Sweating isn’t a bad thing. It is the body’s natural way of keeping cool. It might be natural, but most BO is still not really socially acceptable. I am relatively short and therefore am in close proximity to lots of armpits (men and women). Believe me, Summer can be unbearable! Need I say more?!
Deodorant and antiperspirant help deal with body odor. They are commonly confused but they’re two separate products. Deodorant covers up bad smells from the body’s sweat or perspiration so you and others don’t smell it. Antiperspirants prevent sweating by blocking sweat pores themselves, usually by physically blocking sweat glands. I’ve recently tried some natural products that also offer odor protection. I have also included tips to choose the right product for you, along with how to stay cool in the heat.
Many Odor Protection Choices:
There are plenty of ways to stop body odor and reduce sweating. Antiperspirants help you sweat less by blocking your pores, the tiny openings in your skin that sweat comes out of. Antiperspirants contain many ingredients, including aluminum salts. Aluminum salts dissolve on your skin and “melt” into your pores. This helps plug up your pores and stop some of your sweat. Here is a list of deodorant and antiperspirant product types. Which ones appeal most to you?
- Antiperspirant
- Aerosol
- Sticks or Solid Antiperspirants
- Roll-On
- Deodorant and mineral “rocks”
- Cream & Wipe Deodorant
Advicesisters.com has done a variety of deodorant and antiperspirant reviews over the years. Click here to see them
Clean Beauty Natural Deodorants:
A lot of antiperspirants and deodorant/antiperspirant products contain aluminum. Aluminum is used to reduce sweating therefore most antiperspirants use aluminum. Some say that aluminum can cause cancer and other health issues. However, there is no scientific evidence directly linking aluminum to health issues. But if you have severe kidney disease it’s not a good choice for you. As always, consult your doctor if you’re unsure.
Here are some natural deodorants I’ve come across lately:
Odor Protection with Vegan Crystal Deodorant:
CRYSTAL Deodorant Sticks are vegan and feature a long list of “we-don’t haves” right on the swivel up tube. But they do have Magnesium with around-the-click odor protection without the downsides of aluminum or drying irritants like baking soda. The soft sticks leave no white marks, and the essential oils that scent the products are very nice.
Despite the name “Crystal”, this isn’t a hard mineral tock. It’s a traditionally-styled swivel-up that is soft and glides smoothly onto your skin. I tried three: Coconut & Vanilla (for those who love Summer-centric), Sea Salt & Sage (for those who love herbal scents), and my personal favorite was the uplifting Sage & Lime (also good for the guys).
Essential oils and magnesium will help protect against odor for up to 24 hours. Since it’s not an antiperspirant Crystal won’t stop wetness, but at least you won’t stink! I really like these generously sized deodorant sticks.
FYI: Magnesium is a mineral used in deodorants for the same reason as baking soda. That is, to create a pH environment on the skin that’s too high for odor-causing bacteria to thrive. It also dissolves more slowly so it is less likely to cause irritation than chemicals or baking soda.
Teal Botanicals Clean Beauty Odor Protection:
Teal Botanicals is also clean beauty using ingredients such as coconut oil, pili oil, lemongrass, and coffee powder from small farms in the Phillippines. The swivel-up stick of all-natural deodorant contains no aluminum or baking soda, but it does keep you odor-free. If there is a downside it’s that the swivel-up stick is so soft it kind of melts into your skin. I enjoyed the product and di definitely killed odor (I tested this on some really sweaty days).
However, teal also has a cream deodorant in a jar. Anyone who reads my reviews regularly knows that I don’t like screw-top jars due to the possibility of contamination. However, You can control the amount by adding just a small amount on your finger (there is no applicator).
The products are all-natural, aluminum, and baking soda-free. This deodorant also has Magnesium along with a blend of oils, shea butter, arrowroot powder, candelilla wax, kaolin clay, tapioca starch, and Zinc (zinc salt). https://www.tealbotanicals.com/
A Note on Armpit Detox:
There really is no such thing as an armpit detox. But if you’re used to antiperspirant-deodorants you may need a few days to get used to how they feel and how they work. Whether you choose a traditional product or clean beauty is simply a matter of personal preference. As long as you don’t perspire profusely, the natural products will do a good job of neutralizing body odor.
Stop Body Odor with something different — SWIFF for Your Clothes
Instead of using deodorant (or along with), consider Swiff. It’s a spray you put on your clothes prior to wearing them. This is such a unique idea. Spray Swiff in areas that usually generate smell (armpits) and you’ll notice you don’t stink after doing a workout (no matter how sweaty you get!!!).
How To Use:
It’s a two-step process. Spray the silver 5-10 times on problem areas like armpits. Spray the plant antioxidant 15-10 times in the same area. Let it air dry (about 5 minutes). So you can pre-treat clothes, shoes, gear, etc. by simply spraying them (even works on suit coats, dog beds, upholstery, & more). The odor blocker works for five washes and up to 50 washes.
For those who need to know, Swiff is organic, vegan and cruelty-free, and free of Chemicals, PFAS, Parabens, and Propellants. According to Swiff, the product is pet and kid-safe. It’s odorless and transparent.
The press information suggests you can use it on more than just clothing. Try it on yoga mats, dog beds, new couches, suit coats, shoes, gym bags, etc.
Swiff is odorless and transparent. I still plan to use antiperspirants or deodorants, but Swiff will give me an extra bit of confidence when I need it. Visit https://www.swiffspray.com/
Other things you Can do to Stop Body Odor (from the Cleveland Clinic & Advicesisters.com):
Keep your skin clean by taking a daily bath or shower (this seems obvious but you’d be amazed how many people skip days).
Shave your pits. Hair is a breeding ground for bacteria. That way sweat evaporates quickly and doesn’t have as much time to interact with bacteria.
Regularly wash clothing, and wear clean clothes. (again, obvious, but you’d be amazed how many people wear the same thing for days).
Read about other antiperspirants and deodorants that advicesisters.com has reviewed in the past to see what works best for you.
Wear loose-fitting clothing made of natural fabrics that allow your skin to breathe. Sexy nylon underwear might be fun, but when it’s really hot, cotton is the best bet.
Carry a fan, for more suggestions about how to stay cool when it’s hot, click here
Be aware when eating smelly foods and note if specific foods make your body odor worse. Garlic, onions, and alcohol can make your sweat smell more unpleasant.
Find ways to reduce your stress levels. Stress can cause your apocrine glands to activate.
