You may already know this, but if not, I'm here to clarify: If you have been using commercial or drugstore deodorants and antiperspirants, your body will go through a detox phase before you find that the natural stuff works. And it won't be easy. 

What is a detox phase?

When you make the switch to a natural deodorant you will go through a detox phase. In the detox phase, which can last between 1-3 weeks and sometimes longer, you will notice an increase in sweating, and very likely a weird smell where you think: "this CAN'T be me!" Many people start to notice a smell that is stronger and unfamiliar to their natural body odor, and start to think that the natural deodorant is a bad product, not working, or that natural deodorant is just not for them. 

Here's what's going on:

First let's get one thing clear: Sweating is good for you.  It's your body's way of taking care of you by expelling toxins . In the 1950s, deodorants were introduced and people loved that they were not sweating anymore, and  started smelling like a field of flowers in their underarms.

In the years that you've been using commercial and drugstore deodorants you have been applying a range of parabens, aluminum, phthalates, propylon glycol, formaldehyde, and antibacterial components.  These ingredients have stopped you from sweating and eliminating toxins naturally, and they've made their way under your skin.  Now that you decided to switch to a natural deodorant, your body is happy to eliminate those toxins from your body. Your pores are no longer clogged up, your skin is free to breathe again, and everything is going out!

Now imagine what it would be like if you kept a garbage bag (full of garbage) under your sink, ignored, for years.  How do you think it would smell if you decided to open this garbage bag and take whif? Terrible right? The odor might even remain in the air for a few hours. That's what's happening as you transition to a natural deodorant. (not the best analogy, sorry)

Here's what you should do:

You must see the process through. It takes time. You'll need to keep your new, natural deodorant with you, and reapply it when needed.  

If you feel like you might be chasing people away, you need to wash the area with soap, dry, and re apply your natural deodorant. Having an extra shirt on hand is also a good idea.

Some people like to go without any deodorant for a while, letting their skin breathe without any products.  Others like to apply a detoxing mask made with bentonite clay and vinegar. You could also use the Detox Face Masque from Hayah Organics for this purpose, and help detox your under arms by applying some every day, letting it sit for 10- 20 minutes, and then washing it off in a shower or a wet towel. 

I've found that body odor is different from one person to the other. It can depend on your diet and how much meat you eat. I've noticed that vegetarians and vegans have a shorter detox phase.  It can also depend on the time of the month, where hormones can play a role in changing things up. 

Also, I've found that some essential oils, might not work for some people.  While I have customers loving the Peppermint Deodorant, some don't think it works for them. So try a different scent, but please don't turn back to the commercial deodorants.

I urge you to be patient with the process. It does take time, but it's well worth it when you realize that you are taking care of your body as much as it is taking care of you.

Did you experience a detox phase when you switched to a natural deodorant? How long did it last for you?