What Happens When You Switch to Natural Deodorant?

Switching to natural deodorant is one of the simplest and most powerful ways to lower your daily toxin exposure. But let’s be honest, clean deodorants have earned a bit of a bad rap.

People try them, notice a bit of odour or extra sweating, and assume they just don’t work. But the truth is, the deodorant isn’t the problem. Your body is just doing what it’s supposed to: detoxing.

This phase is completely normal (and temporary). Once you understand what’s happening and how to support your body through it, the switch becomes a whole lot easier, and so worth it.

So, What is a Deodorant Detox?

Conventional deodorants, especially antiperspirants, are designed to stop you from sweating. They do this by blocking your sweat glands, which disrupts your body’s natural detox process. Over time, this traps bacteria, sweat, and even heavy metals under the skin.

When you stop using these products, your body finally gets the chance to release what’s been building up. That’s why many people experience increased odour or sweating when they first make the switch. This is your body recalibrating, not rejecting the product.

What to Expect When You Make the Switch

The detox phase typically lasts between 2 to 4 weeks, though this varies from person to person. You might notice:

• More sweating than usual
  

• A stronger or unfamiliar body odour
  

• Mild skin irritation or sensitivity
  

This doesn’t mean your natural deodorant isn’t working. It just means your body is doing what it’s meant to do — clearing things out, rebalancing, and adjusting. It’s a short phase in the bigger picture of caring for your health.

Why This Matters (Especially for Women)

We often don’t think twice about applying deodorant because it’s part of our daily routine. But we’re applying it directly over one of the most delicate and absorbent areas of the body: near your lymph nodes, breast tissue, and hormone-regulating glands.

For women, this makes the switch to non-toxic deodorant even more important. Hidden chemicals in conventional products — like aluminium, synthetic fragrance, and parabens can quietly interfere with your hormones, impact reproductive health, and increase your toxic load over time.

And when it’s something you use every single day, sometimes multiple times a day, it’s worth making sure it’s genuinely safe.

How to Support the Transition

If you're going through the detox phase (or planning to start), there are simple ways to help your body adjust:

Stay hydrated
Water supports lymphatic drainage and helps your body flush out toxins.

Gently exfoliate your underarms
Dry brushing or using a soft cloth a few times a week can help remove buildup and support your skin’s natural detox pathways.

Try a natural clay or charcoal underarm mask
This can draw out impurities and soothe irritation. Use once or twice a week during the transition.

Wear loose, breathable fabrics
Natural fibres like cotton and linen let your skin breathe and reduce trapped moisture and bacteria.

Support your gut health
It might surprise you, but your gut plays a major role in body odour. A fibre-rich, whole food diet and fermented foods can help support detox from within.

Look after your nutrient levels
Persistent odour can also be a sign of internal imbalances. Deficiencies in magnesium, zinc, and B vitamins (especially B6) are all linked to odour and detox issues.

If Odour Lingers, Don’t Cover It, Look Within

If you’re still noticing strong odour after the initial detox period, don’t panic but don’t ignore it either.

Ongoing odour can often be your body’s way of asking for more support. It could be related to gut imbalances, hormonal shifts, or nutrient deficiencies. Deodorant can help manage odour, but it won’t fix the root cause.

This is where tuning in and not covering up makes all the difference. A practitioner can help guide you toward the deeper support your body might need.

The Bottom Line? It’s Worth It

Yes, it can feel a little uncomfortable at first. But once your body adjusts, natural deodorant works, and it works with your body, not against it.

You’ll be supporting your hormones, reducing your toxin exposure, and making a small but powerful shift in your everyday wellbeing. And once you’re through the detox phase, most people find they feel fresher and more balanced than ever. Sometimes without the need to use deodorant at all.

At Her Holistic Store, we’ve taken the guesswork out for you. We only stock deodorants that are 100% natural, non-toxic, and safe for daily use. Explore our favourite non-toxic deodorants here. 

And as always, if you’re unsure where to start or have questions about what you're currently using, send us a message over on social media or email us at connect@herholisticstore.com -  we're here to help you feel confident and informed every step of the way.