Thinking of trying a deodorant made with ingredients of natural origin for the first time? Before making the change, it is helpful to understand what happens when you stop using an antiperspirant and start using an aluminum-free deodorant. Here's what you need to know…
Deodorant and antiperspirant – so what’s the difference?
Antiperspirants modify the natural perspiration of the skin. Indeed, they prevent the natural phenomenon of sweating by blocking the sweat glands.
Aluminum-free deodorants, on the other hand, work very differently. They do not alter perspiration, which is a natural reaction of the body to cool down. Unlike antiperspirants, deodorants absorb moisture and unpleasant odors. They also form a hydrophobic layer that inhibits the proliferation of odor-causing bacteria.
So, when you switch to an aluminum-free deodorant, your body has to readjust and get used to perspiration again. This process can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks. During this period of adaptation, you may find yourself sweating more and noticing changes in the odor of your sweat. It is also possible you won’t notice any difference!
Tips for getting through the transition period:
Here are some helpful tips from our team to get through the adjustment period and reduce underarm sweat and odor:
1. Choose a cooler, less humid time of year.
Fall, winter, and spring are all good times to switch to an aluminum-free deodorant!
2. Keep it clean.
Clean your pits at the end of the day with mild soap and warm water. Be sure to dry your underarms well after getting out of the shower, as excess moisture can worsen the smell.
3. Exfoliate.
The best way to exfoliate is to use a gentle washcloth or scrub 2-3 times a week. Exfoliation also helps mitigate the odor by clearing up dead skin cells.
4. Wear natural fibers.
Wearing natural fibers compared to synthetics can make a huge difference in the smell of your sweat! Synthetic blends do not absorb sweat as much and can in turn cause more odor-causing bacteria. Try cotton, linen, or bamboo instead.
5. Drink water.
Stay well hydrated during the adaptation period. It is important to drink enough water, especially since you may sweat more during the first few weeks when switching to an aluminum-free deodorant.
6. Apply more than once.
If you’re going out for the day, take your aluminum-free deodorant along and reapply a couple of times throughout the day.
7. Give it time.
Give it at least a month to make sure your body has had enough time to adjust to your new deodorant.
What about ATTITUDE zero waste deodorant?
ATTITUDE deodorants are aluminum-free deodorants formulated with plant and mineral-based ingredients. Our Super Leaves™ deodorants use arrowroot (Maranta arundinacea), baking soda and cornstarch to absorb wetness and odors.
Our leaves bar™ deodorants, on the other hand, are baking soda-free and contain white clay with absorbent properties, as well as magnesium hydroxide to prevent unpleasant odors.
We also offer our deodorants in the Oatmeal Sensitive™ range, made with oat extract to form a protective barrier for the most delicate skins. These deodorants do not contain baking soda and use magnesium hydroxide to combat unpleasant odors.
Upon application, ATTITUDE deodorants do not obstruct natural perspiration as antiperspirants do, but create a hydrophobic barrier that inhibits the proliferation of odor-causing bacteria. The smooth texture of vegetal wax, shea butter, and coconut oil make it easy to apply and comfortable to wear all day long.
Proudly bearing the Environmental Working Group’s EWG VERIFIED™️ seal of approval, they check all the boxes: our eco-friendly deodorants are free of aluminum, parabens, triclosan, stearates, phthalates and artificial colors.
They are also vegan and come in a revolutionary plastic-free packaging that can add up to a huge reduction in plastic use.
Discover the complete collection of ATTITUDE plastic free deodorants.