Why does my natural deodorant make me smell worse?
Natural Deodorant Not Working? How to Find the Best Natural Deodorant for Your Body
Nowadays, it seems everyone is making the switch to natural products. This is especially true when it comes to body care items, because who wants to come in direct contact with harmful chemicals if they can avoid it?
For this reason, natural deodorant has become quite the craze. Natural deodorants tend to be free of aluminum, parabens, harsh fragrances, and other unwanted ingredients, making them a safer way to stay sweat-free. But before you rush to replace your current deodorant, there are a few key things to note about its more natural counterpart. You’ve probably heard the common sentiment that natural deodorant doesn’t work, but there’s more to the story that could explain why you still might stink.
Knowing the difference between deodorant and antiperspirant
When shopping for deodorant, have you ever had a look at the label and wondered, “what’s the difference between this and antiperspirant?” Well, the answer is quite simple. Antiperspirant works to actually block the secretion of sweat through the use of aluminum, effectively preventing odors while keeping your underarms dry. Deodorant, on the other hand, simply neutralizes body odor by masking it with a pleasant scent.
Making the switch to natural deodorant
If you’re considering making the switch to a natural deodorant, it's important to give your body some time to adjust. This is sometimes referred to as your body’s innate “detox” period, a common occurrence that takes place when you ditch aluminum based antiperspirants for a more natural alternative. When you cease using antiperspirants that contain aluminum, your sweat glands are free to excrete moisture, which can result in unwanted body odor that you might not have experienced before.
4 reasons your natural deodorant isn't working
There are a number of reasons why it might seem like your natural deodorant isn’t working for you and your body. But before you throw in the towel and give up on natural deodorant altogether, check to see if you fit in one of the following five categories.
1. You may need to switch scents/formulas
Sometimes, the effectiveness of natural deodorant rests entirely on the formula or fragrance and your body chemistry. If you try a scent and you find you are smelling even worse then you probably need to switch to a different scent profile.
If you tried a minty scent try a floral scent.
If you tried a floral scent try a citrusy scent.
If you tried a citrus scent try a fruity or flowery scent.
If you tried a fruity scent try an earthy scent.
If you tried an exotic scent try a sweet scent.
If you tried a sweet scent try a citrus or exotic scent.
If you need help finding the right scent email the Moody professionals and we’ll help you find the perfect scent.
2. You may sweat more than average
Because natural deodorants don’t contain aluminum, you’re likely to notice you sweat more than usual. Imagine your sweat glands have been blocked for years, and are finally able to breathe. This is perfectly normal, and could last as long as 30 days. Once your body acclimates to the absence of aluminum, you can use natural deodorant freely without worry.
It’s also not uncommon for women to have hyperhidrosis, a condition that causes you to perspire more than the average person. Some indications of hyperhidrosis include not just sweaty underarms, but sweaty hands and feet as well. It’s easy to get embarrassed by excessive sweating, but the fact is, it’s more normal than most are willing to admit. There’s really nothing to be embarrassed about. And with the right deodorant formula, you can all but cure your hyperhidrosis.
Youtuber Sarah Hawkinson has hyperhidrosis and tested over a dozen natural deodorants to figure out what the best cruelty free deodorant for hyperhidrosis and found Moody Deodorant to be the best!
3. You aren’t applying your deodorant properly
If you’re like most, you apply your deodorant in the morning, on your way out the door. But, did you know that it’s actually more effective to put your deodorant right after your shower? When you step out of the bath or shower, your pores will be wide open, and ready to actually absorb the product when you apply it. Make sure you’re applying your deodorant to freshly clean pits. Reapplying over body odor won’t be very effective.
4. Your clothes may be causing bacteria buildup
Fabrics matter when it comes to body odor — So much so, we did a whole guide on wearing the right fabrics to fight body odor! Synthetic fabrics like nylon, polyester, or spandex are weaved in a way that odors have a tendency to get trapped in their fibers. Opt for natural fibers like bamboo, cotton, or linen instead, which allows for your underarms to breathe, and for odors to pass through. The fit of your clothing is also a factor. The tighter a blouse hugs your body, the more likely you are to sweat and secrete a foul odor.