Switching to Natural Deodorants – Is it a Smooth Glide?
If you’re switching to natural deodorants and aren’t sure what to choose or expect, we’ve got the information you need to make the right decision.
In the years since becoming a full-fledged adult, I’ve really learned and leaned into the benefits of having a well-thought-out morning routine. Besides giving me a kickstart to my day with an element of self-care, I’ve seen some crazy improvements to my personal health and the health of my skin by adopting products from a few trusted brands.
That being said, there will always be mornings when I just can’t spare the extra time. What’s the bare minimum? The common answer, I hope, is deodorant. Maybe brushing your teeth – that’s definitely important too – but for me, the first thing I prioritize is a few swipes under the arms before throwing on a tee shirt for the day.
We’ve been misled by most commercially produced deodorants that you can pick up at the local big box or convenience store. I won’t bore you with the dirty details, but it all comes down to ingredients that can be downright toxic when introduced to the body via your pores. Making the switch from a chemical-heavy conventional deodorant to a natural deodorant can be a daunting switch to make. It’s even harder if you’ve fostered loyalty with your old deodorant brand.
Thankfully, you are not the first person to make the jump, and we’re here to help. There are a handful of things to keep in mind to help yourself ease through the transition, so be sure to take note of those at the end of this article, after learning about a few of our favorite options out on the market.
Switching to Natural Deodorants – What’s out there?
So, you’ve made the decision to cut the toxic conventional deodorant out of your routine. You may have even done a little research on how the switch will affect your body in the short term and long term. Awesome! So where do you go from here? It’s time to pick your next deodorant. Here are a few of our favorites and why they’ve made it to the top of the list.
Best Buy
Geologie’s Natural Deodorant
Geologie is a heavy hitter around here at Next Luxury. At this point, we’ve gotten to try most if not all of their award-winning, scientifically formulated products aimed to improve the state of your skin, hair, and body. Geologie’s Natural Deodorant is no exception to their quality standards and record for efficacy, while also competing in the glam department with three complementary but unique scent profiles.
Here’s what stands out about Geologie’s Natural Deodorant:
- Geologie’s Natural Deodorant is formulated without aluminum, baking soda, talc, phthalates, parabens, or artificial fragrances. These are all toxic culprits in conventional deodorants and are important to look out for when switching to natural deodorants.
- Geologie’s proprietary deodorizing compound eliminates odors naturally. So, without being an antiperspirant, Geologie’s deodorant is doing the hard work of organically removing the unpleasant smell from your day-to-day. That’s the best of both worlds!
- With a clear application, you’re promised no annoying white residue and more importantly, no stains on your clothes. It goes on clear and dries fast!
- Like all other Geologie products, the Natural Deodorant is vegan and cruelty-free
- Three awesome, travel-inspired All-Natural Fragrances:
- Big Sur – a big eucalyptus blast that transports you to a misty, spellbound escape amidst towering cliffside forests and fresh, salty air.
- Hana – a deep, musky jasmine and spicy clove that jettisons you to the shores of Maui’s mysterious eastern edge.
- Moab – a bright, citrusy bergamot and crisp desert cedar scent, conjuring crisp river rapid sprays in red rock ravines and fresh, open skies over wildflower canyons.
If Geologie’s offerings are right for you, be sure to take advantage of our exclusive partnership and receive 20% off any deodorant with code NEXTLUXURY20. Don’t miss out!
Tom's of Maine
Tom’s is a classic name in the natural deodorant space, staking a claim in the industry as early as the 1970s and spreading the word of an aluminum-free lifestyle since then. While other companies out there are doing it a little more high-tech or specialized, Tom’s deserves a spot on the list for tenure and recognition alone.
A few stand-out things to know about Tom’s include:
- Their deodorants are made of ingredients sourced and derived from nature, without artificial flavors, fragrances, colors, sweeteners and preservatives
- Tom’s offers a generous selection of fragrances within their products
- Both natural deodorants and antiperspirants are available within their collection.
American Provenance
Representing the smaller, up-and-coming brands on the scene, American Provenance is a small company founded by a former middle school science teacher who had learned first-hand from his students how challenging it can be to find the best and healthiest deodorant.
The vibe here is a little more rugged and geared towards the male buyer, though the product and scents associated are appealing to any and all. Here’s the standout green flags from American Provenance’s website:
- All American Provenance deodorants are Petrochemical Free, Preservative Free, Artificial Color Free, Aluminum Free, and Paraben Free.
- Purchasing your natural deodorant from American Provenance is supporting a small biz!
Switching to Natural Deodorants – What Does it Feel like?
Now that you have a clear idea of some options out there, it’s time to really understand what the transition will look like in order for you to get those sweet, all-natural results.
With most natural deodorants, there is a transition period when making the switch from antiperspirants to all-natural deodorants. The transition period can most accurately be compared to a detox. Moving over to a more natural product will compel your body to push out a lot of the bad toxins and bad habits that have accumulated over the years that you’ve been using a conventional option.
Now keep in mind that this list will contain spoilers, but might give you a little more context on what to expect from your deodorant detox.
- Expect to sweat! Unlike chemically derived deodorants, natural deodorants are often NOT an antiperspirant, meaning that they will not prevent you from sweating. So, be ready for the switch to be turned back on. Here’s the good news though: this is mainly a function of the detox period, and your body will go back to a state of self-regulation once you get the antiperspirant out of your system.
- A small reaction (a rash or getting a little itchy) is not uncommon and definitely not the end of the world. It can take a minute to get all the bad stuff out, and sometimes the body will push hard enough that it winds up with irritation.
- BO is also common! While the sweat itself is odorless, your body will be releasing bacteria that certainly contribute to the body odor we all know too well. Be patient, don’t give up, and be warned that the stink is totally normal!
Now that you know all you need to know, go get it! Your pits and your whole body will thank you for making a lasting change to your overall health.
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