If there is something ingrained in our life pattern, it is the use of deodorant. Spray cans with that intense scent or bottles with sticky gel. Because you want to go through life as fresh as possible and without the smell of sweat. What you may not know is that those standard rollers and sprays contain special ingredients for which we, by now, raise the nose. Because if you have to detox from a deodorant that you have been using carelessly for years, then something is really fishy.
Since puberty, you have undoubtedly emptied hundreds of tubes, spray cans, and deodorant sticks, sprayed and rolled. As you got older, it naturally had to keep smelling like flowers under the armpits. Or like that very sharp perfume scent that you and your surroundings almost went blind from.
Maybe it's a good idea to know what exactly you are spraying, smearing, or rolling under your arms. In the long run, this is actually not such a good idea to keep doing. It can actually be much more natural, effective, and healthier.
Also check out our article on the 'Top 10 best natural deodorant for men'.
Why does your sweat stink?
Everyone sweats. Less in the winter, but generally, perspiration occurs 24/7. Even when you sleep. And that's a good thing because waste products need to be expelled through the pores. Sweating also keeps your body temperature in check. Sweat itself does not stink. However, the bacteria that are attracted to the sweat do.
As the bacteria mix with the sweat, waste products are created, which the bacteria then excrete. It is precisely this chemical process that can cause an overwhelming odor in the armpit area.
The heat under the armpits causes fats to convert sebum and sweat into butyric acid, caproic acid, and mercaptans. Unfortunately, these last three are responsible for that intense penetrating odor. Moreover, food also influences excessive sweating. Garlic, for example. Of course, you can't smear your entire body with (natural) deodorant. But let's focus on the two odor-spreading islands: the armpits
What harmful substances do you find in household deodorants?
What you find in the most sold deodorants are parabens, aluminum, alcohol, S(L)ES, and for example triclosan. These are foreign and therefore harmful substances that immediately eliminate odor-causing bacteria but can also damage your health in the long term.
For example, aluminum clogs the pores under the armpits, preventing you from sweating, which is a necessity for a human body. Let's name a few properties of the aforementioned ingredients.
- Aluminum: is also absorbed by the skin and enters your system where it can cause DNA damage. It can also affect bones and the nervous system if a large amount accumulates. There is even a link between the presence of aluminum in the body and Alzheimer's.
- Triclosan: not only kills the harmful bacteria that cause odor but also the good bacteria in our body. It can also significantly disrupt the hormonal balance.
- Parabens: also known as synthetic preservatives. You encounter parabens in many personal care products. Not all parabens are necessarily bad, but there are plenty of harmful variants among them. Not proven, but the components in parabens could be harmful to organs and affect hormonal balance.
- S(l)ES: fully Sodium Lauryl Sulfate. This substance degreases and dries out the skin. It can also cause itching and the skin may start to flake.
When you consider the above, you should ask yourself whether you should still throw these chemical deodorants into your shopping cart. Fortunately, there are also numerous options to tackle unpleasant sweat odors without all these grim ingredients.
This can be done in a natural and organic way. Although your body will have to adjust to it. The body will need to detox from all the harmful substances you have actually been using your whole life before the natural DEO becomes 100% effective.
What you need to know when switching to a natural deodorant?
We will immediately dispel the illusion that when you switch to a purely natural deodorant there may not be an immediate effect. You might be lucky, but generally, the body needs to get used to the new way of sweat management.
Most standard products, due to the harmful ingredients present, ensured that you no longer perspired under the armpits. By clogging pores or using overpowering fragrance. Your body has become accustomed to this over the years and that will need to be phased out. When you stop using deodorant, you will simply start perspiring again. Develop odor. It is actually very good for your body that it can flow under the arms again.
How to survive this detox perspiration phase?
It is undoubtedly a bit of an adjustment when you stop using conventional products and will initially sweat bullets when you are at a birthday, wedding, or at the office without the standard sweat protection but are equipped with the natural variant.
You just have to get through it. The detox process takes about 2 to 4 weeks. Incidentally, the effect is different for each individual. Some bring a fresh sweat odor with them, while others have no issues at all.
Tips
- When you have the opportunity, try to freshen up under the armpits during the day. A washcloth & water, for example. Perhaps there is an opportunity to exercise at work? Take advantage of that opportunity. Provided there is also a shower, of course. Natural bar soap at hand and clean that stuff.
- Apply some natural deodorant in between.
Of course, we at The Alpha Men are those guys who like to smell fresh. So we switched from the common standard deodorant products some time ago. Only natural or deodorants without aluminum, alcohol, or parabens.
That's why we pick out a few phenomenal deodorants for you below, which they are sure that once you start using them, you will never grab a deodorant with harmful substances from the shelf again in the short term.
SALT & STONE - Santal & Vetiver (Formula Nº 2)
This 100% organic and vegan deodorant from Salt & Stone is designed for all skin types. The hyaluronic acid in this deodorant hydrates and cares for the skin. The deodorant contains no aluminum, alcohol, parabens, baking soda, dyes, and synthetic fragrances, prevents inflammation, and helps calm the skin. Also, this deodorant leaves no stains, neutralizes unpleasant body odors, and ensures you smell fresh all day long. The deodorant has the scent of sandalwood, vanilla, jasmine, tonka, and amber.
Note: rubbing once under the armpits is enough. If you use too much, you get a thick layer under your armpits that cannot be absorbed by your skin. As a result, the product ends up in the apparel, which can eventually cause stains.
Grown Alchemist - Roll-On Deodorant
This vegan roll-on deodorant from Grown Alchemist , without harmful chemical components, prevents the smell of sweat under the armpits and provides a fresh aroma. The cruelty-free deodorant has an aluminum-free plant-based formula, making the deodorant also suitable for sensitive skin. The deodorant is rich in natural active substances that absorb sweat, eliminate odor, and leave a fresh scent. Thanks to the presence of coumarins and triglycerides from Tamanu seed oil, this superior deodorant ensures an optimal microbial balance. The soft fragrances of sandalwood, orange, and Icelandic moss make it a very exclusive deodorant.
Malin+Goetz - Bergamot Deodorant Stick
The iconic Malin + Goetz. With the same deodorant. The pinnacle. This hyper-natural deodorant offers clean and effective protection against underarm odor without the use of aluminum, alcohol, baking soda, parabens, or synthetic fragrances. Natural bergamot extract inside and probiotic enzymes to neutralize sweat odor. Cornstarch on board to absorb excess moisture. The stick glides smoothly and without residue to keep the armpits fresh all day. Suitable for all, and especially sensitive, skin types. It contains a natural and heavenly scent of bergamot, fruit, and citrus.
The deodorants of this brand are, rightly, in almost every top list of the best natural deodorants on the market. Malin+Goetz deodorants contain no aluminum, alcohol, baking soda, parabens, or synthetic fragrances, allowing even the most sensitive armpits to embrace this deodorant. The bergamot extracts and probiotics really keep bad odors away, and the deodorant also contains cornstarch that absorbs excess moisture, making your armpits less sweaty. So, fewer wet spots under your arms! The roller glides easily over the skin, leaves no stains, and keeps fragrances away all day.