Hey You - Yes, You!
Do you know what you’re putting on your armpits?
Our skin is our biggest organ. With thousands of pores and receiving cells, it pays to make informed choices about the ingredients we are using on a daily basis. Do some research on ingredients (aluminium is often found in deodorants - eek!) and also on the effects on BPAs and plastic packaging on human hormone disruption…
Once you know, you know, and can start looking at natural alternatives. Bonus points for products packaged without plastic too.. While natural lip balms and soaps are relatively easy finds, what about the harder stuff like moisturisers and even deodorants? This is a journey I’ve been on for the last 7 or so years - trying to find affordable, non-toxic, simple ingredients that are safe to use on myself and my family. The importance of this task was amplified when I was pregnant in 2021 and especially as a new mum I was hyper aware of ingredients that appeared on the back of bottle of perfumes, baby lotions, massage oil, even in baby wipes! I figured if I couldn’t pronounce it or understand how it was made, then it needed a second think. Over the years I have been making (and loving) more and more of my own cosmetic and body care products, carefully choosing simple, pared-back ingredients that nourish, not harm. Last year I finally released my own naturally nourishing range of handmade beauty products that ‘just work’, including natural deodorants for the whole family.
Are you thinking about trying natural deodorants yourself? Here’s some of the things that took me years to learn, that you need to know::
So firstly, natural deodorants will not stop you sweating. This is a good thing! Sweating is a natural process the body undertakes for heat regulation and to eliminate toxins. Antiperspirants work by physically blocking your pores - it can take weeks or months for your body to detox from the ingredients involved (especially aluminium which I know many people can actually develop a sensitivity to including rashes and reactions). Similarly, Big Brand deodorants also contain a cocktail of ingredients that aren’t doing your armpits any favours, including alcohol and fragrances.
So sweat is good, but odour? Not so much. We know that even ‘conventional’ perfumes can contain hormone disrupting toxins - especially for women’s breast health and mamas who are breastfeeding, snuggling and holding their precious babies, it is highly recommended to avoid these products. So where’s the solution?
A good natural deodorant contains very effective bacteria & odour fighting ingredients without the harsh chemicals. The key ingredients are all about reducing and balancing (naturally occurring) bacteria and therefore any odour and often include things like coconut oil, sodium bicarbonate and essential oils.
Whilst chemical deodorants and antiperspirants disrupt things, using a natural deodorant (or even no deo) allows your body microbiome and normal bacteria to re-stabilise: What a lot of people don’t realise is that your body goes through a little detox phase when you swap out antiperspirant for a natural option. If you’ve tried to go natural before but it ‘didn’t work’, it might simply be that you didn’t give it enough time. The truth is, your natural deodorant isn’t making you smell worse - the bacterial communities under your arms are changing. For some people it can actually take up to a month for your body to fully detox (don’t panic, for most people it’s less) but I promise it is totally worth it.
TIPS for if you’re really struggling to switch, try:
Take your deo with you to reapply during the day as your body adjusts
Using an antibacterial soap (something with tea tree or honey in it will work great)
Shower more often (or damp flannel/wet wipe)
Dust under your arms with corn flour/starch to absorb excess moisture
Some people find using a ‘detox’ clay mask underarms helps speed up the transition
Deodorants are just the tip of the iceberg, but an impactful way to start. I’m here to help you make the changes and choices you want to make for you and your family - simply message with your questions or further advice on detoxing plastic from your family’s home.
Made it this far? Whoop! Thanks for reading, hopefully you learned something new… If you like, you can get yourself a free sample tin of Natural deodorant with your next order using the code ‘NATDEO23’ (one-per-customer)
Check out the Natural Deodorants & Handmade Beauty range here: https://www.littlegiantsnz.com/?Collection=Handmade+Beauty