“Success is a great deodorant. It takes away all your past smells.” –Elizabeth Taylor

What to Know About your Deodorant

Sometimes we all like a natural smell; it’s how we attract one another. Everyone has their own unique blend of pheromones but with summer here in full swing, we want to feel fresh… even in the heat. There are natural alternatives to your outdated deodorant: one shouldn’t use antiperspirants because they keep us from sweating, and that’s unnatural and simply not healthy. We also don’t want to use a deodorant with aluminum as an ingredient. An aluminum-free option is your best bet.

Whether you use roll-on, aerosol, or cream underarm deodorant, you should know what’s in it (and, well, aerosol is not good, either). The key is to purchase a reliable, natural, probiotic deodorant and, if you don’t have that option, avoid applying too much. If it’s natural, you can feel okay about applying more as needed. It is healthy to sweat, after all! We just don’t want to have a musty odor, or to ruin our clothes; that’s why underarm deodorant is an essential must-have, especially during hot summer months.

We don’t want to stop sweating; we just want to feel dry enough to be comfortable and to smell fresh. Sweat really only smells foul due to bacteria on the skin. Instead of simply using deodorant as a quick cover-up, there are other measures you can take to smell sweet, such as chewing on mint leaves, cloves, dill, anise, or even a couple of sprigs of parsley. We are what we eat, after all.

Natural fabrics, such as cotton and silk, also help to reduce sweating and it’s always a good idea to change your clothes immediately after a workout or rigorous activity; don’t walk around in that damp, sweaty tee shirt!

Cologne, natural fragrances to use…

Feminine wash and spray: if you practice sensible hygiene, you really shouldn’t need a scented feminine deodorant and most certainly not a douche. These can be irritating and can upset your body’s natural pH balance. Opt for non-scented anti-bacterial soap and hot water, instead.
Did you know that lemons eliminate odor? When used on the skin, they really help to get rid of any lingering smells. People who, say, live on the beach and work around fish products all day use lemons all the time to stay smelling clean.
Wash your sweat-prone areas with baking soda or use apple cider vinegar diluted with water. This is also a good idea for your laundry.
Essential oils are a wonderful alternative to standard deodorant because they’re organic and even contain antibacterial and antifungal properties. Lavender, peppermint and rosemary are all refreshing, natural scents that will leave your skin smelling great. Some people even opt to make their own deodorant using only clean ingredients.
Tea tree oil is wonderful for keeping fingernails and toenails healthy and free of odor.
Bergamot is also a popular option as it’s antiseptic as well as antimicrobial and smells incredibly fragrant (with prominent citrus notes).
Witch hazel is a beauty must-have. Not only is it wonderful for toning the most sensitive skin, it’s also a natural deodorizer and can be applied directly to your sweatiest areas for relief.
For clean beauty and skincare products that will leave you smelling fresh and lovely, try Nabila K’s all natural vegetable-based glycerin soaps and roll-on perfumes (made with essential oils and botanicals).