By Dave
We use deodorant every day, directly over an area rich with lymph nodes and sweat glands. If you’re aiming for long-term wellness, switching to a natural deodorant can be one of the smartest daily upgrades you make. Below, I explain why conventional formulas aren’t ideal, how natural odor control actually works, and what I created after years of trial and error.
Why Traditional Deodorants Aren’t the Best Choice
Conventional deodorants and antiperspirants commonly include aluminum compounds, parabens, PEGs, and phthalates. These sit on your skin for hours with repeated daily exposure. Many people prefer to minimize them in products applied to thinner, more permeable skin like the underarms.
- Aluminum salts: Temporarily plug sweat ducts to reduce perspiration. This blocks a normal cooling process and isn’t necessary for odor control.
- Parabens: Preservatives that some shoppers avoid due to hormone-disruption concerns.
- PEGs (polyethylene glycols): Petroleum-derived compounds that may increase penetration of other ingredients and can be irritating for some skin types.
- Phthalates: Used to stabilize formulas; commonly avoided by health-conscious consumers.
If your goal is a lighter daily “chemical load,” look for aluminum-free, paraben-free, PEG-free, phthalate-free deodorant.
The Armpit & Lymph Health
The underarm area contains numerous lymph nodes—small, vital filters in your immune system. Because this skin is relatively thin and you apply deodorant daily, many people prefer simple, gentle ingredient lists here. Choosing cleaner formulas is a practical way to align daily habits with long-term wellness.
My Experience & Why I Formulated My Own
I tried many “natural” deodorants over the years. Most didn’t work well for me—or they caused irritation. As a scientist and formulator, I set out to create something that actually performs for long days, workouts, and summer heat—without relying on the ingredients above.
That led to our two options: Dr. Dave’s Natural Deodorant — Extra Strength and Sensitive Skin Natural Deodorant — Baking Soda Free.
How Natural Odor Control Works (Baking Soda & Magnesium)
Sweat itself is odorless. Odor begins when skin bacteria break down sweat. The key is supporting your body’s normal sweating while keeping odor-causing bacteria in check.
- Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate): Naturally alkaline; helps neutralize acidic byproducts from bacteria to curb odor.
- Magnesium hydroxide: Helps balance surface pH and creates conditions where odor-causing bacteria struggle to thrive.
These minerals provide reliable odor protection—without blocking sweat glands. If you prefer maximum performance, choose Extra Strength. If your skin is easily irritated, try our Baking-Soda-Free Sensitive Skin option.
Options for Sensitive Skin
Baking soda is incredibly effective—but a small percentage of people can be sensitive to it, especially after shaving. That’s why we offer a no-baking-soda formula that still uses magnesium hydroxide for odor control, paired with gentle moisturizers to keep underarm skin calm.
What to Expect When You Switch
- Transition period (7–14 days): If you’re moving from an antiperspirant, your body may rebalance sweat for a week or two. This is normal.
- Sweating is healthy: Deodorant should control odor, not stop sweat. Sweating helps cool your body.
- Consistency: Apply daily (and reapply after intense workouts if needed) as your skin adjusts.
Application Tips & Common Questions
- Apply to clean, dry skin: This helps minerals work optimally against odor-causing bacteria.
- Post-shave care: If you’re sensitive, apply a few hours after shaving—or use the baking-soda-free option on shave days.
- Use a thin, even layer: A little goes a long way. Over-applying can transfer to clothing.
- Dealing with marks: Let deodorant absorb before dressing; choose breathable fabrics during the transition.
- Choose your strength: Extra Strength for high-demand days or workouts, and Sensitive Skin for daily comfort.
Find Your Formula
Bottom line: What you put on your body every day matters. Choose a formula that supports your biology—and your lifestyle.
FAQ
Will natural deodorant stop sweat?
Our deodorant is designed to control odor, not block sweat since that is part of our bodies natural cooling and detoxification process. However, arrowroot powder and kaolin clay have excellent absorption properties which can allievate issues with too much perspiration.
How long does the “detox” or transition take?
Typically 7–14 days. During this time, apply consistently and consider reapplying after intense activity.
What if I’m sensitive to baking soda?
Try our Baking-Soda-Free Sensitive Skin formula, which relies on magnesium hydroxide for odor control.
Which formula is best for workouts or long days?
Our Extra Strength is a great choice for high-demand days.