.  You can make simple switches to stop using deodorant and start detoxing your armpits so you no longer need it.

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Why Do We Sweat?

Sweating is a natural function that regulates your body temperature.  We need to sweat to help keep us cool.

Another reason we sweat is to clear our body of toxins and boost our immune system.  When we use antiperspirants, it uses harsh ingredients to block the sweat we produce.  This keeps our bodies from functioning naturally in order to keep us healthy.

Sweat and Puberty

As a young child in middle school, I noticed a spike in my sweating.  With no knowledge of the reason behind it, I started using a strong antiperspirant to control the sweating.

Over time, I noticed I needed it less and less and made a switch to a basic antiperspirant.  Like many, I’ve used antiperspirant deodorants for decades without a second thought.

On this journey of modern simple living, I’ve realized that deodorant was one of the ways I was feeding my body unnecessary toxins and chemicals, so I’ve made a switch to using natural ingredients to tame my underarm odor instead.

Why Deodorant And Antiperspirant Is Bad For You

Antiperspirants and deodorants, like many store bought hygiene products, include ingredients that are actually harmful to our bodies.  They are loaded with toxins and chemicals that do more harm than good.

Some of the commonly used ingredients in antiperspirants and deodorants are harsh fragrances, aluminum, phthalates, talc, & BHT.  These ingredients can cause side effects such as hormonal imbalances, infertility, respiratory irritation, allergic reactions, cancer, and autoimmunity.

Not only are these ingredients harmful, but we’re using it daily right on top of our lymph nodes and close to our breasts.  The use of deodorant and antiperspirants can be harmful to our health, especially the health of women.

How to Stop Using Deodorant

When you choose to stop using deodorant & antiperspirant, there are a few routes you can take:  

1. You can go cold turkey and just push through the sweat and BO for a few weeks as your armpits clear out.
2. You can purchase a natural brand of deodorant that is better for your health and immediately switch to that instead of using your old store bought one.
3. You can find natural ways to mask your underarm odor with simple ingredients you have at home while your armpits detox and regulate.

Natural Deodorant That Works

This section isn’t going to highlight brands of deodorant, but instead, ingredients that you probably have on hand to make your own simple deodorant.

At first, I used farragio’s natural deodorant for a while as I switched from using antiperspirant.  It has a very fresh smell and helped me make the transition without much BO.

After a few months, I decided that my underarms needed more of a detox, so I researched some simple ingredients I could use instead of buying natural brand deodorants.

Natural Deodorant Ingredients Homemade

1. Milk of Magnesia

Milk of Magnesia (magnesium hydroxide) is commonly bought for stomach issues, but it has another benefit.  It can be used as deodorant.  Simply put the liquid into a spray bottle and spritz onto your armpits for an effective deodorant.

2. Zinc Oxide

Zinc Oxide is a common ingredient used in skin care products such as sunscreen & diaper rash cream (my favorite diaper rash cream).  Another use for zinc oxide is fighting odors under your armpits by eliminating the growth of bacteria.

3. Coconut Oil & Baking Soda

Here is a homemade men’s deodorant recipe (that I use for myself too…don’t tell anyone!) made out of coconut oil and baking soda.  These two ingredients are used for their antibacterial and deodorizing properties.

4. Vodka or Everclear

Using vodka for deodorant is one of the best ways I was able to detox my armpits and stop using deodorant.  I simply fill a spray bottle with vodka, but there are recipes that mix it with water and essential oils as well. Everclear is another alcohol that can be diluted & used under your armpits to help deodorize.

No Deodorant Hack

Through my journey of detoxing from deodorant, I used all of the natural ingredients above.  I’ve come to learn that our bodies actually build up a resistance to deodorants, and even antiperspirants.  

It helped me detox and stop using deodorant by switching up my routine.  For example, I would use milk of magnesia for a few weeks.  Then I would use diaper rash cream (zinc oxide) for the next few weeks.  Then I would use vodka for a few weeks. 

I feel like I’ve finally come to a point that my underarm odor is regulated and less potent.  I only spray vodka under my armpits every other day or so to keep fresh.  It has been a relief to get to a point where I don’t need to buy deodorant and can use what I have on hand if I need a refresh.

As you quit deodorant, your armpits will start to regulate and smell less and less.  You might never be to the point where there is no smell, but it definitely gets better as you use natural ingredients instead of harsh ones in store bought deodorants.

Looking For Other Natural Switches? 

Check out:

• Best Natural Laundry Detergent Recipe
• All-Natural Toothpaste Recipe
• How to Wash Your Hair Less With Hair Training
• Best Sea Salt Spray Recipe That Wont Dry Out Hair
• Best Homemade Men’s Deodorant Recipe

Posts on this blog are for informational or educational purposes only and does not substitute professional medical advice or consultations with expert professionals. Always do your own research if pregnant, nursing, or dealing with young children.

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