The Science Behind Deodorant

Deodorant is one of the first body products we’re exposed to. During our sweaty teenage years, we build a trusting relationship with a bottle that keeps us smelling fresh and making friends.

But it’s possible your trustworthy deodorant stick is actually a toxic relationship you’ve been holding onto for too long.

If you haven’t heard, this is the year we’re saying goodbye to chaotic exes—and embracing ingredients that are actually good for us.

But what makes conventional deodorant bad for you? You may have heard rumors about Alzheimer’s, breast cancer, kidney disease, and other potential side effects of putting aluminum in your armpits.

But are these claims true?

Let’s look at some science…

Sweating Is Extremely Beneficial to Your Health

It’s hard to believe, but sweat is essential for your body’s overall health and wellbeing. Not only does it cool you down on hot summer days, but sweating can also aid in your body’s natural detoxifying process and feed your skin’s healthy microbiome.

Without sweat, you may be at risk for illnesses caused by toxin buildup in the liver and gut.

So how does this relate to your deodorant choice? Well, the purpose of antiperspirant deodorant is to stop the sweat process in its tracks. While your underarms may feel less soggy, you’ve also eliminated a vital detoxifying process for your body.

In a world full of unnecessary toxins, natural detox is essential.

 

How the Chemicals in Drugstore Deodorants Affect You

Deodorant is made to be absorbed into the skin. So chemicals like parabens, phthalates, and aluminum can easily enter your bloodstream. For women, these chemicals are particularly problematic because they can imitate estrogen and disrupt natural hormone levels.

According to recent studies, women are exposed to an average of 168 chemicals every day just from personal care products. By regularly applying toxic deodorant, you’re adding to the chemical mix and depleting your body of natural detoxifying resources (aka, sweat).

 

I Want to Try Natural Deodorant but I’m Worried About the Detox Phase

The infamous detox phase occurs when you first switch over to natural deodorant. It’s a period of a few weeks when your body begins to restore normal patterns. 

After long-term use of drugstore deodorant, there’s a lot of toxin buildup that your body needs to remove—so you might notice that your armpits smell a little suspicious.

No pain, no gain, right?

The good news is, this process is totally normal. Plus, there are tons of awesome ways to support your body without having to quarantine from everyone you know and love.

The most important thing you can do is stay consistent and wait for the magic to happen.

 

How to Wear Natural Deodorant and Keep Your Friends

Natural deodorant has a questionable reputation.

The truth is, it takes time to create a winning recipe that’s easy on the skin and the nose. When people first began to discover the risks of aluminum and antiperspirants, they reached for anything to use as a substitute for the chemicals under their pits.

Today, we have a lot more science and resources available, which allows us to create recipes that actually work.

And at Toups and Co, we’re not ashamed to say that our recipe is tested and approved by our us and hundreds of happy customers. 

 

 

Support Your Best Body Detox

 Remember that, by allowing your body to perform naturally, you’re giving it a gift. Treat your body kindly as you embark on your journey to better health.

Many of our customers support their detox with frequent exercise before a shower. Sweating naturally is a great way to speed up the process.

You can also apply a bentonite clay mask to your armpits, use activated charcoal, or encourage lymphatic drainage with regular exfoliation and dry brushing.

 

Eat Nutrient-Dense Foods

We know this feels scary. But think about how awesome you’ll feel when the switch is over and you’re living your best life toxin-free?

Say thanks to your body for getting you through—by providing it with detoxifying foods to support it.

Leafy greens, like broccoli, kale, and collard greens, are actual miracle workers when it comes to detoxifying your body. These foods support your liver, enabling it to take on more of the inflammation hanging out in your body.

Other detoxifying foods you can easily add to your everyday routine include garlic, lemons, and ginger.

 

Ask Yourself: Are You Using an Antiperspirant or a Regular Deodorant Stick?

 This is an important question—because antiperspirant deodorant can actually stop your sweat glands from working.

 If you’re using an antiperspirant, you may find the detox period to be trickier. Your body has tons of catching up to do.

 But once you eliminate all those built-up toxins, you’ll probably find that you sweat less in general. You may notice that you have more energy, too.

 

We Promise, It’s Not as Bad as You Think

The detox phase is a badge of honor. Those who have gone before you may be exaggerating the horrors of making the switch.

It’s possible you won’t experience any detox at all.

But if you do, just keep your natural deodorant stick with you in case of emergencies. You can reapply anytime, anywhere, and it should take care of the problem.

 

Choosing a Natural Deodorant You Love to Wear 

There’s a big difference between tolerating your deodorant and loving it. When choosing the product for you, it’s important to look at your goals and preferences, so you can find a deodorant you’re excited to wear.

Scent

When making a big life change, it’s important to keep things in your life that feel—or smell—familiar. At Toups and Co, we offer a variety of luxurious and familiar scents, like lavender, cedarwood, and lemongrass. Don’t let anyone tell you this isn’t an important part of your transition to natural deodorant—it is.

Sensitivity

For those with sensitive skin, shopping for a natural deodorant can be tricky. This is because baking soda—a common ingredient in most natural deodorants can be irritating to certain skin types. We recommend starting slow with a deodorant that doesn’t contain baking soda or essential oils, like our unscented deodorant.

Cost

Deodorant is pretty high on the list of hygiene essentials. Personally, we believe you shouldn’t have to break the bank in order to afford healthy hygiene. We work to keep the price of our deodorant low and affordable for every family. We also offer a monthly subscription service that automatically ships to your home and helps you save.

Ingredients

Just like chemical ingredients have the power to harm, natural ingredients have the power to heal. When we created our deodorant line, our goal was not just to help you avoid the bad stuff. We wanted to create something that actually nourishes and feeds your skin. Our deodorant includes 100% grass-fed tallow, magnesium, arrowroot, and coconut oil—ingredients that moisturize and heal.

Natural Deodorant

Natural Extra Strength Deodorant

 

 

Support on Your Natural Deodorant Journey

Want to connect with others who are switching to a more organic lifestyle? Follow us on social media @toupsandcoorganics and share your story.