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 make the switch from conventional antiperspirant deodorant, 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 antiperspirants, your armpits literally go through withdrawal by releasing built up toxins that the antiperspirant was preventing 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. Sweat is an essential function that helps us regulate temperature and release toxins from our bodies.

When you prevent your body from releasing toxins, they build up in your lymphatic system and can make you sick, and cause an array of health complications.

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. However, Armpit Detoxing isn’t only for people who are transitioning to natural deodorant from an antiperspirant. We recommend detoxing regularly from once a week to monthly 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:

• • Aluminum– Used to block sweat glands and reduce perspiration. However, aluminum has been linked to health concerns such as breast cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, and kidney problems

  • Parabens- These synthetic preservatives are used to extend the shelf life of products. Parabens can disrupt hormone function by mimicking estrogen in the body, potentially leading to hormone-related health issues and reproductive problems. Parabens have also been found in biopsied tissue with breast cancer in several studies

  • Phthalates– These chemicals are often used to enhance fragrance in products. Phthalates are known endocrine disruptors, which interfere with hormone production and regulation, leading to various health issues including reproduction abnormalities (such as infertility) and developmental disorders. 

  • Propylene glycol– Aka: Antifreeze. This synthetic compound is used to help products absorb into the skin more easily. It can cause skin irritation and allergic reactions in some people. Has been linked to cancer and other health issues.

  • Synthetic fragrances– Fragrances in conventional antiperspirants often contain a cocktail of chemicals, including phthalates and other undisclosed ingredients. The fragrance industry is notoriously secretive about specific ingredients used in synthetic fragrances. Brands often list "fragrance" or "parfum" on product ingredient labels as a single ingredient, when in reality those words are an umbrella term for hundreds of other toxic chemicals that, although in small amounts, still impact our bodies. This lack of transparency makes it challenging for consumers to identify potential allergens or harmful substances. 

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 as it will deactivate the beneficial properties.

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!