Have you ever tried a natural deodorant and it just didn’t work? You're not alone. This is the case for many people, especially when they first switch from toxic, conventional deodorant (antiperspirants) to a natural formula. At first, making the switch may seem like you're not wearing any deodorant at all!

Sorry, but the problem probably isn't the natural deodorant. It's you.

Well, your armpits. When you stop using an antiperspirant, your armpits literally go through withdrawal by releasing built up toxins that the antiperspirant was stopping from leaving your body. Antiperspirants contain a long list of nasty chemicals, meant to kill bacteria and stop your body's natural ability to sweat (extremely unhealthy by the way, and makes you smell worse when you stop because your pores are literally releasing built up sweat and toxins all at once).

Antiperspirant=no sweat. No sweat=built up toxins. Sweating is essential because it’s the body’s way of releasing toxins from the body. If you block these toxins from leaving your body, they build up in your lymphatic system and can make you sick.

Doing an armpit detox is a great way to speed up the process of transitioning to natural deodorant because it absorbs toxins that are lingering in your armpits, but armpit detoxing isn’t only for people who are transitioning to natural deodorant from an antiperspirant. We recommend detoxing regularly from twice a month to a couple times a year to keep your pit pores clean and fresh. It’s a common misconception that detoxing is only for natural deo newbies, but the reality is that everyone experiences different sweating and stink patterns depending on stress, diet, and day to day life. If you’re not new to natural deo, and our deo formula didn't quite to the trick, we highly recommend detoxing your pits. Antiperspirants aren’t the only things that clog up your pores. Dirt and dead skin cells can block the way just as easily, making everything you put on your pits go …meh. Detoxing every so often can also help prevent sudden deodorant ineffectiveness.

Here's a list of common ingredients found in conventional deodorant, and the risk of putting them on your body: (source from wellnessmama.com)

• Aluminum– Some evidence links aluminum to cancer and Alzheimer’s Disease

• Phthalates– Endocrine disruptors often found in plastic that can cause hormone imbalance and even infertility (especially in men)

• Propylene glycol– Aka: Antifreeze. An additive in personal care products

• Formaldehyde- A known carcinogen used to kill germs

• Parabens- Another hormone disruptor and parabens have been found in biopsied tissue with breast cancer

• Antibacterial Substances- Endocrine disruptors and can negatively affect the immune system

Putting these chemicals on your body can cause many health complications, disrupt immune function, and cause hormone imbalances. Please note that doing an armpit detox will not prevent or cure any disease or sickness.

You can purchase our Armpit Detox here, or you can make it yourself. Below is the recipe for one application, and the instructions:

Armpit Detox

Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp bentonite clay

• 1 tsp apple cider vinegar

• 1-3 tsp water

Directions:

1. Using a non-metal utensil, scoop 1 tbsp of bentonite clay into a small non-metal bowl. DO NOT use metal for this recipe.

2. Combine apple cider vinegar and water. Should be paste like, but smooth, so add more or less water to get the right consistency.

3. Apply an even layer to both armpits and let sit for 5-10 minutes, keeping arms up, then rinse in the shower or with a warm, wet rag.

Notes:

1. To get the full effects of an armpit detox, repeat bi-weekly (or every other day if you don’t have sensitive skin) and lengthen the duration you keep it on gradually. The first few times you do it, keep it on for 5 minutes or less to see how your skin reacts. Then the next week or earlier, go for 10 minutes. Do whatever feels good to you, but definitely start out slow. Try not to exceed 10 minutes.

2. If you experience irritation, remove immediately.

3. DO NOT USE METAL. Metal deactivates the beneficial properties in bentonite clay.

4. Redness may occur due to the increased blood flow in the area, that’s normal and will disappear within a half hour.

 

Happy detoxing!