We’ve all been there: after one too many pit-stained t-shirts, irritated underarms, and ingredient lists a mile long with chemical names you can’t pronounce, you’re finally ready to say goodbye to antiperspirants for good. No matter your reasoning for wanting to switch to a clean deodorant, it might not be easy at first as your underarms go through the “detox” period, a process that can leave you feeling sweatier than ever. That’s why we’ve rounded up a few tips to make the switch as painless as possible, and leave your underarms feeling—and smelling!—better than ever.
Tip #1: Understand the transition period.
Don’t expect an overnight transformation: your body needs time to adjust when you wean off aluminum deodorant. Basically, the aluminum in antiperspirant acts as a “plug” in your pores, blocking in sweat and preventing the odor-inducing bacteria that feeds off sweat. So, when you stop plugging your pores, you might sweat more than usual as your body begins to adjust and purge. The amount of time varies from person to person, but on average, expect 2-4 weeks of increased sweating and a shift in your body’s odor profile.
Tip #2: Exfoliation is your friend.
To prevent pesky odor-inducing bacteria from forming during your transition period, exfoliation is key. A gentle physical exfoliator like Mitt Trio helps remove dead skin cells and aluminum deodorant residue, so your clean deodorant can work more effectively. A chemical exfoliator like Ingrown Eliminator Serum helps go deep into pores and clarify them from the inside out, which not only assists your body in its effort to purge, but also effectively removes the bacteria trying to feast on your sweat.
Tip #3: Choose the right clean deodorant.
Not all clean deodorants are created equal, so it's crucial to find one that suits your underarm’s hair and skin. Our new Ingrown Deodorant delivers unique skin and hair care benefits powered by botanicals and clean, best-in-class ingredients, to not only neutralize your sweat, but to also prevent ingrowns and brighten discoloration. And rather than traditional deodorant ingredients, like aluminum and baking soda, Ingrown Deodorant uses derm- and gyno-approved ingredients that are more commonly found in clean skin and haircare products. The result: an effective deodorant that only has room for the good stuff.
Even though switching to clean deodorant isn’t a one-and-done, effortless swap, keep in mind that the transition period isn’t forever! With the right tools, it can be as painless and sweat-free as possible—and in the long run, your underarms will thank you.