Why Does Natural Deodorant Make Me Smell?

Medically Reviewed by Nicole Conceicao, APRN on September 5, 2024  |  Written by Robert Leonard

Wondering, "Why does natural deodorant make me smell?" You're not alone.

When you stop using antiperspirants, your sweat glands can rebalance and detox. This process can temporarily increase odor, making you think the natural deodorant isn't working.

Another reason for the smell is the bacteria on your skin. Natural deodorants usually fight bacteria differently than traditional ones. The new mix can take time to be effective, but your body will often adjust.

Understanding Natural Deodorants

You can read our entire article about what a natural deodorant is here – below is a quick overview to help you understand why natural deodorant may make you smell.

Ingredients and Their Functions

Natural deodorants contain ingredients that help neutralize body odor and keep you feeling fresh. Baking soda is a common ingredient that absorbs moisture and neutralizes odors. Essential oils like lavender or tea tree oil not only provide pleasant scents but also have antibacterial properties.

Another popular ingredient is arrowroot powder, which helps absorb sweat. Coconut oil adds a moisturizing effect, making the deodorant easy to apply. These ingredients are generally less harsh on the skin compared to the chemicals in many conventional deodorants. This makes natural deodorants suitable for people with sensitive skin.

Most ingredients in natural deodorants are biodegradable and eco-friendly. This means they’re not only good for your skin but also better for the environment.

Comparison with Conventional Deodorants

Conventional deodorants often use aluminum compounds, which block sweat glands to prevent sweating. These products usually contain synthetic fragrances to mask body odor. Some people may find these chemicals irritating to their skin.

Natural deodorants work differently by neutralizing the smell rather than blocking sweat. You may still sweat, but the natural ingredients manage the odor without harmful chemicals, such as our natural deodorant for men and natural deodorant for women.

Why It's Important to Sweat

Sweat helps control your body temperature. When you get hot, sweat cools you down as it evaporates. It is important to let this natural process work to keep you from overheating.

Sweat also helps remove toxins from your body. Your skin is your biggest organ and one way it gets rid of waste is through sweat. When you exercise, more toxins are released.

Another benefit of sweating is keeping your skin healthy. Sweat cleans out pores, which can reduce acne. Clear pores mean fewer breakouts and healthier-looking skin.

Sweating boosts your mood. Physical activity, which makes you sweat, releases endorphins. These chemicals make you feel happier and more relaxed. So, sweating can improve your mental health.

You should also know that sweat is your body’s natural reaction to stress. When you're nervous or anxious, you might sweat more. This is your body's way of protecting itself.

Lastly, regular sweating from activities like exercise can strengthen your heart and lungs. This makes your entire body work better. The more you sweat from healthy habits, the better your overall fitness will be.

Factors Contributing to Increased Odor

Detoxification Process and Adjustment Period

When you stop using regular deodorant, your body goes through a deodorant detox. Conventional deodorants contain chemicals that block your sweat glands, and switching away from them allows your body to expel toxins.

During this period, you may notice more odor because your sweat glands are unclogged. This adjustment period can last a few weeks. While it’s a necessary step, it’s inconvenient. Remember, your body is resetting and adapting to natural products.

Bacterial Growth and Body Chemistry

Bacteria play a big role in how you smell. Natural deodorants don’t contain the same antibacterial agents as conventional ones. This means they might not be as effective at controlling bacterial growth.

Each person has a unique body chemistry, which affects how bacteria interact with sweat. Some bacteria thrive in moist conditions, leading to increased odor. Your hormone levels, diet, and stress can also change your body’s chemistry and how you smell.

Application Techniques and Lifestyle Considerations

How you apply your natural deodorant matters. Applying it to clean, dry skin can make it more effective. 

Your lifestyle choices also impact how well natural deodorants work. Wearing breathable fabrics like cotton helps reduce sweat and odor. Staying hydrated and maintaining good hygiene are also important. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the common side effects when switching to natural deodorant?

When you switch to natural deodorant, you might experience skin irritation or increased sweating. Your body is adjusting to the new formula, which doesn't contain the chemicals found in traditional deodorants.

How can I prevent odor while using natural deodorant?

Ensure you apply it to clean, dry skin. Reapply during the day if needed. Some people find that using a detox mask. Wait out the detox phase. You can read our guide: Does Natural Deodorant Work?

How long does it typically take to adjust to natural deodorant before odor subsides?

The adjustment period generally lasts about one to four weeks. During this time, your body purges the built-up toxins and chemicals from traditional deodorants, and your natural deodorant becomes more effective.

Why might some people experience stronger odors when using natural deodorants?

Natural deodorants don't block sweat glands. This means you may sweat more than you would with antiperspirants. More sweat can sometimes lead to stronger body odor, especially during the initial transition period.

What ingredients in natural deodorants could be causing an increase in odor?

Ingredients like baking soda, essential oils, and natural butters can sometimes cause skin reactions or make you sweat more. Each person’s body chemistry reacts differently to these ingredients.

How does the effectiveness of natural deodorant compare to traditional antiperspirants?

Natural deodorants neutralize odor but don't stop you from sweating. Traditional antiperspirants use aluminum to block sweat glands, which makes them more effective at controlling moisture but not necessarily better for your overall health.