Switching to Natural Deodorant: How To Make the Swap

Switching to natural deodorant from an antiperspirant can trigger a transition period as your pores clear out and your body chemistry adjusts, but it's well worth it if you prefer a more natural approach to odor management.

In this article, we'll explain the side effects of switching to natural deodorant and how to make the transition a little smoother. You'll also learn how to choose the right formula for your skin.

Why Switching to Natural Deodorant Causes a Transition Period

Switching from aluminum deodorant to a natural one causes a transition period because of the difference in how the two handle moisture.

Most antiperspirants include aluminum, which plugs your pores to stop sweat from ever reaching the skin's surface. Switching to aluminum-free deodorant causes a transition phase as your body adjusts to the new product, leading to a slightly smellier couple of weeks. Once you get through the transition, natural deodorants can neutralize body odor just fine.

Aluminum-free deodorants instead use natural ingredients that counteract odor with pleasant smells like Mountain Meadow or Coastal Mist. As you sweat, ingredients like charcoal and arrowroot trap the odor, and they then wash away the next time you shower.

What To Expect During the Transition

You're going to be very aware of the transition as it happens because, if you've been using antiperspirant for years, you're probably not accustomed to how much you naturally sweat. It's an adjustment phase, but it usually only takes a couple of weeks.

Weeks One and Two

From day one of switching to a natural deodorant, you're going to feel a lot more slickness in your armpits. Armpits sweat a little even when you aren't running or standing in the heat, just to lubricate your underarm. Now that your sweat ducts aren't blocked up, there will likely be a bit more odor and wetness than you're used to.

After Week Two

By the end of the second week, you should start to reach a natural balance: Now that your body's adjusted, you don't sweat or smell more than usual. Sweat happens, but your new deodorant catches the odor before it becomes a problem.

Tips for a Smoother Switch

That might all sound pretty uncomfortable, and it's true that the transition phase is a bit of a hassle, but there are ways to make it a little less smelly. Here are some tips for how to use natural deodorant and a few routine changes to make this phase a little easier:

• Gentle exfoliation: Use a natural soap with a bit of grit to scrub away dead skin cells and clear out pores a little faster.
• Midday reapplication: About halfway through your day, use a body wipe on your pits and apply your natural deodorant again to freshen up.
• Breathable fabrics: Wear breathable fabrics like cotton that absorb and wick away moisture so it doesn't get trapped and make you stinky.
• Staying hydrated: During this transition phase, your sweat glands may produce more sweat than you're used to, so drink plenty of water to avoid getting dehydrated.
• Wear clean clothes: Your clothes will catch some of the aluminum that's coming out of your pores, which can stain them and make them smell, so put them through the wash before you wear them a second time. That way, you won't reintroduce any of the odor you're trying to get rid of.

Choosing the Right Formula

The most effective natural deodorants have odor-neutralizing ingredients like arrowroot and essential oils. Different formulas also suit different needs, like Natural Stick deodorants for everyday use and Invisible Glide deodorant for when you can't risk streaking your shirt. Here's how to pick one that works for you.

For the Sweat-Meisters

If you have a sweaty job or intense gym routine, you'll need a high-performance deodorant that can go anywhere on your bod. A squeeze-bottle formula like our Precision Deo is tailor-made for that situation: Its anti-chafing Powder Dry formula will keep you feeling fresh and comfortable wherever you apply it.

For Everyday Sweating

Dr. Squatch Natural Stick deodorants are good for the everyman. Whether you're going to a mildly sweaty day job or the beach, they'll keep up with what you throw at them. They use arrowroot powder, natural charcoal, and postbiotics, all while giving off a pleasant fragrance that layers with your cologne and natural musk.

When You Gotta Clean Up Nice

When you're going somewhere fancy, wearing a white shirt or a rented tux, you can't risk wet pits and stains on your shirt. Reach for the Invisible Glide deodorant, which won't leave sticky residue on your fancy clothes.

For the Man on the Go

If you have a high-pressure job or are always in a rush, you need a deodorant that's quick and easy to apply whenever. A spray deodorant is your best bet since you can spritz it on your pits and be on your way.

Make the Switch With Dr. Squatch's Natural Deodorant

Switching from aluminum to natural deodorants is easier than it might sound. The transition phase is relatively quick and predictable: After about two weeks, your pits should find the natural balance they need to handle moisture and odor. By the third or fourth week, the noticeable difference in wetness and odor should subside, and you'll be well on your way to feeling like a man and smelling like a champion.

To take control of your scent, check out the Dr. Squatch line of men's deodorant. We have dozens of scents in different formulas for all your manly fragrance needs. If you're not sure which is right for you, sample a few with a custom bundle to find the one that fits your style.