The Detox Myth: Switching to Natural Deodorant (Underarm Odour Explained)
Making the switch to natural deodorant is one of the simplest and most rewarding choices you can make for your body and the planet. But if you’ve ever Googled it, you’ve probably stumbled across a common warning: “Get ready for the detox period.”
The idea goes like this: once you stop using traditional antiperspirants, your underarms will suddenly “purge” toxins, sweat excessively, and smell worse before things get better. Sounds a little terrifying, doesn’t it?
The truth? Your body doesn’t need to detox through your armpits, because it never stored toxins there in the first place.
Do Your Armpits Really Detox?
Traditional antiperspirants use aluminium salts to block your sweat glands, temporarily reducing how much you sweat. When you stop using them, you might feel like you’re sweating more, but it’s not your body “detoxing,” it’s simply returning to its natural rhythm.
At the same time, the bacteria on your skin (the real culprits behind underarm odour) need to rebalance. If you’ve been using antiperspirants or synthetic deodorants, your underarm microbiome has been disrupted. Switching to a natural deodorant can sometimes mean a short adjustment period, not a detox, just a recalibration.
What to Expect When Switching to Natural Deodorant
- Week 1: You may feel a little more dampness. That’s just your sweat glands opening again.
- Week 2–3: Some people notice stronger body odour, this is your microbiome shifting as new (good) bacteria start to thrive.
- Week 4: Things settle down. Your body finds its balance, and many people notice they actually smell less than before.
Tips for a Smooth Transition
- Exfoliate gently: Dead skin cells trap odour-causing bacteria. A light scrub once or twice a week helps keep your underarms fresh.
- Wear breathable fabrics: Natural fibres like cotton and bamboo allow sweat to evaporate instead of building up.
- Choose a pH-balancing deodorant: Frank + Bare’s fruit acid natural deodorant balances your underarm pH to keep odour-causing bacteria in check while also brightening and smoothing delicate skin.
Why Natural Deodorant Works Better in the Long Run
Switching to an aluminium-free deodorant isn’t about detoxing, it’s about allowing your body to function naturally without blocking or interfering. Unlike antiperspirants that trap sweat, a good natural deodorant targets the source of odour while respecting your skin.
At Frank + Bare, we believe deodorant should do more than just mask odour: it should support your skin, your health, and the planet.
“It’s not a purge, it’s a pH shift.”
Explore the Frank + Bare collection — natural deodorant Australia made with fruit acids for effective, gentle, and eco-lux odour control.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do my armpits actually “detox” when I switch to natural deodorant?
No. Your body doesn’t store toxins in the underarms, so there’s no detox. What you’re noticing is your sweat returning to normal and your underarm microbiome rebalancing.
How long does the transition to natural deodorant take?
Most people settle within 3–4 weeks. Week 1 can feel a bit damper, weeks 2–3 can bring a little stronger odour, and by week 4 things typically balance out.
Why do I smell more after switching?
It’s usually a temporary microbiome shift. Your skin bacteria are rebalancing after stopping aluminium-based antiperspirants. Gentle exfoliation and breathable fabrics help.
What makes Frank + Bare work without aluminium?
Our fruit-acid (AHA) formula supports a slightly acidic pH underarm environment that keeps odour-causing bacteria in check while caring for delicate skin.
Can I use Frank + Bare straight after shaving?
Yes, but if your skin is sensitive, wait a short while after shaving. Our formula is designed to be gentle, but freshly shaved skin can be reactive.
