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Smelly pits? How natural deodorants help you stay fresh

29 May, 2023 . 0

Looking for a way to get rid of armpit odour without using chemicals? It could be time to roll out the red carpet for natural deodorants.

Sweating may be a natural part of life, but no one wants smelly armpits.

Of course, that doesn’t mean you want to slather your underarms in chemicals either.

In fact, according to a recent poll, more than 30 per cent of 25- to 34-year-olds in the US are ditching traditional deodorants and antiperspirants altogether.

So, perhaps it’s time for a fresh take on ways to manage body odour – naturally.

Benefits of switching to natural deodorants

Natural deodorants are free from potentially harmful chemicals such as aluminium and parabens, which can irritate your skin.

“Because they are botanically based, they (natural deodorants) are often less irritating,” The Green Edit founder Cathy Tolpigin says.

They’re also better for the environment.

“Natural deodorants are often more consciously produced, with more vegan, cruelty-free and zero waste options, so they are more sustainable and gentler on the environment,” Cathy says.

Do natural deodorants work?

Unlike antiperspirants, which use aluminium to clog pores and prevent perspiration, natural deodorants contain ingredients such as charcoal, coconut oil and essential oils to neutralise odour and absorb moisture.

Cathy has been using natural deodorants for 15 years and finds they work just as well as their chemical-laden counterparts.

“The body is supposed to sweat, and the point of natural deodorants is that they don’t block the sweat glands,” she says.

“They are powered by effective botanical actives that absorb the odour molecules and kill the bacteria that cause the smell.”

Are all natural deodorants created equal?

Cosmetic chemist and science educator Dr Michelle Wong says natural deodorants that only mask odour with fragrances aren’t as effective as antiperspirants.

“Ones that use acids to shift the microbial balance are more effective,” Dr Wong says, adding that just because a deodorant is “natural” doesn’t mean it won’t cause a skin reaction.

“Many natural deodorants still contain allergenic and irritating ingredients like essential oils,” Dr Wong explains.

Cathy suggests always checking the product ingredients before use.

“A lot of brands will claim to be ‘natural’, but you need to read the label and avoid anything with a synthetic fragrance – look for naturally derived scents,” Cathy says.

How to pick the right natural deodorant for you

There are dozens of natural deodorants on the market, including popular brands such as Moo Goo, Asuvi, Kind-ly and Aussie cult favourite No Pong.

But, Cathy says, finding the right one can be trial and error.

“Deodorants are such a tricky thing – what works for someone will not work for others – so be prepared to do a bit of testing,” she says.

DIY natural deodorants

TikTok has been abuzz with a zesty new hack: rubbing lemon slices under your armpits to eliminate pong.

While this may work for some, it can be irritating – you don’t want to try this immediately after shaving.

Alternatively, you can try the following natural ways to help beat body odour:

● Baking soda

Mix 1/8 teaspoon of baking soda with a little water, but do a patch test before application.

● Apple cider vinegar

Mix 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar with 1 tablespoon of water, and gently rub under your arms.

● Coconut oil

Using a 1/4 teaspoon of coconut oil, gently apply it to your pits.

Read more on sweat, body odour and smelling good:

Written by Dimity Barber.