What I Wish I Knew Before Switching to Natural Deodorant

When I began changing my lifestyle after my cancer diagnosis, switching to natural deodorant was high on my list — but at the time, I had no idea what that transition would be like.

Before that, I had always used antiperspirants. I didn’t think much about it — just that they worked to keep me dry. But when I realized what was actually in them, and what it meant to block my pores day after day, I knew I wanted something different. So I began formulating my own deodorant — honestly, just for me.

I remember taking those first batches to a boutique and wondering if anyone would even be interested. At the time, natural deodorant wasn’t the trend it is now. And it wasn’t easy — it took me six months to get the formula just how I wanted it. And funny enough, that’s about how long it took for my body to fully adjust to natural deodorant, too.

The Adjustment Period No One Talks About

I don’t think it takes everyone six months, but your body does need time to figure out how to sweat normally again. If you’ve been using antiperspirants, your pores have been blocked — which means your body has been compensating. When you stop using them, it’s like your armpits are in overdrive. But that doesn’t last forever. As your body finds balance, you learn to live with sweat the way it was designed — not as something to fear, but something to understand.

Detox from the Inside Out

At the same time I was working on my deodorant formula, I was going through my Master Herbalist training — and realized I needed to detox my liver. I also learned that if you’re going to do any kind of cleansing, your bowels need to be moving 2–3 times a day and you need to drink plenty of water. Otherwise, those toxins will look for another way out… and the skin is one of those ways, including your armpits.

I started to notice that cleansing my body from the inside out helped me manage the odor I was experiencing. And yes — I had been dealing with odor even when I was using the antiperspirants. My body had been overcompensating, and it was finally clearing things out.

What I Learned About Deodorant (and Sweat)

Here’s what I wish I’d known:

• Sweat itself doesn’t stink. It’s the bacteria on your skin that causes odor.

• Your body is supposed to sweat. That’s a good thing — it helps regulate temperature and release toxins.

• You can absorb moisture naturally. I use ingredients like arrowroot powder to keep the underarm area dry without blocking pores.

• Deodorizing ingredients matter. Coconut oil and certain essential oils are naturally odor-neutralizing.

• Baking soda needs balance. I started with too much in my formula and it irritated my skin. Over time, I adjusted the ratio until it worked without causing redness or discomfort.

My Favorite Tip is The Armpit Detox Mask

If I could go back and give myself one thing during that transition, it would be my Armpit Detox Mask. It’s a simple powder blend that you mix with water and apply to your armpits — I like to do it while soaking in the tub. It helps draw out toxins and support the skin as you make the switch. I recommend it for anyone starting with natural deodorant.

Was It Worth It? Absolutely.

Making the change wasn’t quick, and it wasn’t perfect. But I’m so glad I did. My armpits aren’t irritated anymore. I don’t deal with the kind of odor I used to have. And most importantly, I feel confident knowing I’m doing something better for my body — something aligned with the way I choose to live now.

If you’re making this switch, be patient with your body. It’s doing its best to recalibrate. Support it, trust the process, and know you’re not alone.