Aluminum-free deodorant gets a bad rep these days. When you’re looking to embrace a cleaner hygienic routine, we’re here to help you maximize freshness with a few hacks.

*picture sourced from unsplash.com (courtesy of Ana Essentiels)*

Modern beauty has brought us many new innovations that beauty enthusiasts are eager to dive into – one of them being natural deodorant. We’re all-things-clean here at Ornami, and we believe society has definitely surpassed the need for aluminum in deo these days. We’re no stranger to the running joke that clean deodorants don't quite live up to the standards set by their aluminum-packed counterparts. If you’re still struggling with body odor and smell while using clean deodorant, you’re not alone. Don’t give up on it yet! We’ve got the tips & tricks you need to stay fresh all day even without the harsh chemicals.

Say Goodbye to Aluminum

Whether you’re using antiperspirants or deodorants, if they’re not clean, you can be susceptible to harmful chemicals. So – what’s the difference between the two? Deodorants are designed to mask and eliminate body odor by turning your skin acidic through its alcohol base and perfumes. Healthline tells us while antiperspirants help you sweat less, they temporarily block your sweat pores. This allows the aluminum salts to dissolve in your skin and leave you at risk to toxic ingredients. Whether you’re using a deo or antiperspirant, we keep them in our cabinets to help one thing – body odor, a result of bacteria on your skin. That’s right – it’s not necessarily the sweat that’s making you smell. Harvard reported body odor occurs when bacteria come into contact with the perspiration and your apocrine glands releases.

Proper hygiene practices encourage us to keep deodorant and/or antiperspirant in our daily routines. Do you know what’s in yours? As a clean beauty brand, we’re always opposed to ingredients that you can’t pronounce. Ingredient lists featuring terms like "aluminum chlorohydrate," "triclosan," and "propylene glycol" sound more like a chemistry experiment than something you should be putting on your body daily. These complex chemicals can disrupt your skin's natural balance and may even have harmful effects over time. Parabens are also a common ingredient in deodorant and other personal care products. Parabens may interfere with the way your body produces and regulates estrogen. Per Time Magazine, aluminum can cause “gene instability” in breast tissue and promote the growth of tumors or cancer cells. Additionally, phthalates can be found in antiperspirants, shampoos, hair sprays and more. This compound can disrupt the way your body produces testosterone and impairs the reproductive ability in men. Considering the risks that follow these ingredients, opting for deodorants with simpler, natural ingredients is a safer bet for your skin and overall health.

Tips to Tame the Smell

Aluminum-free deodorants use natural ingredients like baking soda, magnesium, and essential oils to neutralize odor without blocking sweat. They also are less likely to cause skin irritation and are often formulated for sensitive skin. Ornami's 'Fresh Start' Clean Deodorant is a game-changer as it blends mandelic acid, aloe vera, and fruit extracts to effectively combat stubborn odor and excess moisture. This unique combination not only keeps you feeling fresh throughout the day but also helps reduce friction and protect your skin from chafing. The mandelic acid gently exfoliates and purifies, while aloe vera soothes and hydrates. 

Switching to aluminum-free deodorant may require some adjustment; you might experience lingering body odor, which can be confusing and frustrating. Clean deodorants avoid synthetic ingredients that mask odor, focusing instead on neutralizing it naturally. Don’t let the social media memes steer you away because the benefits are worth it! By making the switch, you prioritize your health and well-being, while also embracing a more natural and sustainable personal care routine. Ready to be toxin-free? Here are a few ways we maximize freshness when switching to a clean formula:

Clean and Exfoliate

Staying fresh is half the battle! Daily showers and exfoliating help wash away any residual bacteria that might contribute to odor as well as scrub away those dead skin cells. We found ‘No Scrubs’ EX-foliating Sugar Scrub to be a perfect assist when doing so!

Less is More

Natural deodorant has an extremely concentrated formula that goes a long way. Too much product can lead to build-up and stains on your clothing. Use a few swipes each day to stay fresh.

Stay Consistent

After using deodorant with aluminum for so long, your body becomes dependent on the chemicals. Give your body time to adjust to the new formula. The detox phase can last a few days to a few weeks, so be patient and keep going!

Detox

A detox is just what your armpits need to adjust to the change. It allows your skin to clear out built-up chemicals and residues from traditional deodorants, making room for natural alternatives to work better. Consider an underarm detox mask to see an improvement in efficacy.

Switch Your Diet

Health is key! Drinking more water, eating clean, and actually sweating more are all great ways to expel the toxins and chemical build-up that comes from using conventional deodorants and antiperspirants.

Reapply as Needed

Don't hesitate to reapply your clean deodorant throughout the day, especially during the transition phase. Good thing our ‘Fresh Start’ Clean Deodorant is travel-friendly!

Even with a transition period, switching to clean deodorant can be pivotal for your overall well-being and carbon footprint. Be patient and stick with it — the benefits of using clean, natural products far outweigh the temporary discomfort. Let's upgrade your beauty and hygienic routine today!