Why You Should Ditch Traditional Deodorants (And What to Use Instead)
Let’s Talk Armpits (No, Really)
This isn’t one of those changes I made overnight. I held onto my favorite spray deodorant for years, convinced it was the only thing strong enough to keep me fresh. I mean, who wants to gamble with BO?
But after digging into what was actually in my go-to product (and what it was doing to my skin), I started rethinking everything.
What’s Really in Conventional Deodorants?
Some of the ingredients in traditional antiperspirants are... not great. Here's what made me pause:
Aluminum Compounds
These block sweat glands to reduce perspiration. That might sound great—until you realize it also interferes with your body’s natural detox process.
According to the National Cancer Institute, while there’s no conclusive link between aluminum in antiperspirants and breast cancer, aluminum-based compounds are absorbed by the skin and can mimic estrogen—a hormone that has been linked to the development of breast cancer cells in some studies.
Fragrance (a.k.a. Mystery Mix)
"Fragrance" can legally include hundreds of unknown chemicals, many of which can be irritating, hormone-disrupting, or simply unnecessary.
The Environmental Working Group (EWG) warns that fragrance mixtures often contain phthalates, which are endocrine disruptors and may interfere with hormone function.
Parabens
Used as preservatives, but linked to potential hormone disruption. I didn’t want to be rolling that into my skin every day.
The FDA acknowledges that while parabens are widely used, they have been shown in lab studies to mimic estrogen and may disrupt hormonal balance.
Alcohols
They can dry you out fast—and leave your underarms irritated or itchy.
Dermatologists often caution that alcohol-based deodorants can exacerbate conditions like eczema or contact dermatitis, especially in sensitive skin.
I’m not here to scare anyone, but I do think it’s worth knowing what we’re putting on our skin daily. Especially in sensitive areas.
What Happened When I Switched
Let me be real: it wasn’t smooth at first.
I went through what the natural community calls a “detox phase.” Basically, your body adjusts to sweating again (which is natural, by the way!), and you may notice odor changes for a couple of weeks.
But here’s what happened after that:
My underarms were less irritated
I didn’t get weird bumps after shaving
I still stayed fresh (once I found the right product)
"It’s completely normal to experience a transition period when switching to natural deodorants," says Dr. Loretta Ciraldo, board-certified dermatologist. "Your sweat glands are adjusting to the lack of aluminum blocking their function."
What I Use Instead (And Love)
Here are a few natural deodorants I’ve tried, and what I actually stuck with:
Native Deodorant
Gentle formula
Tons of scent options
No baking soda (great for sensitive skin)
Primally Pure
Smells amazing
Actually lasts all day
Uses tallow and essential oils
Magnesium-Based Deodorant
For anyone who reacts to baking soda
Magnesium helps neutralize odor naturally
This one was surprisingly effective
A 2017 study published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology found that magnesium compounds help reduce body odor without affecting the skin’s natural microbiome, making them a great option for sensitive individuals.
Tip: give any natural deodorant a few weeks before deciding if it works. Your body might just need time to adjust.
It’s Not About Perfection
Switching to natural deodorant isn’t about being “perfect” or following a trend. For me, it came down to feeling more comfortable in my skin—literally.
If you’re thinking about making the switch, don’t stress the detox. Stock up on wipes, drink lots of water, and maybe avoid tight social plans for a bit (just being honest!).
Your body will figure it out—and you might just feel a whole lot better for it.
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