If You've Been Waiting For the Right Time to Transition to a Natural Deodorant, This Is It

Is there ever a good time to transition from an antiperspirant to a natural deodorant? Not really, but while you're sitting in isolation with very little to no human interaction, it's as good a time as any. What I'm about to say is not the least bit glamorous, nor is it your typical self-care recommendation, but it's still a valid beauty tip from me to you to occupy your time at home.

On the list of not-so-cute and kind of gross beauty acts out there, somewhere between taking off your toenail polish and attempting to wax at home, is making the switch from a regular antiperspirant to a natural product. To put it plainly, the reason this act is dreaded so dang much is because it stinks — literally. Anyone who's ever successfully transitioned to a natural deodorant, like myself, knows the struggle.

Natural deodorants — the kind that don't contain aluminum in the formula — take a little while for your body to get used to. We call this the "transitional phase" and it involves detoxing your underarms of the aluminum "plugs" in your glands that kept you from sweating all this time. Hence the B.O. Now here's the semi-bad news: this phase can take anywhere from two to four weeks to complete. Bummer, I know, but that's why social distancing is the perfect opportunity to make the change.

Luckily, you can help draw out the aluminum from your underarms a little faster with clay masks and other products specifically formulated to detox your armpits (yes, they exist), like the Pacifica Beauty Coconut & Charcoal Underarm Detox Scrub and the Megababe Happy Pits Detoxifying Underarm Mask. Anything to get you by, right?

I'm a firm believer that the whole process can be made much more enjoyable with a little retail therapy — and by retail therapy I mean buying a natural deodorant that's cute and trendy — so I recommend Nécessaire The Deodorant or Native Coconut & Vanilla Deodorant.

In due time if you persevere through the stink, your body will adapt to the natural deodorant and allow the botanical odor blockers to work their magic. Make no mistake, natural deodorants don't stop you from sweating, but they will keep you smelling nice for when it is time to go back outside and hug your friends once more.