Looking to make the switch from traditional antiperspirants to natural deodorants? There’s a couple of things you should know. Well, really just one thing. It can be a stinky process. Aluminum, the active ingredient in antiperspirants, works by blocking your pores and preventing your sweat from reaching the surface of your skin. After you make the switch, your pores unclog and your body adjusts to its aluminum-free life. And this causes an excess of odor. Not to worry, it doesn’t mean your aluminum-free deodorant isn’t working, or it’s not the product for you. It just means your body needs a month or two to adjust, clear your pores and find its sweat equilibrium.
And just because it might take time to detox, doesn’t mean there aren’t a few ways you can combat the extra odor. We’ve rounded up a few of our best tips here (as well as more info on our aluminum-free deodorants). But one of the best ways to help ease the process is this simple Underarm Detox DIY. It combines powerful ingredients like Calcium Bentonite Clay, known for drawing out toxins and impurities, apple cider vinegar, which has astringent properties, and honey, which can help soothe skin. Together they’ll help reduce the stink, detox your pits and get you on the road to better smelling underarms.
Underarm Detox DIY
What you’ll need:
- 2 tsp apple cider vinegar
- 2 tsp water
- 1 tsp honey
- 1 Tbsp Calcium Bentonite Clay
What you’ll do:
In a non-metal bowl, mix apple cider vinegar, water, and honey until thoroughly combined. Add Calcium Bentonite Clay and stir with a wooden or plastic spoon. If the mixture is too thick or thin, sprinkle a little more clay or water until you reach a yogurt-like consistency. Apply to underarms and allow to sit for 5-15 minutes. Remove the mask with a damp washcloth. Repeat weekly as needed.
*For a printable version, click here.
What are some of your favorite natural ways to keep your underarms smelling fresh? Let us know in the comments below!
I had no idea there was a transition period. After having breast cancer, finding a non-aluminum deodorant is a must! I just might have to try this detox as well.
Very Awesome and Help full Article. It really helps me. thanks for sharing this.
Hey, Your blog is very informative. It is nice to read such high-quality content. Attractive information on your blog, thank you for taking the time and share with us.
Definitely going to have to try this!
Ummm… if you have pre-teens & teens, please try this. Could be a mother-daughter spa experience at home. All those hormonal changes need some extra handling.
I have heard this is a great detox method, thank you!
One of my favorite natural ways to keep my underam skunks from being funky is by combining baking soda, aloe vera, and sometimes I add a drop or two of my favorit essential oil!.
This is so informative! I don’t love wearing deodorant, so I will for sure be trying this!
This is very informative. Thank you.
Going to try this, regular deodorant break me out during summer, that I go without alot during the summer months
This is so helpful!! I’ve been using natural deodorant for a long time but still often have stinky armpits – I’m going to try this!
I can’t wait to try this!!
A bunch of thanks for sharing such valuable information & experience with us.
I love this and the PT deodorants!!
Great information. Hope to try it soon as whenever i use deodrant i feel burning sensation. Thanks for sharing information.
Can’t wait to try this!
I love my natural deodorant! I may need to give this a try!
I will be trying this!
I already use natural deoderant just by reading the ingredients on the back and making the switch
Interesting. I’ll have to try it.
Great information. I will be trying this one day!
Wonderful advice…love your tips!
This is a very interesting sticky recipe to pit detox and to be honest it is the first of a kind I have read about. Good going Plant Therapy!
This sounds so interesting. Do you have any tips for women who excessively sweat? I am definitely going to try this!
I didn’t even know there was a detox period! I am learning so much! Thank you for the info! Definitely useful!
I will definitely be trying this! Waiting to place my order now. So exciting
I switched to all natural deodorant about a month ago, this recipe was perfect timing! I used it on my armpits and the left over on my face – a great mask! I will add it to my mini spa routine. Thanks so much!
I love the detox recipe! So often when taking to a client about switching to aluminum free deodorant I tell them about the “adjustment period”. This is so helpful! Thank you.
Definitely need to try this!!
I haven’t try it. It sounds interesting and I’ll be sure try it soon
Definitely is to use a natural deodorant
Love these fresh feeling deodrants
Love this reminder…and am excited to try this detox. I switch back and forth between natural and not deodorant so hsve never fully adjusted to natural.
I love the deodorant sample you sent!
Just wanted to share my experience with natural deodorant, baking soda, apple cider vinegar none of those premade deodorants never worked for me. But finally found one that does and it’s natural. Mix 50% alcohol with 10 to 20 drops essential oil n eureeka! Works wonders for me ^^
My favorite trick to keep my armpits fresh is an old school remedy that I got from my mother n law. Lemon juice, dab some on while your in the house to stay fresh.
I actually don’t have a detox process I use, so this will be it! 🙂 How long should the process last…meaning how long until my pits adjust? I’ve been using aluminum free deodorant for years, and I still have stinky pits! 🙁
Will definitely have to try this as I only use all natural deodorant!
This is a wonderful article. Thank you plant therapy for helping us all become better at being chemical free in our lives.
Can’t wait to try this DIY natural deodorant!
Have not switched yet but love all the info.
I didn’t realize how the aluminum in antiperspirants worked… yikes! This detox sounds perfect for making the switch and helping to make the transition a bit less stinky!
Looking forward to trying this.
Thank you for the info
I just received a sample of the grapefruit cardamom deodorant – it smells great. I switched to non-aluminum deodorant years ago; would a detox still be a good idea for me?
Hi Barbara! A detox is a great idea for people who are making the transition and need a little help with odor control during the change. If you’ve made the switch and don’t struggle in this area, I’d say you are safe to forgo a detox 🙂
Interesting. Thank you for sharing!
Thank you for this information!
I love aluminum free deodorant. I have heard of people breaking out In rashes when making the switch to aluminum free. I’m sure the detox would work great for that!
Yes I agree. Lol. Stinky pits for a bit but once body adjusted love these aluminum free deodorants.
Sounds like a great summer detox!
I have found that I have a “clean sweat” smell that was verified by my older sister after my 3rd day in the hospital w/o a shower; I quit shaving my underarms and wearing any type of deodorant (just an occasional scissor trim). I still have the urge to apply something scented in my pits, so I put a little lavender on a qtip and swipe it on lol.
Great!
Bentonite clay is awesome
Sounds refreshing, great for a mini spa day!
Can not wait to try this!
on my to do list
I wish I had known this sooner!
Thank you
Very informative!
I usually get very irritated skin from natural deodorants (even baking soda free ones). I received a sample of Plant Therapy’s, and for 2 days it worked great, but then the irritation started – any tips? With other brands the irritation begins after 1 day, so this one was at least a little better! Loved the scent of the grapefruit cardamom.
I love these interesting videos and blog post. Very informational.
I also added a few drops of lavender oil. I love this.
Will have to try this
I use underarm wipes in between applications if I’m feeling (smelling) a little musty. Still new on the more natural deodorant journey.
Great.. thank you
I’ve used the bentonite clay & really like it!
I use natural deodorant and had no idea that there was a detox. I did not know that the body didn’t immediately adjust.
I started making my own about 4 years ago. Lemongrass is a great scent
Will be giving this a try.
I didn’t even know this was a thing! Definitely worth a try!
love it
I make a mask with bentonite clay and apple cider about once a week. I use it on face and armpits.
Love this! I already use natural deodorant but who couldn’t use a pit detox every now and then?!