For the last few weeks I have been doing the Native challenge, a 2-week challenge to use only Native’s natural deodorant, and and today I am excited to share what my results were, my experience with the challenge and some things I’ve learned about switching to natural deodorant.
Why I switched to Native’s natural deodorant.
I’ve shared this a bit here and there but over the last year and a half I have been making a conscious effort to switch to cleaner, safer products; both what I use in my home and on my body. I never really paid much attention to what was actually in my products and what they had the potential to do to me until a couple years ago, and once I did…well let’s just say it was a big wake up call.
I’ve slowly but surely been making the switch to safer products ever since, but deodorant was something I’ve dragged my feet on for awhile now because I know it can be a tricky process to find one that works for you, and I live in New England. We have hot, muggy summers and I don’t want to smell bad.
When my friend Merrick challenged me to try Native and nothing else for two weeks, I knew it was time to go all in on it… Native has over 10,000 5 star reviews, so I knew if there was ever a natural deodorant that would work for me, this would be it. Here’s what happened.
Let’s talk about the detox period.
The first thing you have to know about switching to natural deodorant, is that there is a detox period. You’ve been clogging your armpit pores for years with aluminum; it takes a minute for your pits to get all that junk out, and during that minute, you’re going to sweat more which might lead to you being stinky. This is normal. It starts a few days after you switch, and you’ll want to give up and jump right back to your old deodorant, but don’t. After your pits detox the smell will begin to regulate itself, and in the meantime, just add an extra swipe of deodorant in the middle of the day. You can speed this process up by using an armpit detox, they are easy to find around the web.
Other issues that might crop up when switching to natural deodorant:
You may sweat more than you’re used to. Anti-perspirants clog your pores with aluminum which is why you sweat less, but it’s not good for you. When you start using a deodorant without anti-persperant (aluminum), you’re going to start sweating more than you’re used to. Your body will begin to regulate this as it adjusts to the change. It works the same way with your scalp when you start washing your hair less, the body regulates itself it just has to be trained and that takes a little time. So be patient and don’t stress when you’re feeling a little extra sweaty and stinky after the switch. Your body will regulate itself and until then just apply your Native deodorant a couple times a day.
Natural deodorants ruin clothes. If you are seeing this happen, Native recommends applying less deodorant, 2-3 swipes max. It may feel like you need to put more on but in this case less is more. I’ve also found using a good spot treatment on my pit areas before washing my clothes to be very effective in removing all deodorant residue.
Your pits can get irritated. Part of this may be due to increased sweating, or it might also be due to the use of baking soda in the deodorant. If you have sensitive skin you may want to try out Native’s baking soda free line.
How I feel about Native:
Now that I’ve successfully finished the challenge (I didn’t cheat once!), my detox period is over and I can see how my body is beginning to adjust and sweat less, I can say that I’m on board with Native deodorant.
What I like about native:
It doesn’t irritate my pits. I tried at least 3 other natural deodorants before Native, and all of them gave me a terrible rash under my arm pits. None of the native scents I’ve tried (and I’ve tried at least 4 at this point) have given me the slightest bit of rash or irritation. They also offer a baking soda free line for those with baking soda sensitivity.
There are tons of scent options, and every one I’ve tried has been really good. I love how many great scent options they offer, the combinations are unique and smell really nice.
It’s a solid, not a gel. I hate gel deodorants, Native is a great solid, almost feels creamy deodorant. Super smooth going on.
They have a line for men, and teens. As a mom of two teens and a tween, I appreciate brands that offer safer options for teens.
It actually works for me. I know finding a natural deodorant that works for you can be a headache and that this one might not work for everyone’s body, but it works for mine, doesn’t irritate my skin, keeps me feeling fresh.
And in the end, the fact that this deodorant can stand up to the added stress of getting a new rascally puppy at Christmas time makes it a winner in my book.
If you are ready to make the switch and take the Native challenge, get started here, and use the code: DRESS20 to get 20% off your order.
*this post was created in partnership with Native. All opinions are my own.
THANK YOU for acknowledging that natural deodorants ruin clothes. This has been one of the hardest parts of making the switch for me! Would you mind sharing what you use for a spot treatment before laundering?