So you’ve tried some natural deodorants and perhaps even dabbled with some DIY solutions to your pit predicament. However, you haven’t come out smelling like roses. Quite the opposite in some instances.
Let’s try to get to the bottom of this with an overview of what is going on and how you can still stay the sustainable course and get a natural deodorant to work for you. Bonus points for ones that are also plastic-free.
What is the Science Behind Body Odor
It’s bacteria baby! Yes, you’re covered in them, but some particular pit bacteria are the odor causing offenders. So your sweat doesn't smell. Phew!
We try to control these bacteria, well the smell they produce, by using either antiperspirants which work by blocking sweat or deodorants which work by killing or neutralizing the bacteria that cause odor.
Natural Deodorants vs. Conventional Antiperspirants
While conventional antiperspirants often contain aluminum, parabens, and other potentially harmful chemicals, natural deodorants are formulated with natural ingredients such as baking soda, coconut oil, and essential oils.
All new Gaia Guy Deodorant with Magnesium Might Be Your New Go To Organic Deodorant Cream
Gaia Guy has had a coconut oil based one that primarily used baking soda to stop those odor causing bacteria from making you stink. However, has since moved on to one that doesn't require palm oil or coconut oil. It uses powdered herbs and essential oils and would you believe a crystal powder, but more on that later.
Many people prefer natural deodorants because they are free from harmful chemicals and are better for the environment. However, the lack of chemicals in natural deodorants can also be the reason why they don't work for some people right away. See natural herbal crystal deodorant on amazon here.
The Transition Period To Chemical-Free Deodorants
When switching from a conventional antiperspirant to a natural deodorant, people often mention a transition period. What are they talking about and what is going on?
To test this, scientists asked people to stop using these products and then checked their skin for bacteria. They found that when people stopped using these products, more bacteria grew on their skin. And when they started using the products again, the bacteria decreased. Source
OK so just like our microbiomes differ our armpit microbiome likely differ based on products used. This could explain why there is a period of a week or two that people talk about when moving from a typical deodorant to a natural one.
The Type of Natural Deodorant & Ingredients
It is great to see a plethora of choices now in this space. You can find pastes, sticks, sprays and powders. Any and all can work and you can get used to just about any of them once you know how to apply them.
Natural deodorants are formulated with natural ingredients to address the concerns mentioned above. Most have used baking soda to fight odor as mentioned before. Others have tried apple cider vinegar and some borrow on centuries of wisdom from Asia that use a kind of crystal or inorganic salt to take on those odor-causing bacteria.
Some people may be sensitive to certain ingredients, such as baking soda or essential oils so you may need to experiment to find the right one for you. If you find that a natural deodorant is causing skin irritation or discomfort, it's important to switch to a different product or to consult with a dermatologist.
Magnesium hydroxide is gaining popularity as a safe and natural alternative to aluminum-based compounds in deodorants. Derived from magnesium salts and water, it offers an effective way to combat body odor without the potential risks associated with aluminum compounds.
Magnesium hydroxide deodorants work by neutralizing the bacteria responsible for producing unpleasant odors, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a more natural approach to odor control.
Safety is a key concern for many individuals when choosing personal care products, and magnesium hydroxide offers peace of mind in this regard. It is generally considered safe for topical application and is a gentler alternative for those with sensitive skin, as it is less likely to cause irritation or clog pores.
Additionally, its natural sourcing and eco-friendly production make it a more sustainable choice compared to aluminum-based ingredients, which can have a more significant environmental impact.
This makes magnesium hydroxide not only a safe and effective option but also a more sustainable and natural choice for those who prioritize both personal well-being and the planet's health in their skincare routines.
Are there any natural deodorants that work?
Certainly there are. Will they work straight away for you? Well that can come down to that transition period and the type you choose to use.
Of course having a deodorant that works, but causes skin irritation certainly isn’t an acceptable solution. This is why Gaia Guy has moved to an natural herbal powder deodorant. It just simply works great to stop body odor, foot odor and of course keeps your pits from smelling rather lovely too without being overpowering.
Why does Gaia Guy’s natural deodorant actually work?
Gaia Guy's Natural Herbal Deodorant is made from 100% natural ingredients and is free of talc, palm oil, and baking soda. You might be thinking how it could still work then.
Let’s take a look at what it does have in it which makes it such an effective natural deodorant.
The main odor fighting ingredient is potassium alum. It also includes some herbs that work wonders without being too over powering. Rosemary powder, clove leaf, frankincense, betle leaf, peppermint leaf, Mediterranean cypress stem, rosemary leaf oil, and peppermint oil.
These natural herbs, essential oils also provide odor protection and can help reduce sweating. It doesn’t block sweat glands though like antiperspirants so you can still allow your body to naturally detox through perspiration.
Potassium alum, in particular, is a crystal deodorant that has been used in Asia for centuries and has an incredible ability to kill odor-causing bacteria. And unlike baking soda-based deodorants,
Gaia Guy's Natural Herbal Deodorant isn't abrasive and won't stain your clothes like ones with coconut oil or shea butter.
It is of course a vegan friendly deodorant that is cruelty-free, so you can feel good about using it. Plus, the eco-friendly packaging, which includes a reusable and recyclable glass jar and a cute bamboo spoon, makes it a plastic-free choice.
And if you're confused about the application process, don't be! Watch that video above for a pretty simple tutorial.
You can use the included tiny spoon or your fingers to apply the powder after your shower. And since it's gentle and talc-free, you can apply it as often as you need to.
Overall, finding the right natural deodorant can be a process of trial and error. But with Gaia Guy's Natural Herbal Deodorant, you may have just found the solution you've been looking for. Give it a try and see if it works for you – your body and the planet will thank you for it.